[WOTsUp?]

Hey all, I noticed the 2019's got a very nice refresh to both the MyLink and digital dash software and, well, I want it. Is this something my dealer or I could update my 2018 1SS to, or are there new hardware requirements?

[TJay74]

I highly doubt it, I went thru this on my 2014 Sierra. The software was year specific from 14 to 15 to 16 to 17. Neither time was it backwards compatible.

[GTPprix]

It’s not software it’s hardware and the 2019 infotainment is buggy as all get out.

[Airfuel]

Originally Posted by GTPprix

It’s not software it’s hardware and the 2019 infotainment is buggy as all get out.

Tell us more.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by TJay74

I highly doubt it, I went thru this on my 2014 Sierra. The software was year specific from 14 to 15 to 16 to 17. Neither time was it backwards compatible.

This feels like a bad strategy to me, GM could fleece people left and right with nice combo HW+SW upgrades to older models, and then they could even tout this back compat feat as a service to their loyal customers.

Of course this would not be economical in every case, but if they're smart, which I believe to be the case, they can develop both HW and SW in a way that releasing an upgraded module after a midterm refresh should cost them next to nothing (pay a few interns or junior devs to backport the software, make the hardware backward compatible in the first place).

The new '19 wireless charging module that is plug and play with '16-'18 Camaros is a simple example, they can make easy money on that one because it pays for itself even after selling only a few.

The infotainment system is more complex of course, but it shouldn't be rocket science. ECM/engine or TCM/transmission upgrades I wouldn't expect, but many people would pay extra for those nicer icons, more modern layout and feature access, and the higher resolution display. I bet some would even be willing to spring $1k for the rear view camera even at the cost of giving up homelink.

[cellsafemode]

Nothing about the infotainment system needs to be complex or hard. It just needs legally mandated software api standards and hardware standards. It would be trivial to keep the vehicle specific settings separate and tied to the vehicle and have the entertainment portion completely separate. Anyone rocking android auto already essentially does this. This would just be an additional layer of flexibility and user choice. So you can bet the major auto manufacturers will never do it unless legally forced to.

[Airfuel]

Newsflash. GM doesn’t care about your old car and does not want to enhance, update or improve it.
They want you to get sick of it and buy a new car!

[SSport16]

Originally Posted by Airfuel

Newsflash. GM doesn’t care about your old car and does not want to enhance, update or improve it.
They want you to get sick of it and buy a new car!

Exactly! This is why they force you into buying a newer vehicle if you desire those "new" features. Do I think it is right, no, because they screw over loyal GM owners like myself. Having said that, little things like that don't really bother me, I am happy with the current MyLink system, not much different and not worth moving into another vehicle just for that. I would rather wait until a new gen comes around to upgrade.

[TJay74]

I can promise after spending 2 years work with the Chief Engineer over the truck division and having GM engineers at my house 4 different times, it will be like Chris said. On the trucks it was a combo of the software and on some years the hardware that kept the update from being backwards compatible.

When the 14's wen thru the infotainment issues GM eventually used the programming from the 2016 system and had to modify and re-write the code to try and fix the issues in the 2014 trucks, and it still didnt work. The coding issues alone and the validation process added almost a year alone to getting the beta update rolled out. I was the 1st customer in the USA to get the update as they flew the engineers out to my dealership to install it, and it still didnt work or fix the issue.

Chris will be able to answer better, but I bet you cant get the 2019+ refresh without changing out some hardware and a software update.

I see the update feature from both sides, sure it would be nice if GM would allow older customers to get the update, but then the liability and having to warranty the update if any issues arise is one issue. The other is yes, to also drive sales of the new model.

And I dont know of any manufacture that offers hardware/software updates to roll new features out backwards to older vehicles. I know Ford doesnt, Audi doesnt and most other manufactures dont.

[bturner2]

This is why so many people like aftermarket entertainment systems. I'm on my third update to my 5 year old Pioneer system in my F150. The last one completely changed the look of the interface, which I really like. Feels like I got a new system.

If Pioneer can do it don't tell me GM, Ford or Chrysler can't. The issue is they decide to engineer something from scratch, in a vacuum that follows no industry standards then can't understand why nothing works or customers hate it when it's implemented. They'll farm out everything from transmissions to brake systems but for some reason think they know better than the industry when it comes to infotainment.

[2SSRS@Gen5diy]

I liked the old days when you can order a car without any radio in the car, and then go get your own installed, did that when i ordered a 2gen f body.

[Camaro_QC]

Originally Posted by TJay74

And I dont know of any manufacture that offers hardware/software updates to roll new features out backwards to older vehicles. I know Ford doesnt, Audi doesnt and most other manufactures dont.

If I am not mistaken, Mazda is doing it. I know the 2019 models 3 will get the android auto and Apple carplay and you can pay something like 250$ CAD to get your system updated. It is written on their Canadian website.

[gblaue]

Infotainment bus in the 2019’s have switched from MOST to EthernetAVB. This is a huge architectural change. I wouldn’t count on a way to upgrade.

[cmitchell17]

Originally Posted by gblaue

Infotainment bus in the 2019’s have switched from MOST to EthernetAVB. This is a huge architectural change. I wouldn’t count on a way to upgrade.

Do you know if they are making any other BUS changes? I have heard that they are trying to encrypt all data sent over the bus now, which I guess we can basically say goodbye to any tuning, modifying, or customizing.

I have a 2017 and I haven't been able to find any info about trying to customize or hack the mylink system, theres a lot of stuff I would love to be able to do.