CHICAGO -- General Motors is amongst the car giants that are bringing the world of infotainment to the open highway, but -- for now, at least -- the car maker is trying to make its Cadillacs look and behave more like smartphones, rather than ride on the same networks as them.
The company drove its new Cadillac XTS from Detroit to Chicago to show off its Cadillac CUE platform, which comprises apps and slick new features that integrate with mobile devices via Bluetooth 3.0.
GM was among the companies that opted not to join Verizon Wireless 's 4G Venture Forum for Connected Cars, but it's clear that Long Term Evolution (LTE) connectivity is not off the table. CUE Designer Cody Hansen said that GM subsidiary OnStar has been looking at LTE and working with Verizon, but that the car giant is waiting for the network to mature and achieve nationwide coverage before it makes any decisions.
"Stay tuned on LTE," added GM Communications Manager Scott Fosgard.
Click on the image below to launch a short slideshow tour of the new XTS when it stopped in Chicago (a very sunny Chicago, so please excuse the glare).
GM's Cadillac XTS
This connected car would fall on the high end as far as mobile devices go.
How about the 'driver' plugs the destination into the next gen sat nav and tells the car to wake him/her up when they get there?
Really these companies should just get on with commercializing the Star Trek Transporter so we beam ourselves up and actually be able, in all honestly, say "almost" when the kids ask 'are we there yet?'
They could grow some Dilithium cystals atthe same time...
Yeah, it's a fine line between helpful extra features and distracting ones. Voice control, haptics and the positioning of the second two screens should make it easier to keep your eyes on the road.
I think it's inevitable all cars will have more features like this, but I do think they should maybe stop at maps, music and hands-free calling.
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