The next step in GM’s software plan will hit the market in 2023. Named Utlifi, the software platform will give engineers access to almost every aspect of a vehicle and will allow them to continuously update them as a customer’s ownership experience unfolds.

Building on the Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP), which is already in GM vehicles today, Ultifi will allow both electric and internal combustion vehicles to be updated over the air. That will mean things like new apps and software fixes, as well as the constant development of new vehicle functions.

“Increased flexibility and faster software development are two major benefits of this new technology,” said Scott Miller, GM vice president Software-Defined Vehicle. “Our in-house developers are designing Ultifi to maximize software reuse, which frees up more time to create value-adding features and services for our customers.”

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GM’s software engineers could, for example, use the in-car cameras to start a vehicle with facial recognition. They could also develop services that could automatically turn child locks on if the cameras recognize a child in the back seat.

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Ultifi will also be used as a revenue stream and GM plans to find ways to offer software as a service. Although GM is being careful not to pull a BMW, it says it could offer things like Super Cruise as a one-time feature for people who are curious about it on their next road trip.

Miller told media today that nearly every piece of hardware that is connected to a computer in one way or another could be modified. That could mean new performance settings for vehicles with adaptive chassis, though he was quick to add that GM would never make any enhancements to an engine that would affect its emissions certification.

Over-The-Air Tuning Is A Possibility

Ultifi will form a digital platform on which other services will be written by GM’s own (and authorized third-party) developers. That will mean that Android Auto services will still be available through Ultifi vehicles’ infotainment screens, but could mean that a tuner in theory might be allowed to modify a vehicle, too.

Through the service, a performance tune could potentially be available completely over the air. A child seat manufacturer, meanwhile, could also potentially develop an app to go with its child seat and embed it straight into the vehicle to warn you if a latch hasn’t been properly clasped.

“GM has decades of experience writing vehicle software, creating a solid foundation to build on,” said Mark Reuss, GM president. “Now with Ultifi, we will be able to improve our software continuously, and deliver new features and apps to customers in a fraction of the time.”

Coming In 2023 On New Models

The automaker plans to roll out Ultifi, which uses Linux software, through its entire lineup starting in 2023. Vehicles will be required to have a certain amount of hardware already to run it, though, so older vehicles will not be able to run the system.

Just Like Windows, You Can Opt Out Of Updates

Miller added that GM would require its customers to sign a user agreement for the service since it will collect anonymized data and added that buyers who don’t want their vehicle to be updated constantly could opt out.

GM says it will reveal more information about Ultifi in the coming days and weeks and is planning, specifically, to reveal more at CES, which runs from January 5-8, 2022.