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Next-Gen IntelliLink Enhances Connectivity in 2015 GMC Yukon --including OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi Hotspot


gmc yukon
2015 GMC Yukon

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NAPA, CA--Feb. 25, 2014: The 2015 GMC Yukon’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system is better connected and offers passengers more choices for their increasingly plugged-in lifestyles. It provides easy, intuitive operation of basic functions, yet it is also highly customizable and capable of linking up to 10 devices such as smartphones, SD cards and MP3 players, giving customers more ways of staying connected.

Enhanced connectivity and convenience includes a new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity, to help keep phones in pockets and hands on the wheel.

Additional standard and available features include:

Eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen and multiple USB ports OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (later availability) Next-generation OnStar and IntelliLink enhancements with gesture recognition and natural language voice recognition Available GMC AppShop (later availability) Available navigation.

With OnStar’s 4G LTE connection, each Yukon becomes a mobile hub for drivers and passengers, providing easier access to apps and services that require a high-speed data connection. The vehicle employs an “always on” wireless connection, which is not reliant on a brought-in mobile device. The OnStar 4G LTE connection arrives later in the model year.

A mid-model-year update will also bring 2015 Yukon models a new in-car app marketplace: GMC AppShop. It allows customers to download apps directly to their IntelliLink system and organize, update or delete them. Available apps will connect drivers to music, news, weather, travel information, vehicle data and more. The initial list of apps includes iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, the Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio, TuneIn Radio, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, Glympse and Kaliki.

For all 2015 Yukon models, a standard OnStar Basic Plan is free for five years and includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Dealer Maintenance Notification and RemoteLink Key Fob Services, which allows owners to lock and unlock their vehicle, flash the lights and honk the horn, and even remotely start the engine (on equipped models) using the RemoteLink smartphone app. Additional OnStar services will be available with a paid subscription.

IntelliLink details

IntelliLink is standard on all Yukon and Denali models, and uses a high-definition, fully reconfigurable eight-inch color touch screen with an intuitive layout and easy-to-read icons that control audio features, a Pandora app, Bluetooth phone features, and available navigation with all-new map displays. Many of the system’s features can be controlled by voice command, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

New natural language voice recognition allows customers to place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do. There are no key phrases to remember and no need to look at a screen.

A new, high-resolution, full-color touch-screen display radio is seamlessly integrated into the top of the central instrument panel. It displays a home page resembling a smartphone screen or tablet, with just a few, large buttons and easily recognizable icons to execute commands.

IntelliLink also can be operated via large, clearly labeled knobs, through integrated steering wheel controls, or through the touch screen. The system can store up to 60 favorites including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations, music and other media – a convenient feature for small businesses or owners who travel frequently.

IntelliLink is designed to function as an extension of the owner’s smartphone. Once users connect and properly stow their devices, they can access Audio, Phone and Settings to connect their customized music libraries, contacts, videos and photos with the radio using their smartphones, and the vehicle’s Bluetooth or USB. It also allows customers whose vehicle is equipped with embedded navigation to enter destinations in a single step, without having to enter the state, city, street number and street name in successive efforts. City-by-city weather reports are also provided, as part of a SiriusXM weather feature (with three-month trial period).

Text-to-Voice capability

Text-to-Voice converts incoming messages to speech, reads them over the audio system speakers and allows the driver to reply with preset messages such as, “I’m driving and will contact you later.” Users can create and save their own preset messages when the vehicle is in Park. The feature requires a compatible smartphone with Bluetooth profile and applicable text messaging features.

Customers with a compatible iPhone 4S or 5 running iOS6 or iOS7 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. To further minimize distraction, Siri features Eyes Free Mode, which enables drivers to interact with their iPhones using their voice while keeping the device's screen from lighting up. Users simply pair their iPhone with the IntelliLink radio via Bluetooth, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri.

Visit GM Total Connect for further information on phone and radio capability. Driver safety is General Motors’ first priority. A driver’s focus should remain on driving and texting can usually wait. So, only text and drive with this voice system and never text using a handheld device while driving.