- GM gave the press its first look at its new MyLink system, a rival to Ford's Sync system.
- MyLink will be introduced this fall in the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Equinox.
- The system offers additional Pandora Internet radio features
MILFORD, Michigan — Chevrolet gave journalists a detailed look at the interior of the all-new 2013 Malibu this week at GM's Milford Proving Ground. Included was a hands-on demo of the brand's new MyLink system designed to take on the successful Sync technology of cross-town rival Ford.
The MyLink features that Chevrolet revealed this week demonstrate that GM's new connected-tech platform (which will be called IntelliLink on Buick and GMC vehicles) has as many similarities to Sync as it does differences. The main aim of both technologies is to make integration and use of portable devices like smartphones and media players more seamless and safe through voice control.
Both use Nuance voice-recognition technology, while the rest of the MyLink technology-partner roster is identical to Sync's: Pandora, Gracenote and Stitcher. Both systems require a smartphone to access app-based content such as Pandora and Stitcher and also work with portable devices like an iPod or a USB flash drive that don't require a data connection for voice-activated access to music.
Like Sync, MyLink can be upgraded with software downloaded from an owners' Web site and uploaded to the system via the vehicle's USB port. And with OnStar's embedded cellular modem onboard, over-the-air updates are possible.
One of the primary ways MyLink differs from Sync is in enhanced online-music streaming features. As with Sync and its AppLink feature, MyLink uses a wired connection via USB to port Pandora from an iPhone to the system, with metadata and album art provided by Gracenote. Also like Sync, Bluetooth audio is used for all smartphones except the iPhone to access Pandora and other online music services. But unlike Sync, you can get metadata including album art with MyLink via Bluetooth audio, although control is relegated to the device itself and isn't available on the touchscreen, dash or via voice.
Courtesy of Nuance and Gracenote, MyLink also lets you call up tunes on a portable device or via Pandora by using "artist aliases" like The Boss for Bruce Springsteen or Fab Four for the Beatles. And like Sync, MyLink offers the ability to thumb-up or thumb-down Pandora tracks either on the Malibu's 7-inch touchscreen or through voice command.
Chevy hasn't announced pricing for the MyLink system. (Sync is either standard or available as a $395 option on base models, and MyFord Touch is a $1,000 option on certain vehicles.) MyLink will debut this fall on the 2012 Chevy Volt and Equinox, early next year as standard equipment on the 2013 Malibu Eco without navigation and later as standard on the Malibu LTZ and LT without nav (and as an option on the three trim levels with nav) and as an option on the base LS. More Chevy models will get MyLink over the next 18-24 months.
Inside Line says: With MyLink, GM could have a formidable competitor to Sync and MyFord Touch on its hands —though we'll need more hands-on time to see if it's a serious contender for the car-tech crown.
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eco_turbo says:
04:53 PM, 07/29/2011
Last time I checked it was still 2011, I might be dead before 2013!
runreb211 says:
12:24 PM, 07/28/2011
It will be interesting to try it out. My in-laws just got an Explorer Limited and MyFordTouch with Sync is pretty cool. Who knows how durable the computerized system will be? Hopefully, it won't have the same problems that a lot of PCs seem to have after 3 or 4 years. I guess owners should avoid downloading porn to their cars.