Chevrolet AppShop Replicates A Smartphone On The Dashboard

The current focus of automakers has basically been to connect your car to your phone. Chevrolet has gone one step further by building smartphone equivalent functionality into the dashboard. This new feature, called the AppShop, is expected to be released with certain selected models this year.

AppShop is expanding on the Chevy MyLink system. This uses a touchscreen and icon-based interface. It includes another icon called apps apart from those present in MyLink like navigation, phone, and the stereo. This gives a choice to the user to browse apps approved by Chevrolet.

The new Chevrolet models will also be embedded with 4G/LTE data connection to accelerate app downloads. The company is also working towards reducing the interaction time of the user by providing a simple and efficient interface. It presents drivers with just a few large buttons on each screen, minimizing the time it takes to use the app. PriceLine is one of the most anticipated apps on the list. This app is specifically optimized for the car, for example letting the driver quickly initiate a search for nearby hotels.

The vehicle maintenance app is one which could draw on information such as oil level from the car and can report information like when to replace fluids, conduct diagnostic and schedule appointments and so on. With all this you’ll soon be able to use your smartphone for its main purpose – to make and receive calls and texts.  The hardware supporting MyLink appears to be robust enough to handle the graphics and multiple apps running on it.  Perhaps the next step would be to introduce a voice command system.

Chevrolet AppShop Replicates A Smartphone On The Dashboard

Chevrolet brings 4G LTE future cars

Chevrolet is bringing 4G LTE to its OnStar infotainment system in a bid to mark its territory. The car acts as a mobile hub making access to apps and services much faster.

The new system features a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling passengers to take advantage on their smartphones, laptops and tablets. Mary Chan said, “We know that our customers rely on being connected on a daily, if not hourly basis, and they expect to be provided with the information and content they desire with no interruptions. A 4G LTE hotspot that’s built into a car’s architecture will provide a more consistent and powerful Wi-Fi connection than a smartphone.”

The LTE speeds are to be included in Chevrolet’s future ventures including the Corvette, Impala, Malibu, and Volt. It is also expected to be sparkling in Equinox, Silverado, Silverado HD, Spark and Spark EV soon. The LTE concept is in collaboration with AT&T. Thus, allowing customers to add a vehicle to their existing mobile plan.

The company also revealed a performance data recorder for its 2015 Corvette Stingray, which provides drivers with a way of recording in HD video what it’s like to drive the vehicle.  The footage can help improve driving and allows you to analyse lap times and then share on social media.

Chevrolet brings 4G LTE future cars