Everyone seems to be getting in on the application development game nowadays. General Motors – a company more known for manufacturing cars has apparently diversified.
However, this diversification is a little different. I believe the company announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that it is making its proprietary application interface available to third party developers.
Presumably this means that Google Apps as well as apps for the other various operating systems can now be created.
I understand the first third party app to be created is RelayRides. This particular piece of software allows users to effectively advertise and rent out their own cars in the local area.
The app, which will initially be a Google app, will be available later in the year.
Speaking with ces.cnet.com, Linda Marshall, President of OnStar, the company behind the application said “Research shows that the amount of mobile applications for the Android and iOS platforms is likely to double in the next 12 months.
She added “Customer demand is driving a new marketplace for a variety of automotive applications. With this step we believe we can broaden our portfolio…”
OnStar has been working with other well known companies to develop applications. These include Mapquest. The app developer is also hoping to incorporate Verizon 4G LTE into cars, and presumably other vehicles. This would make use of smartphones’ broadband capabilities.
To be honest, I am not sure what difference this would make to anything already in operation, although it appears to have a video and Skype connection.
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