With in-car infotainment looming as the next big battlefield, as Apple’s Carplay and Google’s Android Auto slug it out for market share, AutoTalk spoke to Holden about how its MyLink infotainment system fits into this scene.
According to tech magazine CNET, the sales of cars with internet-connected 4G SIM cards already built in is set to explode. CNET says sales of such vehicles are set to rise from around 1.2 million at the moment to more than 16 million by 2017.
MyLink is compatible with both Android and Apple software. Android and Apple work with MyLink to allow drivers to use the integrated apps and other functions (e.g navigation in Trax).
It is currently available in most cars in the Holden range, from the Barina right up to Caprice and Commodore.
Mark Flintoft, product communications manager at GM Holden told AutoTalk: “Holden’s MyLink in-car system essentially reinforces our credentials and belief as having the best in class technology and infotainment in Australia.
“We believe that the modern Australian driver places a high importance on their vehicle’s in-car entertainment system and being able to stay connected legally whilst driving, be this through in-car calling, car-read text messaging or through integrated apps.
“Australian smart phone penetration is forecast to be at 76% in 2014 – one of the highest in the developed world – this is where MyLink can help drivers get the most from their devices safely and legally whilst in the car.
“For example, the ability to use integrated apps such as Pandora and Stitcher, as well as Apple’s Siri hands free function, has enabled Holden drivers to enjoy a more connected experience in their Holden vehicle.”
In regards to what value MyLink brings to dealerships, Flintoft notes: “MyLink provides more reassurance that Holden vehicles can meet the demanding expectations in technology that the modern day Australian driver has.”
As far as future upgrades to MyLink go, Flintoft could not confirm any specifics but did note: “It is fair to say that Holden takes pride in it’s in car entertainment technology and is always investigating options to satisfy customers.”
In-app car compatibility a concern
There has been increasing concern from consumers and car manufacturers alike that partnerships between tech companies and car makers will result in cars being chosen or ignored based on their compatibility with particular mobile phone ecosystems.
For example, in just five years, Apple’s CarPlay app for iPhone integration will dominate the auto industry and will be installed in more than 24 million vehicles, according to the latest ABI Research.
In a report, ABI points to announcements from more than half a dozen manufacturers that plan to install CarPlay in new vehicles. Those car makers include Ford, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar/Land Rover, Toyota, Nissan, and Volvo.
The CarPlay specification allows an iPhone to be mirrored to a vehicle’s infotainment system while the smartphone is recharging.
However, competition is emerging with proprietary interfaces, such as Ford’s Sync system, as well as industry open-source specifications such as MirrorLink and GENIVI, that are being championed by industry groups.
Then we can’t forget the other big player in this area, with Google creating the ‘open automotive alliance’ (OAA) and its in-car system standard called ‘Android Auto’.
Although Android Auto has just been launched, it claims to already have the backing of 40 car makers with more announcements slated for 2015. As a result, uptake of the Android Auto standard could be more aggressive than CarPlay by 2019, says ABI Research.
Unlike CarPlay, which is positioned to integrate only with iOS devices, open-source standards such as MirrorLink can also handle Android, Windows and Blackberry phones.
“MirrorLink, OAA and GENIVI have all positioned themselves as “open sourced” and they could be considered competitors, which goes against being open,” ABI’s report says.
“This trend is concerning as car manufacturers will worry about incompatibility and whether supporting the wrong platform will lead to lost sales,” the report notes.
“For consumers, potentially it could mean asking the dealer: ‘Will my smartphone be compatible with my car’?”
Thilo Koslowski, vice president of automotive industry advisory services at Gartner, says automakers must do a better job of offering mobile technology themselves or have their lunch eaten by rivals in the tech industry.
“This is the year, this is the time that the auto industry has to go out there and really start embracing technology. Technology will really kind of define the future of the automotive industry. This is a defining moment,” Koslowski says.
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