What's changed for Porsche's infotainment?
First off, and again this is typically Porsche, there's more power. A lot more. In fact, the new hardware delivers up to five times the computing power of the existing PCM setup, which Porsche says will deliver "faster system start-ups, shorter loading times and smoother multitasking."
How has Porsche made its infotainment so much faster?
Porsche says that it's down to a new system-on-chip setup, which is like that of a high-end laptop or mobile phone. Essentially, all of the major functions and computing power are integrated into a single chip. As well as faster response times, the new system means that apps that you've been using can remain active in the background, so it's faster to switch back to them as you go. Needless to say, the new PCM has been set up for lots of over-the-air updates and future development.
What new features will Porsche drivers see?
Porsche says that this new PCM is designed for "a consistent user experience" across multiple models, which must be nice if you have, say, a Taycan for the daily commute and a 911 for weekends. There's a new user interface, called Porsche Digital Interaction, which includes such nice touches as a real 3D render of your actual car, in the correct colour, on screen when you're making settings adjustments. It's not just a pretty picture either, as you'll be able to use that image to select menu items as you go. There are five selectable on-screen themes and customisable layouts so you can set your screens up just the way you like them.
What else does the new Porsche PCM include?
There's a new Navigation Plus app which uses real-time information to better help you find your way around, and if you're driving an electric Porsche, there's a new Porsche Charging Planner which helps you find chargers when you need one, and automatically pre-conditions the battery. There's also a new AI voice assistant, based on a large language model.
Can you add apps to the new Porsche PCM?
Yes. There's a new app store in the PCM, and that's not just for downloading extra apps, but also a way for the Porsche systems to better work with and integrate those apps. For example, if you download Apple Music, you can, if you've ticked the options boxes for either the Bose or Burmester stereos in your car, unlock the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos on Apple Music. The integration of your smartphone into the system is also faster and smarter, and can include displaying your chosen on-phone navigation app in the main instrument cluster, which can then also talk to the car and activate the battery pre-conditioning if you select a fast charger as a destination.
"This new generation of infotainment means we can create a more powerful digital platform that combines enhanced performance, intelligent connectivity and a consistent user experience across multiple model lines. The combination of a modern system-on-chip architecture, Porsche Digital Interaction and an expanded digital ecosystem enables us to continuously develop the in-car Porsche experience," says Oliver Seifert, Porsche's Head of Infotainment & Connect.
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