Month: March 2023
GM is cutting off access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its future EVs
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV will be the first GM vehicle to restrict access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. | Image: GM
General Motors’ electric future doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The automaker’s upcoming lineup of electric vehicles won’t support the popular smartphone projection systems in favor of a native Google infotainment system. The move, first reported by Reuters, means that owners won’t be able to project their phone’s screen on their vehicle’s dashboard infotainment display.
The decision is intended to provide “seamless access” to the new Google-powered infotainment experience, including native versions of Google Maps, Google Assistant, Audible, Spotify, and more, GM says in a fact sheet explaining the new strategy.
“As a result of this strategic approach, we will be moving beyond phone projection systems, namely Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.”
“As a result of this strategic approach, we will be moving beyond phone projection systems, namely Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” the company added.
GM’s move to restrict access to CarPlay and Android Auto, which is expected to begin with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, will help the automaker capture more data on its customers’ driving, listening, and charging habits. It could also help inform future subscription products, as automakers across the board are seeking to generate more revenue beyond just selling cars.
Media Fact Sheet_GM Infotainment Strategy_3.31.23_FINAL by ahawkins8223 on Scribd
GM emphasized that the decision was primarily motivated by improving the navigation and charging experience for future EV owners. For example, when an EV owner routes to a charging station, the vehicle’s native software can begin warming up the battery so that it’s primed for a faster charge.
“This would maximize range and minimize the time a customer is at a charging station,” Kelly Cusinato, who leads communications for GM’s digital business, said in an email. “The vehicle can know more than the phone does.”
It could also help inform future subscription products
The decision to restrict Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a reversal from GM’s position several years ago when the automaker first announced its deal with Google to integrate the tech company’s apps into its fleet. For that news, we asked whether customers could still expect to mirror their smartphone on their vehicle’s display if they wanted to, and GM said they would.
But Cusinato cautioned that current GM vehicles with Google built-in, including the GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and a host of gas-powered vehicles, wouldn’t be losing access to CarPlay and Android Auto. “This is all about creating a better, more integrated experience for future EV customers that will give them all they need and more, over time,” she said.
GM, which owns brands such as Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, and Buick, isn’t completely cutting off access to CarPlay and Android Auto. Car owners will still be able to connect their phones to their vehicles via Bluetooth for hands-free calls, voice texting, and streaming music. And GM’s gas-powered vehicles will continue to allow CarPlay and Android Auto use.
Google has been racking up deals with major automakers over the years to use its native infotainment software. The tech giant offers two products: Google built-in, when a car has apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store directly integrated into the vehicle; and Android Automotive OS, in which a car’s entire infotainment system runs on Android. Honda uses Google built-in, while Volvo and Polestar have opted for Android Automotive. Some automakers use both.
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV will be the first GM vehicle to restrict access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. | Image: GM
General Motors’ electric future doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The automaker’s upcoming lineup of electric vehicles won’t support the popular smartphone projection systems in favor of a native Google infotainment system. The move, first reported by Reuters, means that owners won’t be able to project their phone’s screen on their vehicle’s dashboard infotainment display.
The decision is intended to provide “seamless access” to the new Google-powered infotainment experience, including native versions of Google Maps, Google Assistant, Audible, Spotify, and more, GM says in a fact sheet explaining the new strategy.
“As a result of this strategic approach, we will be moving beyond phone projection systems, namely Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” the company added.
GM’s move to restrict access to CarPlay and Android Auto, which is expected to begin with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, will help the automaker capture more data on its customers’ driving, listening, and charging habits. It could also help inform future subscription products, as automakers across the board are seeking to generate more revenue beyond just selling cars.
GM emphasized that the decision was primarily motivated by improving the navigation and charging experience for future EV owners. For example, when an EV owner routes to a charging station, the vehicle’s native software can begin warming up the battery so that it’s primed for a faster charge.
“This would maximize range and minimize the time a customer is at a charging station,” Kelly Cusinato, who leads communications for GM’s digital business, said in an email. “The vehicle can know more than the phone does.”
The decision to restrict Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a reversal from GM’s position several years ago when the automaker first announced its deal with Google to integrate the tech company’s apps into its fleet. For that news, we asked whether customers could still expect to mirror their smartphone on their vehicle’s display if they wanted to, and GM said they would.
But Cusinato cautioned that current GM vehicles with Google built-in, including the GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and a host of gas-powered vehicles, wouldn’t be losing access to CarPlay and Android Auto. “This is all about creating a better, more integrated experience for future EV customers that will give them all they need and more, over time,” she said.
GM, which owns brands such as Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, and Buick, isn’t completely cutting off access to CarPlay and Android Auto. Car owners will still be able to connect their phones to their vehicles via Bluetooth for hands-free calls, voice texting, and streaming music. And GM’s gas-powered vehicles will continue to allow CarPlay and Android Auto use.
Google has been racking up deals with major automakers over the years to use its native infotainment software. The tech giant offers two products: Google built-in, when a car has apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store directly integrated into the vehicle; and Android Automotive OS, in which a car’s entire infotainment system runs on Android. Honda uses Google built-in, while Volvo and Polestar have opted for Android Automotive. Some automakers use both.
TikTok Troubles Continue as Half of Americans Support a Ban of the App – CNET
A Pew Research Center survey finds many people in support of a government ban on the social media app.
A Pew Research Center survey finds many people in support of a government ban on the social media app.
Italy bans OpenAI’s ChatGPT over privacy concerns
So it begins! Early this week, Elon Musk and other tech titans called for a pause on training AI exceeding GPT-4, citing “risks to society.” In an open letter signed by Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, a group of about
So it begins! Early this week, Elon Musk and other tech titans called for a pause on training AI exceeding GPT-4, citing “risks to society.” In an open letter signed by Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, a group of about […]
Ads are coming for the Bing AI chatbot, as they come for all Microsoft products
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Asus ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM gaming slate is an almost perfect rugged tablet with Windows 11 Pro and stylus
The ROG Flow Z13 runs on Windows 11 Pro and even comes with a stylus.
From afar, the ROG Flow Z13-ACRNM from Asus looks like a rugged tablet similar to the one magnesium-coated ToughPad models from Panasonic. However, come closer and the industrial design, the CNC-milled aluminum chassis, the reinforced corners and the bundled accessories just ooze “schmexi-ness”, to paraphrase our sister publication, Laptopmag.
Produced in partnership with revered artist Errolson Hugh, the RMT02 (as it is otherwise known), is pitched as a gaming tablet but its price (£2999 in the UK, $2500 in the US) and form factor make it a match in heaven for businesses, organizations and professionals eager to get a top of the range slate without an outrageous price tag.
The fact that it runs Windows 11 Pro by default, supports Microsoft Windows Hello, has a stylus and a full array of accessories (accessory bag, keyboard strap, main strap and detachable keyboard) makes it a very enticing proposition. Could it be used as a business tablet? We wouldn’t say no. Mobile workstation? Definitely given its specs.
(Image credit: Asus)
A great alternative to boring business tablets
And the RMT02 delivers value-for-money in spades but let’s start with the bad news though: it is not IP-rated so you won’t be able to use it in dusty or moist environments. It’s not been tested to MIL-STD-810G standards either although Asus says that it has robust protection with plenty of rubber around the chassis to mitigate any falls. There’s also no fingerprint reader which is a shame.
The rest though is spectacularly good, very good: there’s a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor (that’s 14 cores and 20 threads), an Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 GPU with 8GB GDDR6 (remember, this is a gaming laptop wannabe), 32GB LPDDR5, 1TB SSD and Wi-Fi 6E. Despite being a mere tablet, it has a TB4 port with two USB ports, an audio jack and even a card reader.
The screen certainly remains the highlight: a sumptuous QHD+ 13.4-inch display that is not only DCI-P3/Pantone validated (making it an ideal display for Photoshop) but also one with a high brightness (500 nits), perfect for the busy outdoors. Asus chose a 56WHr battery, powered by a 130W AC GaN adapter, to keep the tablet running. At 1.32Kg alone (add 390g for the backlit chiclet keyboard), the ROG Flow Z13-ACRNM is light enough to be carried around.
There’s plenty else to talk about: Dolby Atmos, two speakers, a trio of microphones, Dolby Vision HDR support and the ability to support external GPUs. Just be mindful that battery life will not be great because of the high refresh rate and the small battery size.
TechCrunch+ roundup: 3 key hiring metrics, building SDR teams, insurtech investor survey
Marketing teams get a lot of credit for landing new customers, but in reality, sales development representatives do most of the actual work.
TechCrunch+ roundup: 3 key hiring metrics, building SDR teams, insurtech investor survey by Walter Thompson originally published on TechCrunch
The expense involved in recruiting, training and onboarding a new employee who turns out to be a poor fit could be equivalent to 50% of that person’s first-year salary.
According to Anastasiia Kuzmenko, head of talent acquisition at Flyer One Ventures, “the biggest difference between hiring in a healthy economy and hiring now is that there’s no room for mistakes.”
Hiring the wrong person can create a cascade of failures inside an early-stage startup, which is why she recommends that founders focus on three essential metrics to “adopt a more data-driven approach:”
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Cost per hire
Time to hire
Employee turnover rate
In her article, Kuzmenko shares formulas for calculating each metric, along with tactical advice for setting benchmarks and helping managers stay attuned to employee morale.
Thanks for reading,
Walter Thompson
Editorial Manager, TechCrunch+
@yourprotagonist
How to build a sales development representative strategy that will fill your B2B pipeline
Image Credits: kampee patisena (opens in a new window) / Getty Images
Marketing teams deserve all of the credit for crafting innovative campaigns that break through the noise: Convincing someone to try out a new product or service takes real skill!
In practice, however, sales development representatives (SDRs) do most of the work required to land new customers, “making cold calls, writing email outreach, or sending outbound mail,” says GTM strategist Mike Tong.
Because it takes “about 15 touches for a prospect to want to see a demo,” Tong authored a TC+ guide for CEOs who need guidance around hiring and incentivizing SDR teams.
“Pipeline generation at early-stage companies is expensive and time consuming, often more so than the sales process itself. That said, getting it right is likely the most important thing you can do for your business.”
YC’s winter class is oozing with AI companies
Image Credits: Getty Images
In a move that reminds me of servers in chain restaurants who’ve been ordered to wear flair pins, 34% of the fledgling startups in Y Combinator’s latest class say “that they are an AI company or use AI in some kind of way,” reports Rebecca Szkutak.
“You can’t blame the YC companies for leaning into AI,” she writes. “If you saw VCs dumping dollars — in a tougher fundraising market, no less — into a technology like AI that you could implement into your own business, why wouldn’t you?”
6 VCs explain why embedded insurance isn’t the only hot opportunity in insurtech
Image Credits: Lightspring (opens in a new window) / Shutterstock (opens in a new window)
Now that consumers can hedge their bets against everything from canceled flights to dropping a new cell phone, embedded insurance is having a moment.
Even so, several VCs who are active in the space told Anna Heim that other insurtech startups can still make inroads if “they can build a sustainable business model.”
For our latest investor survey, she asked the following investors about where the sector is headed, whether ChatGPT might impact the industry and how Apple’s potential foray into health insurance is shaping their thinking:
Florian Graillot, founding partner, astorya.vc
Hélène Falchier, partner, Portage
Stephen Brittain and Robert Lumley, directors and co-founders, Insurtech Gateway
Nina Mayer, principal, Earlybird
David Wechsler, insurtech lead investor, OMERS Ventures
Pitch Deck Teardown: Northspyre’s $25 million Series B deck
Image Credits: Northspyre (opens in a new window)
Last month, proptech startup Northspyre raised a $25 million Series B led by Charles River Ventures.
The company, which helps developers manage commercial real estate projects, shared its winning pitch deck with Haje Jan Kamps after “it removed a few of the most financially sensitive slides:”
Cover slide
Problem slide 1
Problem slide 2
Product slide
Market size slide
Solution slide
Value proposition slide
KPI slide (marked as “financials” slide)
“The ask” slide
Team slide
User testimonials slide
Financing history slide
Thank you and contact slide
Ask Sophie: What to do if selected/not selected in H-1B lottery?
Image Credits: Bryce Durbin/TechCrunch
Dear Sophie,
After three tries, I was finally selected this year in the H-1B lottery! What do we do next?
— Wondering Winner
Dear Sophie,
I’m on STEM OPT. My employer put me in this year’s H-1B lottery for the third time, but I wasn’t selected again! What do I do?
— Lottery Loser
TechCrunch+ roundup: 3 key hiring metrics, building SDR teams, insurtech investor survey by Walter Thompson originally published on TechCrunch
The lowdown for European startups looking to raise money in 2023
We’re looking at Europe’s Q1 2023 venture capital tallies and considering the three largest venture markets in the region: the U.K., Germany and France.
The lowdown for European startups looking to raise money in 2023 by Anna Heim originally published on TechCrunch
We’re an impatient bunch here at TechCrunch+, so while we await tidied quarterly venture reports from major startup databases, we’re also running our own queries to get early looks at the state of the fundraising world. As it’s the last day of the first quarter, we’re too antsy to wait any longer to see what’s been going on in Europe. Let’s take an early peek.
In the wake of Techstars’ decision to leave the Swedish market, we looked at Sweden’s startup scene earlier this week following a glance at what is happening in the United States. Those were useful exercises, but we’ll need a broader dataset to really set our bearings. To that end, let’s look at all of Europe and then consider the three largest venture markets in the region: the U.K., Germany and France.
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The numbers are fascinating and can be read as either bullish or bearish. The negative take is simple: European venture totals are down from a year ago. The more positive perspective is also worth considering: When we focus our view on just the last few quarters, it appears that venture is done contracting.
Naturally, we’ll have oodles more data and charts when Q1 2023 data fully drops, but we can get a head start. Let’s talk Europe.
Inside Europe’s Q1 2023 venture results
European startups raised $28.85 billion across 2,274 deals in Q1 2023, according to preliminary PitchBook data. That’s less than in Q1 2021, but we already know (and you may be tired of hearing by now) that the 2021 venture vintage was an outlier. However, the figure also represents a year-on-year decline, which may sound like a surprise: In Q1 2022, the downturn had already started in the U.S.
The lowdown for European startups looking to raise money in 2023 by Anna Heim originally published on TechCrunch
8 Ways Your Body Is Telling You That You Have a Vitamin Deficiency – CNET
You can have a vitamin deficiency without even knowing it. Here’s how to spot it.
You can have a vitamin deficiency without even knowing it. Here’s how to spot it.