Google Maps will be the built-in navigation tool for some GM vehicles
Move over Android Auto. In certain General Motors vehicles, the built-in infotainment system will now be Google-powered. That means Google Assistant will be the car's native voice assistant, the Google Play store will offer in-vehicle apps and tools made for a driving experience, and most importantly, Google Maps will be the system's default map.
Starting in 2021, certain Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles will have Google services baked into their infotainment systems for direction, media playing, and digital assistant tasks like using voice to call a friend or close a "smart" garage door.
Instead of having to sync your phone to the car to pull up Google Maps, the car navigation system will come with Google Maps directions, lookup for nearby gas and charging stations, and location information (like a restaurant's hours) that you know and love from the Google Maps app.
Don't worry, the GM cars will still be compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto if they were before. Your smartphone won't feel neglected, and you can use Waze if you prefer that navigation tool.
Polestar, the Volvo all-electric brand, is the first car to build Google into the vehicle. GM is simply integrating some Google features into its dashboard, not overhauling the entire system to run on Google.
For anyone frustrated with car company navigation systems who just wants Google Maps like you use on your phone, here you go.
Topics Google Google Assistant
Sasha is a news writer at Mashable's San Francisco office. She's an SF native who went to UC Davis and later received her master's from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She's been reporting out of her hometown over the years at Bay City News (news wire), SFGate (the San Francisco Chronicle website), and even made it out of California to write for the Chicago Tribune. She's been described as a bookworm and a gym rat.
