All About Japan Autos

Cutting edge technology has become more important on the new car market than ever, with manufacturer’s offering electronics that provide more convenience and safety features than ever before. Now Chevrolet is set to do battle with Ford’s popular SYNC infotainment system, introducing their “MyLink” interface which will debut on 2012 Volt and Equinox vehicles. “When these vehicles go on sale later this year, they will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink – an in-car infotainment package that builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth device connectivity,” writes GM.

Chevrolet will be among the first to integrate internet radio into OEM audio systems, although Mini does currently offer similar functionality with the “Mini Connected” interface. Still, MyLink’s list of audio features doesn’t end there. “The MyLink system uses a seven-inch touch-screen display, as well as other advanced technologies such as Gracenote, which identifies songs from either a smartphone or mp3 player and automatically adds artist name, genre and album art on the MyLink screen,” says Left Lane News. “Gracenote also allows for advanced search functions, such as searching for artists by nicknames, not just the precise names used on the track’s data.”

Additionally, MyLink will offer advanced control of most smartphones. “MyLink connects your Android or Blackberry device over Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly access apps,” reports Autoblog. “And if you’re partial to Apple’s iOS devices – namely the iPhone or iPod Touch – you get the same functionality, but can only be controlled by plugging it in via USB.”

Pricing for MyLink has yet to be determined, though you can expect it to be on the options list of 2012 Volt and Equinox models later this year.

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