By Kevin Gordon

Earlier this week we reported that GM was rumored to be partnering with Google to provide more advanced mobile and in-car capabilities for their upcoming Chevy Volt. Yesterday it was officially annouced that OnStar will be using Google’s Android mobile platform to develop a “number” of mobile application features for future GM customers. Instead of this being a primarily in-car experience, the concept appears to be in which users will have an application on their Android mobile device to receive status on their car, find it in a parking lot, and receive turn-by-turn navigation in conjunction with OnStar. Other functions include beaping the car’s horn (which sounds like a better prank than a function), remote start, and battery charge information for the Volt.

The contrasting model to this would be to build these apps into the car. This is what Ford has done with their SYNC system, leaving the thinking to the CPU in the car and just the connection to the outside world in your phone. Instead, GM and Google appear to be betting that the mobile device itself will eventually evolve to be the brains of the infotainment center in the car. More after the break.   Continue Reading →