Chevy Unveils New Connectivity Option

by Jeff Gilbert
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter

Interview: GM electronics chief Mickey Bly talks about Chevrolet MyLink.

General Motors taking a new move to connect smart phones and vehicles, with a product it's calling Chevrolet MyLink.  While General Motors has had its subscription based OnStar service for more than a decade, this puts GM into direct competition with systems like Sync from Ford, that aren't as robust as OnStar, but don't have a monthly fee.

"What we're offering is the latest of all technology in the infotainment," says Mickey Bly, GM's executive director of global electrical systems, hybrids, EVs and batteries.

The system includes a seven inch screen that allows users to operate their smart phones while driving, play music, and access apps like Pandora internet radio.  They can also use voice commands.

"Chevrolet MyLink is the next logical step for in-vehicle connectivity," said Karl Stracke, vice president for Global Product Engineering, in a statement.  "MyLink leverages the mobile broadband capability and the sophisticated, online services made possible by today's smart phones."

MyLink will debut in the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox, and quickly expand through the brand.  GM says announcements will come soon about similar systems for the company's three other brands.

A press release from General Motors describes the capabilities of MyLink:

Enhanced hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance®, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smartphones.  A tap of a button on the steering wheel enables intuitive verbal control of smartphone applications like "play (artist name)" or "call (name of contact)" to keep the driver's hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Pandora® internet radio allows users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres and Stitcher SmartRadio® enables access to thousands of audio programming choices allowing customers to build a personalized listening experience. MyLink integrates control of both of these apps for a driver directed listening experience. 
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Gracenote®: identifies the music collection on the driver's smartphone or MP3 player and presents information such artist name, genres and album cover art on the MyLink screen and enables users to select similar music to the tunes they love. Gracenote also improves the accuracy of MyLink's voice activation system by allowing users to access music using artist nicknames, such as "The Boss," "G.N.R," or "The Fab Four" simply by using MyLink's touch-screen or steering wheel buttons and voice control interfaces.
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Upgraded USB connectivity: While Chevrolet has offered auxiliary device connectivity since 2006, MyLink adds flash memory capability to its USB device connections.  This provides users with the ability to access approved applications that will make their MyLink system even more functional, while assuring that driver's maintain eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The seven inch touch screen is designed to mimic that of a smart phone, with apps that would be considered distracting not appearing.  GM says the key is to make it as simple and intuitive as possible.

"For the primary purpose you are in the car, you are driving the car," said Bly.  "We need to make sure those interfaces are not distracting, so you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel the majority of the time."

Ford's sync system was recently revamped into a system called "My Ford Touch" or "My Lincoln Touch."  It was recently criticized by Consumer Reports as being too distracting.  Ford however, has said it's getting positive feedback from people who purchase the system, and recently gave dealers additional money to pay for extra training for customers.

Ford says Sync has been a major factor in attracting new customers to the brand.  General Motors is hoping for the same thing with Chevrolet My Link.

General Motors has been working to upgrade the capabilities of OnStar, and has added a number of new services in recent months.  It's also completely overhauled the OnStar management team.  GM's current CEO Dan Akerson, like his predecessor Ed Whitacre, is a veteran of the telecommunications industry.

Bly says Chevrolet My Link will not replace Onstar.  He believes the combination of the products could work to General Motors competitive advantage.

"Nobody else can touch this from a safety and security point of view," he said.  "Now we have the infotainment capability on board these vehicles that clearly will be providing the customer a great experience."

Follow Jeff Gilbert on Twitter @Jefferygilbert