IntelliLink question

[RickC0369]

2018 Essence

Never had a reason to explore the depths of the IntelliLink system, but a situation came up where I was hoping I could add an app of my choice to the car; most of the apps that are included in the ‘entertainment system’ are pointless to me and would love to repopulate the ES with useable ones…
If I understand the ES function correctly, it puts out its own wi-fi signal that I can ‘join’ with a Bluetooth device locally (in the car); wouldnt that make the USB connection redundant (besides charging/Apple CarPlay/AndroidAuto…)?
If I’m able to pair with an iPhone, shouldn’t I be able to drop an app into the ES as well? And what is the point/advantage of buying an ‘mobile Internet’ subscription anyway if my iPhone has almost limitless connectivity?
Again, not sweating over this, just curious on what the limitations could be…

R.

 

[abizzle]

2018 Essence

Never had a reason to explore the depths of the IntelliLink system, but a situation came up where I was hoping I could add an app of my choice to the car; most of the apps that are included in the ‘entertainment system’ are pointless to me and would love to repopulate the ES with useable ones…
If I understand the ES function correctly, it puts out its own wi-fi signal that I can ‘join’ with a Bluetooth device locally (in the car); wouldnt that make the USB connection redundant (besides charging/Apple CarPlay/AndroidAuto…)?
If I’m able to pair with an iPhone, shouldn’t I be able to drop an app into the ES as well? And what is the point/advantage of buying an ‘mobile Internet’ subscription anyway if my iPhone has almost limitless connectivity?
Again, not sweating over this, just curious on what the limitations could be…

R.

You are partially correct. The ES has both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. When referring to Bluetooth, you are pairing your device for the purpose of syncing contacts, streaming audio, hands free calling, etc. Bluetooth is more of a low level communications protocol with a short range. WiFi on the other hand allows up to 7 devices to connect to the ES’ hotspot and share the Internet connection.

The ES has several options for getting Internet access. You can get LTE service from AT&T, which is $25/month for unlimited data. in that scenario your ES becomes just like any other mobile device like phones or tablets. You can also enable the WiFi hotspot on your phone and the ES can connect to the Internet through your phone. That also applies to any other secure hotspot within range of the vehicle. The third option is to tether your phone via USB and share the phone’s Internet connection with the ES.

As for creating or modifying apps, you will need the GM Software Development Kit, available at the GM Developer Website. The SDK includes the Application Programming Interface (API), which allows you to interface with all of the vehicle’s subsystems as well as the Infotaintment system. You can develop apps with the JS Framework or the Android framework and each framework includes an emulator, so you can see how your app looks and works.

I am just now getting into using the SDK myself. I used to be a Web Developer and it’s familiar to me because the JS framework uses HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for creating apps. Sign up for an account at the GM Developer site and download the SDK. The online documentation will help you get everything setup and walk you through creating your first app.

Also, here’s a previous thread related to the SDK:

GM SDK For Next Gen Infotainment

 

[bollox74]

a small add: as an AT&T wireless subscriber I pay only an additional $10 per month for a 4G line for the car that enables the mobile wi-fi hotspot as described above.

 

[abizzle]

a small add: as an AT&T wireless subscriber I pay only an additional $10 per month for a 4G line for the car that enables the mobile wi-fi hotspot as described above.

That’s good to know. Thanks! The $25 plan to which I referred is through OnStar, I believe. Maybe they throw in some extra OnStar features too?

 

[bollox74]

That’s good to know. Thanks! The $25 plan to which I referred is through OnStar, I believe. Maybe they throw in some extra OnStar features too?

very likely they do, I just got the 4G connected. The OnStar folks were definitely salty about it.

 

[RickC0369]

Very enlightening reply, abizzle. Looks like I have some surfing to do….thanks!
R.

 

[abizzle]

Very enlightening reply, abizzle. Looks like I have some surfing to do….thanks!
R.

You‘re welcome, sir. I’m more than happy to share any info I have. Let me know if you get into the SDK. Maybe we can share ideas or collaborate on a project.

 

[LLninja]

a small add: as an AT&T wireless subscriber I pay only an additional $10 per month for a 4G line for the car that enables the mobile wi-fi hotspot as described above.

Thanks for the hint. I think I should do this. I tried to get my TourX to connect to my Phone acting as a wireless hotspot, and it worked (the car could get to the internet). But I couldn’t subsequently get an iPad to work with the car’s wifi hotspot then push and pull data from the car’s connection to my phone.

 

[LLninja]

You‘re welcome, sir. I’m more than happy to share any info I have. Let me know if you get into the SDK. Maybe we can share ideas or collaborate on a project.

I too am new to the TourX and need to get off my butt and download the SDK. Alas, I’m getting slammed at work at the moment. Next week after the customer quarterly review is done, maybe I can find some time.

 

[abizzle]

…need to get off my butt and download the SDK.

You really do, slacker! LOL

I know how it is. Every time I get into a development project I have to prepare myself for losing some sleep.