GM & Google in your Dash?

[Bruce Nunnally]

General Motors is negotiating with Internet search behemoth and new smartphone marketer Google to develop in-car telematics to compete with Ford and Microsoft’s Sync/MyFord systems, sources say. One says Google would sell its Android operating system for in-car use. The operating system supports Google’s Android smartphone, the new competitor to Apple’s iPhone.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6646652/technology/gm-woos-google-collaboration-would-compete-with-ford-microsofts-sync/index.html#ixzz0nTktZdiv

[JohnnyG]

I own a Droid, and it's sweet. I also firmly believe that Apple is EVIL, so I'm a happy camper. However, many feel the opposite and many more even believe that the PC vs. Mac commercials are gospel!

So here's my point, Chrysler has the CORRECT system. It shouldn't matter which system you choose to own, if you get into your car, that system should be available to you, fully integrated into your car with easy and undistracting controls. This would make cars safer to operate, an easier learning curve, and easier to resell when used. Who knows, you may want to sell your car to someone that believes that Google is EVIL!!

So, much like BlueStar, and the Chrysler's Uconnect system, it shouldn't matter what phone you have on your belt, it should work WITH your car when you get in. And let's face it, it all begins with the cell phone. All of your personal contact info, all of your favorite apps, your maps, your favorite places, the directions you set up the day before your trip, EVERYTHING should be integrated into your car when you get in.

I know, apps aren't available via bluetooth, but THAT's what GM should be working on. A simple plug in would do the trick, most likely a USB port, then the phone becomes the "in-car telematics". It will save GM a bunch of money too, they won't have to reinvent the wheel.....again.

[Cadillac Jim]

Although anything that puts GM in a camp other than Microsoft might be construed as a good thing by many, antagonism to any entity incurs costs and I would prefer that GM look to the open source community and standardized interfaces than to a closed proprietary system that could disappear. Perhaps a look into industry standards like the USB bus and software standards in the GNU and SorceForge community might bring forth a better long-range strategy that would be better suited to a Q and A session with a buyer.

A precedent: my 1997 ETC was bought at my insistence with an OnStar Gen 1 system that included an analog phone. Due to a domino-chain of security and technology issues (see my car blog), my car phone no longer works and OnStar cannot continue service to my car.

[JohnnyG]

The simple fact remains, GM needs to decide whether it wants to sell telephones or cars, and I don't know anyone that needs a second cell phone bill.

At this time, these new smart phones are capable of doing everything that OnStar does, except for the operators standing by to talk to you. They have GPS and compasses built in, as well as accelerometers. The proper app would be able to call 911 for you and give your location. I just think this negotiation should take a different form, whereas each phone could be "installed" in the car. This would be in the form of a GM standard docking station, and eack phone maker would provide an adapter if needed. After all, we all know how hard it is to find a place to put your phone while driving.

No harm in negotiating with Google first on this, then see how many phone makers follow suit.

[BodybyFisher]

I believe that Google is evil and stopped using them as a search engine

[Cadillac Jim]

Cell phones are designed to function for one to two years, then be discarded. The average age of the American car is about 8.5 years, I believe.

A docking station could be as simple as a charging hookup. Most cell phone makers provide an accessory that will charge the phone from a cigar lighter socket. I believe that BlueTooth is all that is required. If BlueTooth goes out of style, provide a retrofit box that plugs in the system that replaces it, or at least allow aftermarket suppliers to meet that need should it arise.

[JohnnyG]

Thanks BBF for helping me make my point. GM will limit its customer base by incorporating Google whatever into its cars. I say whatever because Google is so much more than a search engine these days. Anyone ever visiting Google Earth and going to "Street View" will immediately see what I mean.

I get Google Street View on my phone, which is handy if you are driving in unfamiliar territory and want to find a store or something. Not to mention turn by turn directions. It will even find a place on Google Maps and if you touch it, it will call the place if you want!

So in the end, I'm not simply talking about charging the phone in a docking station (although THAT would be thoughtful of carmakers), but placing your phone into a docking station and the NAV screen BECOMES your phone for example. Along with all the apps, street view, stock quotes, weather radar, calander, email, web browser, everything. All for one price, your monthly cell phone bill.

The system will be upgradeable just by simply inserting your new phone into the docking station.

And don't forget, Windows 7 was my idea.

[BodybyFisher]

I don't like them because of the way they dealt with China

http://www.wired.com...s/2006/01/70081

http://news.cnet.com..._3-6030784.html

They should have known that this type of stuff would happen

http://ma.tt/2010/01/google-china/

http://www.guardian....e-china-censors

http://googleblog.bl...h-to-china.html

Google thought that its own expansion and profit was more important than human rights and censorship. Of course they have used the excuse that if we don't do it, someone else will.

[BodybyFisher]

Facebook is next

http://blogs.forbes.com/china/2010/05/11/has-facebook-hired-several-google-china-engineers/?boxes=marketschannelnews

http://digicha.com/?p=379

[JohnnyG]

I agree. I deactivated my Facebook account this past Monday. It's being turned into a huge marketing tool with very little regard for privacy of personal information.

They didn't make it easy to deactivate either!

[Cadillac Jim]

I think that all of the "social networking" sites are basically in the business of selling private information about people, like the credit reporting agencies. Watch out for similar sites like LinkedIn or high school classmate sites, and even "forums" like Sodahead, and all the others out there, too. The defining attribute is finding it nearly impossible to close your account or remove information. When you join a forum, do so anonymously, as nearly all of us here do.