Here’s more proof — if you needed any — that the pace of change in dashboard platforms is likely only to accelerate.
General Motors and IBM have formed a partnership to combine GM’s OnStar system and IBM’s Watson cognitive system to create OnStar Go. And among the companies getting involved in the effort early is iHeartRadio.
The GM/IBM partnership will expand the OnStar AtYourService platform through new capabilities supported by OnStar Go with IBM Watson. The companies say this is “the auto industry’s first cognitive mobility platform,” according to the release. The platform was introduced at IBM’s World of Watson event Wednesday.
It was developed by digital agency IBM Interactive Experience in conjunction with OnStar; iX is also working with GM to design OnStar’s touchscreen interfaces for consumers. The Weather Company will provide weather and location data.
Effective in early 2017, the companies said, the platform will deliver personalized content through the dashboard and other digital channels supported by the OnStar Go ecosystem. OnStar Go will be available in some 2 million 4G LTE-connected vehicles and millions of GM vehicle brand app-enabled mobile devices in the U.S.
ExxonMobil, Glympse, iHeartRadio, Mastercard and Parkopedia are the first brands to join the platform. According to the release, “iHeartRadio will use Watson Personality Insights from OnStar Go to curate personalized experiences that leverage on-air personalities and local content from radio stations across the U.S. Drivers will be invited to share information from their calendars, social graph, location, music preferences and more, to create dynamic and locally relevant entertainment experiences only available through the power of radio.”
The companies say that OnStar Go will help drivers experience more “efficiency and safety.” For example, the platform will help drivers avoid traffic if low on gas, use the car to pay the pump, order a cup of coffee, and most importantly for broadcasters, get personalized news and entertainment content.
GM launched OnStar 20 years ago; by the end of 2016, the company expects to have 12 million OnStar-connected vehicles on the road worldwide.
