GM's Ultifi Software Platform 2023 - Thoughts?

GM is releasing their new Ultifi Platform to select EV and ICE vehicles in 2023, which isn't a shocker as technology is ever-changing. Ultifi will be GM's new standard, cloud-based software platform offering customizable vehicle and end user experiences. Ultifi will offer subscription plans, just as Onstar. When signing up for an account with subscription, Ultifi is anticipated to offer over-the-air software updates, upgrades, new apps, and multiple options for in-vehicle configuration. GM customers with an account will have the ability to sign into other vehicles equipped with Ultifi and transfer personal configurations. It seems GM is looking to continue monetizing from in-vehicle subscription services; this will most likely become the future norm across all automotive brands.

GM recently introduced Android Automotive OS for 2022 vehicles, and will roll out Ultifi in select EV and 2023 EV and ICE vehicles. Due to compatibility, GM's current vehicle's won't have the option to update their software to Ultifi. Here are my initial thoughts and questions:

- It's unclear if they're abandoning AAOS completely, but if so, what was the reasoning behind switching to AAOS for 2022?
- Will Onstar become obsolete? If so, what's the timeframe and how does this impact current models?
- What will be the additional Ultifi subscription plan costs?
- With Ultifi being cloud-based, being that it's GM, how secure will it be?
- Regarding Ultifi ota upgrades, if a new vehicle is introduced with new features, customers will have the option to purchase the new features for their current/late model vehicle. - At what cost?

I'm sure there'll be answers to these questions as more information is revealed.

Overall, the Ultifi platform seems like a promising addition or replacement to AAOS. If Ultifi lives up to expectation, then it would be a step in the right direction for GM as AAOS is unrefined, lacking apps, and has configuration limitations.

What are your thoughts regarding Ultifi?

Not sure that is the way to think about it. Android auto isnt going to be replaced by Ultifi - it will just be one of the systems controlled by Ultify. We already know AAOS is coming in more vehicles (Hummer for example) so no reason to think it was a one hit wonder for 2022.

You're right. After looking into this further, I misinterpreted Ultifi as potentially replacing AAOS. Ultifi will be a good addition to GM's platform working along with AAOS. Hopefully AAOS will continue to evolve and receive software updates for improvements along with more apps.

Ultifi is a Linux program with whatever overlay GM puts on it, it should work most of the time till the flash drive get corrupted
any kind of android auto, carplay stuff would just be on the headunit.

Right. So, from what I understand now, Ultifi and Android Automotive OS will work together. Ultifi (Linux program) will be mostly for in-vehicle features/programming and the Infotainment will be ran by Android Automotive OS.

mightymouse said:

Right. So, from what I understand now, Ultifi and Android Automotive OS will work together. Ultifi (Linux program) will be mostly for in-vehicle features/programming and the Infotainment will be ran by Android Automotive OS.

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most likely, the end result is gm want's to make you a permanent source of income this is just the beginning.

Oh yeah, absolutely. I'm sure the in-vehicle upgrades, to keep up and align with new model releases, via Ultifi will be costly. There was mention in an article that the upgrade options (available for purchase) will lower customer need to purchase new cars, thus inducing customer vehicle possession longevity and loyalty. I'm sure this will be appealing to those who feel the need to always have the latest and greatest, but at what cost?

Given GM’s poor software quality history(same for other car manufacturers), I have no confidence that they can pull this off reliably. Even when they acknowledge bad software it takes them years to replace or correct it. Their infotainment systems are perfect examples of the garbage software they have been putting out for many years.

I have even less confidence in their ability to secure the software and to protect the privacy of their customers.

I am not planning to buy any more new GM vehicles but will look for older versions of their cars to buy when I need another vehicle.

Nowadays, along with being the head woke person, the CEO is usually focused most seriously on his/her stock price. The thing that affects stock price more even than earning per share is the P/E ratio. In today's stock market, subscription services revenue is the quickest way to get a P/E re-rating. These days, all CEO's of public companies get really excited when one of their minions bring them a new subscription revenue idea.

Automobiles as a service (along with just about everything else we touch) is coming, whether you like it or not.

chevylade said:

Given GM’s poor software quality history(same for other car manufacturers), I have no confidence that they can pull this off reliably. Even when they acknowledge bad software it takes them years to replace or correct it. Their infotainment systems are perfect examples of the garbage software they have been putting out for many years.

I have even less confidence in their ability to secure the software and to protect the privacy of their customers.

I am not planning to buy any more new GM vehicles but will look for older versions of their cars to buy when I need another vehicle.

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What poor quality software history? I actually think hardware & assembly have been more of a problem for them in the past. The ability for OTA updates changes the game in any case.