Want to get a free iPad 3? One way to get a free iPad 3 is to buy a 2013 Cadillac XTS. General Motors, the automaker that manufactures the Cadillac recently initiated a program that gives a free iPad 3 (with Wi-Fi) to every customer who buys a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The free iPad will come loaded with an application for CUE – short for Cadillac User Experience – to help customers become better acquainted with GM’s new multimedia system.
For many years, Cadillac was the undisputed leader in American made luxury cars. Recently though, the Cadillac brand has lost some of its luster, due in part to intense competition in the luxury car market from Lexus, BMW and other companies. With the Cadillac XTS, GM is trying to increase sales of its legendary luxury car by appealing to the new generation of tech savvy consumer.
According to GM, their new Cadillac XTS luxury sedan is the most technologically advanced production car in the model’s long history. The 2013 Cadillac XTS is the first Cadillac to come equipped with GM’s highly touted CUE system. What’s CUE? CUE is a highly customizable user interface that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls for information and media control. The CUE screen is situated in a center display console. The CUE system features several unique features, including capacitive-touch control with proximity sensing, haptic feedback, gesture recognition and natural voice recognition.
As stated above, the free iPad will come with the CUE app already installed. The CUE iPad app replicates the center screen that is the hub of the new system, letting owners “test drive” the touch-sensitive system found in their new vehicles. The app mimics many of the controls and features that owners will see in the center display console on their XTS. The app also provides users with instructional videos and other information. The CUE app went on sale in May 2012 and can be downloaded from the App Store.
In addition to CUE, the XTS iPad comes preloaded with other apps such as OnStar RemoteLink and MyCadillac App, which lets users locate a Cadillac dealer, schedule maintenance and repair or call for emergency roadside assistance.
GM isn’t the first automaker to reward its customers with a new iPad. At one time auto manufacturer Hyundai was giving away iPads with their Equus luxury sedans. The iPad was supposed to take the place of a printed owner’s manual. According to Hyundai’s US CEO John Krafcik, most of the Equus customers already had their own smart-phone, iPad or other digital device; another was not needed for information that could be easily downloaded from the Internet to any device.
The new 2013 Cadillac XTS went on sale last month with prices starting at $44,995.00 USD. The CUE system will also be available in Cadillac’s ATS and SRX models later on this year.
An iPad isn’t critical to learning how to operate the XTS’ CUE system. It might seem a little ostentatious to give away an iPad as a driver’s guide – but hey, we’re talking about a Cadillac! The promotion has generated a lot of attention, though. Automobile buyers who wouldn’t normally have considered by purchasing a Cadillac may give the luxury brand another look.
==== About the Author ====
Jeff Vance is an internet content specialist working for LaptopScreenSource.com.au, an Australian company that specializes in providing OEM replacement laptop and iPad digitizer screens.
