GMC and Buick cars to get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto to follow

Two more car brands will be getting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support in the near future. General Motors announced the GMC and Buick models that will be Apple and Google’s car software. The 2016 GMC Canyon, Yukon, and Sierra models will be getting an 8-inch IntelliLink infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay. The base model Sierra is unique in the sense that it gets a smaller 7-inch version of IntelliLink. The first three models will get Android Auto at a later date, while the entry-level Sierra will launch in 2016 with both CarPlay and Android Auto support. For Buick, the 2016 Buick Regal and LaCrosse models will be betting an 8-inch IntelliLink system as well. CarPlay will also be arriving first before Android Auto.

CarPlay on both brands will have a similar implementation. The software will give full-screen access to navigation, audio controls, etc. It’ll also let you toggle between Apple’s software, onboard OnStar 4G LTE-connected IntelliLink software, and, eventually, Google’s Android Auto.

Source: CNET

Android Auto to come to most 2016 Cadillac models coming out later this year

Most of the upcoming 2016 Cadillac models will be getting support for Android Auto a bit after the launch. According to General Motors, the support for Google’s car ecosystem will be part of the improvement of Cadillac’s CUE system. The new Cadillac cars will begin arriving summer of this year. There’s no list which cars will be getting Android Auto but the current-gen SRX and the base trim ATS won’t be getting it. The former because its nearing the end of its production life and the latter if you didn’t include the option for the CUE system.

Those who want to take advantage of Android Auto would need an Android device running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. And you’ll need to have the Android Auto app.

Source: Android Police

Scan license plates and text drivers with GM’s app

Imagine being able to contact a driver with a car blocking your way out of a parking lot. This is possible with the new app developed by General Motor’s China R&D division. The app is called DiDi Plate for Android and it allows users to take a photo of someone’s license plate to get the identity of the driver so you can text them. It does raise some privacy issues though with an unknown number of people being able to contact you at a moment’s notice. At the moment, it is just available for the Chinese market and GM plans to make it part of their in-car infotainment system.

Source: SlashGear