The real reason seems to be clear: data and revenue. Like other automakers, GM is looking to monetize data-driven add-on features and services. They're hoping to achieve profit margins of over 20% on "new businesses" by 2030, and the all-new subscription-based infotainment system will play the central part.
This is a familiar approach; every automaker now wants to be the next Netflix of the auto industry, where your car becomes another subscription service.
GM's competitor, Ford, is also vying for a slice of this pie, aiming to create a "software-defined vehicle" with over-the-air updates and paid features.
I think freemium car features are coming. Such as, car comes with all luxury features but have to subscribe to access them. Heated seats, dashcam, power doors…you better have that premium subscription or they don’t work.
On one hand, fuuuuck that…but on the ooooother hand…I kind of can’t wait to be able to hack my car to get more features for free like unlocking the hidden extra core or cache on old CPUs.
I mean I don’t give a shit about EULAs, if they put it in the car I bought in gonna fucking use it lol.
I'm perfectly ok ignoring/minimizing my interaction with whatever broken system they install. I'll run bluetooth speakers off the usb ports and continue to use my phone or a tablet to get the functionality I really want. and of course i'll take this into consideration when buying new cars.
they've been trying hard for years to break into this market. EV (and tesla's example) are giving them an excuse to try harder. too much money is on the line.