Cars are quickly becoming the new connected devices. Equipped with voice-command, streaming media centers, navigation displays and more, the newest line of vehicles out of major automakers are borrowing more from computers, the web and mobile technology than ever before. Now, riding this wave of rapid change, General Motors — a company still seemingly recovering from its bankruptcy — has launched its own venture capital arm. Called General Motors Ventures, this new entity will be distributing $100 million to smaller companies developing groundbreaking automotive features, starting on July 1.
It’s meaningful that GM is the first of its brethren to make this move. Its Chevy Volt has gotten a lot of good press for being one of the most technologically advanced cars to hit the marker — beyond is unique electric powertrain. Just last month, it announced that it would be using the Android operating system to provide navigation tools in addition to its OnStar system. The news has prompted the media and analysts alike to dub it the first “Android car” — a cutting edge distinction.
I notice Google has managed to weasel itself into the mix.
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