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

Chevrolet's MyLink set to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration to 14 models in 2015

2015 will be the year that smartphone functionality integrates with in-dash infotainment and satnav systems and it looks like Chevrolet is investing heavily to bring new car owners access to their smartphone ecosystem of choice.

For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility in more models than any automotive brand. The 14 Chevrolet models include the all-new 2016 Cruze, which will debut on June 24. Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car, with more than 3 million sold since launch. 

“For most of us, our smartphones are essential,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. “Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example of how Chevrolet continues to democratize technology that’s important to our customers.”

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Porsche to add CarPlay to future models

Porsche seems to be abiding by the words better late than never with their latest announcement. The German luxury sports car brand said they will support the iOS-based car platform in its future models. Apple and Porsche didn't make a formal announcement for this though. But as SlashGear notes, Porsche was added to the list of companies that support CarPlay on Apple's site. Porsche didn't specify how they plan to integrate CarPlay into their system. The company already has an existing infotainment system called the Porsche Communication Management.

Source: SlashGear

Video: First look at VW's Golf R Touch multi-touch smartcar at CES 2015

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Las Vegas - Volkswagen is a first time exhibitor here at the International Consumer Elexctronics show and they certainly made a huge splash during their first keynote. The automotive giant talked about their eGolf electric vehicle as well as various technologies that are coming to their line of cars. The kicker was showing off a smart concept of their Golf R sports hatchback.

Named a Golf R Touch, the car has all the specs and performance expected of a modern day GTI but also features a wide range of multi-touch, haptic, and even motion control features a la Microsoft's Kinect. I was one of the first journalists who was able to get in the backseat and record a working demo of the car's interior, navigation, and even gesture based mood-lighting features. The Golf R Touch also features integration with Android devices as well as Apple's CarPlay for a truly cross platform solution coming to market this year. Aside from this, parking assist is onboard and the Golf R Touch will be able to talk to smartphones, tablets and even smartwatches easily. This migh just be the "People's Tesla."