GM Gives App Developers Industry-First In-Vehicle Testing

July 21, 2017 by General Motors

GM Dev Client simplifies in-vehicle app development process

DETROIT — General Motors has launched GM Dev Client, an industry-first app that gives approved developers who have created in-vehicle applications the ability to test them in a real GM vehicle. In-vehicle app testing is the next step for app developers who have already created a proof of concept using GM's next-generation infotainment software development kit (NGI SDK).

'By introducing GM Dev Client, we're giving developers the missing link they need to finalize their applications,' said John McFarland, director of Global Digital Experience. 'GM Dev Client will help us and external developers make sure the best in-vehicle apps are ultimately made available in GM vehicles, ensuring the best customer experience for drivers.'

After building an application's proof of concept with the NGI SDK, the next development step is to conduct real-world testing using a GM vehicle's infotainment system. GM Dev Client allows partners and developers the ability to test their apps in a GM vehicle once they've obtained approval from GM.

In January 2017, GM released the NGI SDK, which mimics real vehicle data and enables developers outside of GM to build apps without making frequent trips to Detroit to conduct testing on infotainment modules. With GM Dev Client, those apps now can be tested on a real GM vehicle anywhere in the U.S.

'Sharing more emulated data points through the SDK than any other automaker was the first step in opening the door for developers,' said Kent Helfrich, executive director of Connected Ecosystem Integration, General Motors. 'After such strong adoption of the SDK, we wanted to enable developers to take the next step and allow real-world testing in our vehicles.'

By the end of 2017, the NGI SDK will offer templated framework for developers such as a media player layout or a point of interest layout.

Here are step-by-step instructions for in-vehicle app development and testing:

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Phase 1: App Building

1. Visit developer.gm.com

Register, accept terms and activate your account to receive immediate access to GM's developer site, software development kit and all documentation.

2. Download and install the NGI SDK.

Download the NGI SDK package source from developer.gm.com/ngi (generally in less than a minute, depending on internet connection speed). Install a private node module for a quick set-up process familiar to front-end developers.

3. Begin building using emulated vehicle behavior.

Set up your development environment in less than 5 minutes and start utilizing the same APIs available in-vehicle. Use a suite of tools to adjust up to nearly 400 simulated vehicle data points such as network connectivity, location, speed and more.

Phase 2: App Testing

4. Download GM Dev Client from the AppShop.

GM vehicles with compatible infotainment systems can be used for real-world testing. After providing GM with your compatible vehicle's identification number (VIN), your app will go through GM's internal review process for suitability. Once approved, the GM Dev Client will appear in the vehicle's AppShop for download.

5. Begin real-world testing.

Once you download and begin running GM Dev Client, your approved app will appear on the in-vehicle infotainment screen for real-world testing. You can test right from your laptop within the car, as driver lock-out safety features are prebuilt into the GM Dev Client so that only a passenger can test the app while the vehicle is in motion. Conduct on-the-fly code changes and see updates to your app reflected instantly.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.