GM shows off its new app framework at CES 2013 (pictures)

LAS VEGAS--At CES 2013, GM showed off a next generation of its MyLink infotainment system for Chevrolet. Based on GM's new app framework, the system will support apps built by third-party developers, along with standard cabin tech functions such as navigation, digital audio, and hands-free phone calls.

The new system will let car owners browse a library of apps made available by GM and install them in their cars. The apps may range from existing ones, modified to run on GM's app framework, to completely new apps designed for specific vehicles.

The interface, as shown on this LCD, includes eight icons, each representing an app or in-car feature. The style resembles a typical smartphone interface, which should make it familiar to modern car buyers.

One app GM showed off running on this platform is TuneIn, which makes 70,000 Internet radio stations available to drivers. GM is also offering TuneIn integrated with its current Chevy MyLink system in the Spark and Sonic.

To make its vast selection of radio stationS manageable, TuneIn organizes them by category, at the top level separated as Music, Talk, and Sports.

Drivers can also find stations based on the region from which they broadcast, allowing, for example, an Italian driver in the U.S. to find an Italian radio station.

GM also demonstrated the iHeartRadio app, which offers similar functionality to that of TuneIn.

The Weather Channel app shows current weather and a five-day forecast for the car's current location on the dashboard LCD.

The driver can select other displays for weather information from the app.

The Trip Planner feature lets a driver enter a destination to find out what weather will be like on the route.

Weather maps let drivers see conditions throughout a region, helping in route planning and potentially preventing accidents due to extreme weather events.