The sixth generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is being introduced in all Cayenne models. The most significant innovations include in-depth integration of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts streaming services into the PCM and the inclusion of Android Auto for the first time. In addition, the Voice Pilot voice assistant can now understand instructions in more natural language and is capable of learning. The navigation system calculates faster and displays its information more clearly. PCM 6.0 also ensures that software updates for the control units can be carried out in future using over-the-air technology – wirelessly and without the need to visit a workshop.
Additional flexibility with Android Auto
The new PCM 6.0 also features the integration of Android Auto. In addition to Apple’s iPhones, smartphones with Google’s Android operating system can now also be integrated into the infotainment system of Porsche models. This takes place automatically as soon as the mobile phone is connected to the vehicle via USB cable, at which point phone functions and smartphone apps that do not affect driving safety can be operated via PCM 6.0.
Porsche seamlessly integrates Apple Podcasts and Apple Music into the vehicle
Apple Music subscribers have ad-free access to more than 75 million songs thanks to a free three-year in-car internet connection. They can also stream thousands of playlists and choose every day from selections curated by the world’s best current music experts. They also have access to all artists and radio hosts who broadcast on the global livestream stations Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits and Apple Music Country. More than 1.5 million podcasts on the world-leading Apple Podcasts platform are also available to Porsche drivers, providing information, entertainment and inspiration on every journey. To access these, all they have to do is to connect to their vehicle using their Apple ID. The smartphone does not even have to be in the car in order to use Apple Podcasts or Apple Music.
“We have succeeded in combining the classic radio experience with the modern streaming experience,” says Martin Bayer, Team Leader Navigation and Infotainment at Porsche AG. “It is not just about listening to music, but rather the in-depth integration of Apple Music into the Porsche infotainment system. The driver can add a song that they hear on the radio to an Apple playlist so that they can listen to it again later. Or, if the driver likes a particular artist on the radio, they can switch to a specific Apple station that will play only their music.”
Porsche vehicles equipped with the new PCM 6.0 also feature wireless support for Apple CarPlay. This allows customers to easily establish a wireless connection between their iPhone and the vehicle. By simply tapping the touchscreen display or using Siri voice control, they can receive traffic-optimised navigation routes, make voice calls, send and receive messages and play music and podcasts. And they can keep their eyes on the traffic at all times while doing so.
Voice Pilot is now more human
It will now be possible to simply say “Hey Porsche”, as is already the case in the Taycan. The vehicle will then carry out commands without the driver having to take their hands off the steering wheel or their eyes off the road. For example, the phrase “I need petrol” results in the navigation system finding a route to the next filling station. Saying “I am cold” automatically increases the interior temperature, while massage seats or ambient lighting can also be voice-controlled as required. Voice Pilot is permanently online and continually learns new phrases: over time, the system will keep improving, providing more and more support to the driver.
The navigation system is now more powerful
The new hardware and software architecture of PCM 6.0 allows even faster calculations by the navigation system – always taking into account real-time traffic information. The significantly reduced and more clearly designed map view is also a factor that contributes to the speed at which information is provided. Using real-time traffic data, roads are shown in different colours depending on the traffic situation. The route monitor permits fast access to all relevant information. Among other things, traffic jams and waypoints on the route are shown in a clear way. The Porsche navigation system now also shows traffic information for individual lanes.
More intensive communication between human and machine
With PCM 6.0, Porsche brings the digital functions of the Taycan electric sports car to combustion engine models for the first time. The interactive digital 'Good to know – Driver’s Manual' is integrated into the system, smartphone calendar entries are displayed on the PCM 6.0 touchscreen via the Porsche Connect app and, if there is an active Bluetooth connection between car and smartphone, Porsche drivers can also dial into conference calls using the calendar service. Software updates for the infotainment system are also possible via over-the-air technology.
