GM to Utilize AT&T Developer Summit Hackathon to Expand Outreach to Developers

During the 2013 AT&T (News - Alert) Developer Summit Hackathon, General Motors (GM) stated that it will be sponsoring a Connected Car challenge and participants will be provided with access to AT&T’s APIs and developer resources to design and develop resourceful apps. The winning app will be awarded with a Chery Volt or a cash equivalent as the prize.

The Hackathon will be held at the Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas from Jan 5 – 7, 2013 and it is devised for both technical and non-technical attendees to build mobile apps, get some great food, and compete for prizes across different categories.

At the event, new and improved AT&T APIs will be revealed to attendees while participants will get a chance to accustom themselves with the latest tools to build and deploy a mobile app natively or with a website backend, fully hosted in the cloud.

GM explained that many of its vehicles offer an advanced suite of infotainment services and these systems also retain all of the capabilities of today’s entertainment units, including AM/FM radio, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary inputs and USB2 inputs. The systems are also intuitive to use, keep drivers safe on the road and maximize their connectivity.

The advanced Bluetooth technology integrated into the system allows voice recognition to interpret voice commands to dial phone numbers, access a phone’s contact list, play audio and more. This ensures drivers safety by averting distraction.

Chris Penrose, senior vice president of AT&T Emerging Devices at AT&T Mobility, remarked, “Joining forces with GM to enable developer innovation creates an opportunity to improve the connected experience inside automobiles, from both a safety and features standpoint. We’re arming developers with new tools and in return, we want see unique and relevant apps that help deliver our vision of the connected vehicle.”

Mary Chan, vice president of global connected consumer at General Motors (News - Alert), added, “We’re using AT&T’s well-established event as a kick-off activity for GM to expand our outreach to developers and explore new in-vehicle apps and services to offer our customers. We’re particularly interested in apps and services that enhance the overall driving experience, vehicle ownership and uniquely leverage information about the vehicle.”

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