Autoblog

Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Chevrolet, GM, Infotainment

Get ready for Siri in your car. Early in 2013, Chevrolet will be the first automaker to roll out Apple's Eyes Free technology, showing up initially in the Spark (in 1LT and 2LT trims) and Sonic (in LTZ and RS versions). Both models also come with six months of OnStar service included for free, which also includes a smartphone app - available for Android, iOS or Blackberry.

Here's what Siri in your Chevy Spark or Sonic can do:

Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on your iPhone
Play songs in the iTunes library, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
Listen to, compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
Access Calendar and add appointments
Minimize distraction by keeping the screen of the iPhone from lighting up, even when Siri answers simple questions, such as game scores or the dates of national holidays
While in Eyes Free mode, Siri will not provide answers to complex questions that require displaying a web page.

Owners will need a compatible iPhone (4S or 5, running iOS6) to use Siri Eyes Free, connected through Bluetooth to Chevy's MyLink infotainment system.

Speaking of which, Chevrolet has also announced that the next generation of its MyLink technology (see the image to the right) will debut with the 2014 Impala. Later in the year it will also show up in GM's new full-size trucks and SUVs and the Corvette.

There are all kinds of new features in the next-gen MyLink, but one headliner is Chevy's first use of natural voice recognition. There will also be four optional graphic treatments to choose from, large icons on the touch screen plus a set of old-fashioned knobs and steering wheel controls.

Check out all the details in the dual press releases and trio of videos below.

Continue reading Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos]

Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popular Science magazine's Best Of What's New 2012 all ate up with cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW, Ford, GM, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Specialty, Tesla, Racing

Popular Science has named the winners in its Best of What's New awards, the victors coming in the categories of aerospace, automotive, engineering, entertainment, gadgets, green, hardware, health, home, recreation, security and software. The automotive category did not go wanting for lauded advancements:

Tesla Model S: the Grand Award winner for being "the standard by which all future electric vehicles will be measured."
BMW 328i: it's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gets called out for being more powerful and frugal than the six-cylinder it replaces.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: towering power, towering top speed, 30 percent more fuel efficient than the 599 Fiorano it replaces.
Toyota RAV4 EV: the all-electric SUV accelerates better than many conventional SUVs, goes 100 mph and actually beats EPA mileage estimates.
Porsche Cayenne Diesel: 406 pound-feet of torque, 33 highway mpg, up to 800 miles from a single tank and Cayenne style, give 'em a trophy.
2013 Ford Fusion: its three flavors - standard, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid - "are the most efficient models in their classes," that latter one expected to outdo the Chevrolet Volt's EPA mileage rating.
The DeltaWing: gets kudos for being "the most efficient racecar in history."
Mercedes-Benz Magic Vision Control: a holistic solution to keeping your windshield clean and clear year-round.
General Motors' MyLink: takes the in-car computer out of the car, puts it in the driver's smartphone.
Infiniti Back-Up Collision Intervention: rear-mounted radar and sonar keep track of what's behind you and brake automatically if an obstacle is detected so you don't hit things when you back that Infiniti up.

The automotive category tied with categories like aerospace and health for the number of awards. Congratulations to all the winners, head on over to PopSci for the full details on each of them.

Popular Science magazine's Best Of What's New 2012 all ate up with cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, First Drives

Who's Going To Hear Chevy's Sub-Sonic Statement?

The annals of "Hey you kids, get off my lawn!" took an interesting turn in 2005, when a British inventor developed The Mosquito, an ultrasonic alarm that can only be heard by teenagers. Deployed by convenience stores, property managers and even municipal governments, the device emits sound waves at frequencies high enough that most adult ears are no longer sensitive enough to perceive them. Young people, however, having yet to suffer the effects of presbycusis, hear the loud screeching and thus, scram.

Like every other marketer on the planet, General Motors would like to develop its own Culicidae - but one that works in the opposite fashion, attracting the young and hip while keeping those image-killing oldsters at bay. Its latest attempt is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, an A-segment car in the fashion of the Scion iQ, but with features GM thinks millennials will find as attractive as having their parents pay their credit card bills.

Chevrolet gave us the opportunity to take a new Spark for a quick spin in downtown Detroit and we found the hatchback played a welcoming tune. Looking like a Chevrolet Sonic bred with a pygmy horse, the Spark isn't exactly cute even in Techno Pink, but at least it resembles the hippest car in the Chevy stable. We're most fond of the way the five-door Spark employs the same trick rear door handles as its big brother, hidden in the C-pillar to give the appearance a three-door. The extra set of doors certainly eases entry into the two rear seats, which Chevy says gives the Spark a distinct advantage over the minicar competition.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark

2013 Chevrolet Spark originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy adding navigation to Sonic, Spark with GogoLink smartphone app

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

We're already familiar with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system that's slowly making its way across the brand's entire portfolio, but today, we were able to get our first look at the next big feature being added to General Motors' Bowtie tech. First available on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic, GogoLink is a smartphone-based app that works with the car's touch-screen display to provide a fully functional navigation feature to the MyLink system.

We spent some time with Sara LeBlanc, GM's program manager for global infotainment systems, who showed us exactly how the GogoLink app works. When your smartphone is tethered to the car, the app can be launched from the MyLink interface and works just like any other high-quality navigation system. GogoLink includes things like points of interest, 3D mapping, emergency information (police, fire, etc.), local search via Google and live traffic details. Disconnect your phone from the car, and your maps and routes are available right on your phone. (Note: Even though that last part doesn't show up in the video, trust us, it works.)

Pricing for the GogoLink app has not been announced as of this writing, and will be confirmed closer to the system's on-sale date this fall. The 2013 Spark will go on sale before the GogoLink app is available, so the first round of Sparks will require a simple MyLink upgrade that can be installed for free at Chevy dealers.

Now, take a closer look at the MyLink head unit in the video below - there's no CD player. LeBlanc provided this explanation for us:

We talked to our Sonic and Spark customers and we asked them about the features they were looking for. They wanted connectivity. They said, "We have all that music on our smartphone, can't you just find a way to transfer it? We don't want CDs. We don't use that."

Of course, LeBlanc assures us that this is only for the Sonic and Spark MyLink system right now. The rest of the Chevrolet products will continue to be offered with CD players.

The MyLink system with GogoLink arrives this fall, and pricing has yet to be announced as of this writing. Follow the jump for a tour of the new system, as well as the official release from GM.

Continue reading Chevy adding navigation to Sonic, Spark with GogoLink smartphone app

Chevy adding navigation to Sonic, Spark with GogoLink smartphone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Chevrolet MyLink for the 2013 Sonic, Spark

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, CES, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Infotainment

We got our first taste of Chevrolet's new entry-level version of MyLink at CES, and for being a pre-production unit that's not due to arrive in showrooms until later this year, we're throughly impressed.

The system uses a seven-inch resistive touchscreen to display the basics - audio, telephone and settings - along with a photo/video viewer (only functional when the car is stationary) and an app launcher.

The only two apps currently available are Pandora and Stitcher, but there's a lot of space to fill on that screen and the reps we spoke to made it clear that they're in talks with other third-party developers.

What impressed the most was both the responsiveness - something other automakers have been combating for some time - and the overall design, which is clean, clear and straight-forward (and how can you go wrong with Helvetica Neue?). It's everything we want in a touchscreen interface and nothing more.

Well, almost.

There's no embedded navigation system, so you'll be relying on OnStar to provide directions. That said, turn-by-turn guidance will be ported through the head unit, so it's better than dealing with arrows on a tiny screen nestled between the gauges. And what about voice control? For Android devices, Chevy is leveraging the built in voice search functionality. For the iPhone... not much, yet. But for a system that's aimed at subcompacts and with a price point that's sure to be more than palatable, you can't have the world. And aside from the Sync-equipped Ford Fiesta, there's nothing out there that even begins to compete. Check out the demo after the jump for more.

Continue reading Hands-on with Chevrolet MyLink for the 2013 Sonic, Spark

Hands-on with Chevrolet MyLink for the 2013 Sonic, Spark originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet MyLink comes to Buick, GMC in IntelliLink form

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Buick, GM, GMC, Infotainment

IntelliLink for Buick and GMC - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, General Motors will begin rolling out MyLink later this year, and GM has expanded
the connectivity system to include the 2012 Buick Verano, Regal and LaCrosse, along with the 2012 GMC Terrain.

GM has changed the branding of its SYNC competitor to IntelliLink for Buick and GMC models, although the features and functionality remain the same.

Voice commands - powered by Nuance technology - allow users to control phone functionality, radio stations and MP3 players through a natural language system, while Gracenote pulls in track listings and album art, Pandora, Stitcher and XM stream the tunes, and a standard rear-vision camera (on the Terrain) lets you keep tabs on what's coming up from behind.

Better iPhone and Android integration through a combination of USB and Bluetooth control is part of the package, and buyers of the youth-focused Verano will get IntelliLink as standard at first, with the system coming to the Regal and LaCrosse later this year. However, Enclave buyers will have to wait for its refreshening in 2013 before getting their hands on the system. Full details on both the Buick and GMC integration in the press release after the break.

Gallery: IntelliLink for Buick and GMC

Continue reading Chevrolet MyLink comes to Buick, GMC in IntelliLink form

Chevrolet MyLink comes to Buick, GMC in IntelliLink form originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford cleans up at 2011 Edison Awards, Chevy Volt wins Gold [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford, GM, Electric

Alan Mulally interview for Edison Awards - Click above to watch video after the jump

The annual Edison awards that celebrate innovation in goods and services have been handed out, and Ford and General Motors have taken no prisoners with regards to all things automotive. Ford was the big winner, with three gold metals and one silver. Further, CEO Alan Mulally was named a 2011 Edison Achievement Award Winner.

Ford won the Applied Technology gold thanks to the inflatable seatbelts that were introduced on the 2011 Explorer. The Blue Oval took both gold and silver in the In-Car Driving Aids segment, with MyFord Touch and Sync finishing one and two, respectively. MyKey took the last gold for Ford under the Remote Driving Aids segment, besting GM's MyLink, which took silver.

GM's Chevrolet Volt won the top spot for the Personal Transportation category, beating The Copenhagen Wheel (silver) and the Nissan Leaf (bronze).

Hit the jump to watch a short interview with Alan Mulally, who discusses manufacturing and its impact on jobs and the economy.

[Source: Edison Awards]

Continue reading Ford cleans up at 2011 Edison Awards, Chevy Volt wins Gold [w/video]

Ford cleans up at 2011 Edison Awards, Chevy Volt wins Gold [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet MyLink - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is finally bringing the smartphone battle to Ford with the introduction of Chevrolet MyLink, an integrated infotainment system that connects to your smartphone and allows you to access apps through either the steering wheel controls or the console-mounted touchscreen.

The wraps officially came off at tonight's Engadget Show and boasts similar functionality to Ford's AppLink and Toyota's recently revealed Entune system. MyLink connects your Android or Blackberry device over Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly access apps. And if you're partial to Apple's iOS devices - namely the iPhone or iPod Touch - you get the same functionality, but can only be controlled by plugging it in via USB.

At launch, MyLink is only compatible with Stitcher and Pandora radio, with other apps due to be released later this year. The Chevrolet Volt and Equinox will be the first two models to come equipped with the new system, and in addition to voice-control functionality courtesy of Nuance, both models will be available with PowerMat's inductive charging system, so you don't have to worry about your Bluetooth-tethered phone running out of juice. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect MyLink to be available within the next few months. Hit the jump for the official release and get more details at our tech-obesessed sibling site Translogic.

Gallery: Chevrolet MyLink

Continue reading Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune

Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest OnStar focuses on infotainment, adds audio Facebook integration, voice texting

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, GM

After 15 years of offering comprehensive safety coverage to General Motors vehicle owners, OnStar will be getting a well-deserved boost in functionality to better take on Ford's Sync and other upstart systems.

New infotainment systems are one of the hottest trends in the automotive marketplace, and GM certainly can't afford to be behind the curve. Because of this, OnStar will be relaunching its brand image, citing the phrase "responsible connectivity" as the motto for everything moving forward. This means that OnStar won't just be about safety anymore, though its core values will continue to be improved.

Two of the main infotainment technologies being tested right now are audio Facebook integration and voice text messaging. OnStar recently released a brief bit of information about these two functions, but we were able to attend a presentation to see these new social functions firsthand.

OnStar's Facebook integration will allow subscribers to post audio status updates directly from the car. These messages will appear as audio updates on the Facebook news feed, and drivers will also have the ability to have their personal news feed read back to them. Even though this technology is still undergoing beta testing, the whole process works relatively seamlessly, though the read-back audio could still benefit from some smoothing-out.

Voice text messaging piggybacks on this same audio technology. Using a Bluetooth-paired phone, drivers can have text messages read to them via the car's audio system. From there, the driver can press a button on the steering wheel to verbally select one of OnStar's four pre-set replies - things like, "I received your text message, but am currently driving," or, "Please call me."

All of this being tested in correlation with OnStar's ninth-generation hardware, which improves voice recognition, adds a Bluetooth phonebook, help 'wizard,' improved navigation and uses advanced notification services for traffic and weather alerts. This is just the start to what OnStar is working on, though. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the future technologies OnStar is working to bring to GM vehicles. In the meantime, hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: OnStar]

Continue reading Latest OnStar focuses on infotainment, adds audio Facebook integration, voice texting

Latest OnStar focuses on infotainment, adds audio Facebook integration, voice texting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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