Autoblog

VIDEO: Gag Me With a Yule Log - GM allows kids to track Santa Claus via Onstar

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Santa pays a visit to OnStar -- Click above to view the video after the jump

OnStar has provided nothing but good press lately for General Motors, and the automaker is going to ride that pony all the way to the finish. The next person in line to take advantage of OnStar's benefits is that Arctic gadget freak himself, Santa Claus. Unveiled as an installed option on his new sleigh - which he picked up when he dropped by OnStar HQ - it comes with at least one extra feature you won't be getting anytime soon: a reindeer health meter.

But you haven't been left out of the bonanza. GM has partnered with NORAD so that if you have an OnStar subscription, you can keep track of K. Kringle during his midnight run. From 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve until early Christmas morning, press the blue button and OnStar will update you on the hour with info relayed by the guys deep in the mountain.

It's not a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock, but it's a start. Follow the jump for the press release and watch Santa get his Christmas present.

[Source: OnStar]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gag Me With a Yule Log - GM allows kids to track Santa Claus via Onstar

VIDEO: Gag Me With a Yule Log - GM allows kids to track Santa Claus via Onstar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: TN Senator Corker's daughter carjacked, suspects apprehended via OnStar

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Videos, Celebrities

Senator Corker praises OnStar -- Click above to watch the video

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker had this opinion of OnStar a month ago: "Each month I get the bill for OnStar and [I think], 'I don't want to pay this again.'" Then his daughter Julia was carjacked in Washington D.C. last week driving his Chevrolet Tahoe, and having been yanked out of the car by her throat, she was left lying in the street.

Thankfully, Corker's daughter was all right, and she was able to call her father who was nearby. She also remembered that the vehicle as equipped with General Motors' OnStar system, and within an hour, the service had notified the D.C. police that the Tahoe was parked at a Taco Bell seven miles away in Maryland. Corker said that the carjacking happened about 9:15 pm, and by midnight the suspects had been identified and he was headed back home with his daughter.

His opinion of OnStar now: "this is an incredible service." Follow through to the jump to hear about the ordeal in Corker's words (the OnStar talk begins at about 2:15), or check out CNN for the nitty gritty details. And for proof of the extent of Southern politesse, Corker begins the tale with "A gentleman appeared, opened the door, grabbed her by the neck... and he threw her on the pavement and drove away." A "gentleman?" Hat tip to Berto!

[Sources: Politico; CNN]

Continue reading VIDEO: TN Senator Corker's daughter carjacked, suspects apprehended via OnStar

VIDEO: TN Senator Corker's daughter carjacked, suspects apprehended via OnStar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Hyundai developing competitor for OnStar, Sync... but new system needs a name

Chris Paukert — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of its product and marketing development process, Hyundai has reached out to owners and enthusiasts to create a network of consumers with which to discuss everything from future models and technologies to advertising tactics, polls, and so on.

Autoblog has learned of a communiqué issued to members late last week where Dean Macko, Hyundai's Manager of Brand Strategy, appealed to focus group members to help come up with a name for a new "Advanced Technological System" - a telematics package likened repeatedly to General Motors' OnStar and Ford's Microsoft Sync.

According to Macko, the system Hyundai is pursuing focuses on "four buckets of service": Safety and Security (including theft immobilization and automatic emergency service notification in the event of a crash), Infotainment (wireless connectivity features for telephone, music, etc.), Navigation (like OnStar's turn-by-turn direction service), and Vehicle Diagnostics, a tool for both owners and dealers that could help track the need for maintenance and potentially even notify one's dealer to order parts for a forthcoming repair.

Macko admits Hyundai has come up with a number of possible names on its own, including In Touch, Ring, Fuse and Emerge, but the company is reaching out to its network for suggestions. Calling them "naming experts," Macko indicates that this focus group has already helped come up with titles for future paint colors.

To be clear, in Macko's video message, he only says that Hyundai is "thinking about" introducing such a system - he does not commit to a product, timetable, or price. However, given the tone of his message and the nature of the group that Macko is appealing to, we have to believe that this new technology is just around the corner... perhaps tied to the launch of the Equus luxury sedan?

Hyundai apparently needs these naming suggestions by this Wednesday, November 4, and while most of you probably aren't part of Hyundai's focus group, we know that top company officials trawl these hallowed precincts on a daily basis. Thus, if you have a suggestion of your own, why not drop it in 'Comments' - who knows, they just might pick yours. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus

BREAKING: Hyundai developing competitor for OnStar, Sync... but new system needs a name originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Cadillac

The 700-hp Hennessy CTS-V meets OnStar -- Click above to watch video

On its way to doing the 1/4-mile in 11.07 seconds at 128 mph, a Hennessy-tuned 700-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V hit .99 longitudinal G as it left the start line. By the end of the run the phone inside the car was ringing, and it was your friendly neighborhood OnStar representative wondering "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ok, not quite... but they did have some questions. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Hennessy]

Continue reading VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g

VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar prevents its first high-speed chase

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, GM

We were wondering how long it would take before OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service was used to prevent a high speed chase. Though announced nearly two years ago, the service that allows OnStar to remotely disable a vehicle's gas pedal is still not yet available on all GM models - for 2010, about 18 of 30 vehicles in the lineup have the capability. Early Sunday morning, however, police in Visalia, California were the first to work with OnStar to remotely disable the engine of a stolen 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe and prevent what would have certainly been a high-speed chase. The vehicle in question was allegedly carjacked by a 21-year-old armed with a sawed off shotgun.

The Associated Press reports that the armed assailant pointed a sawed off shotgun at vehicle owner Jose Ruiz and his cousin and demanded their money. After robbing the men, the unwitting thief made off with the Tahoe. Ruiz then found a police officer who called OnStar and had the vehicle tracked, but only after Ruiz gave his permission to do so. OnStar then worked with police to ensure officers were in place to make an arrest, and when the robber made a turn the massive SUV harmlessly came to a stop. OnStar President Walt Dorfstatter told the AP it only took 16 minutes to disable the vehicle. The arrested suspect in the case has been charged with carjacking, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.

Visalia police told the AP that OnStar likely averted a high speed chase, potentially saving lives since most chases end in a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there were 334 fatalities stemming from high speed chases, with 77 of those deaths of people not directly involved in the chase and five officer fatalities.

[Source: Associated Press]

OnStar prevents its first high-speed chase originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford could have problems with SYNC patents

Chris Tutor — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Ford, GM

At first, Ford's SYNC wasn't much more than a way for drivers to access music on their MP3 players through their car's radio. But SYNC grew up and, in its last update, gained the ability to summon help in an emergency, access navigation and information services and, basically, match GM's OnStar.

Ford had Joseph Berry to thank for that. Past tense. Had. Back in July, Ford reportedly terminated Berry without getting him to sign over several key SYNC patents. Berry says the patents are based on ideas he came up with before joining Ford and therefore belong to him. But, he says, he'll be happy to license them to his former employer. Ford basically says, "No comment."

The patents are directly related technologies that allow SYNC to use mobile phones to access data such as weather and real-time traffic information. Berry says he's currently in talks with "several automakers" and the head of GM's OnStar division will only say that they "know who Joe Berry is."

Should Ford SYNC users be concerned about losing service? Probably not. It seems likely that as soon as Berry and all the lawyers get their cut, everything ought to be back to normal at Ford HQ.

UPDATE: Ford Communications Manager Alan Hall tells us that Ford isn't saying "No comment," actually. Here's his official statement, "We do not see any risk to current SYNC technology or further innovation and capability development. There is no chance for service disruption or capability reduction for our SYNC owners. In fact, we look forward to announcing more new SYNC applications for customers in the months ahead."

Hall also sought to clarify ownership of the SYNC brand, saying, "The "SYNC" name is a Ford trademark. It is a Ford brand, and therefore cannot be used by anyone else, including being applied to the Microsoft Auto operating platform. The exclusivity contract with Microsoft for the underlying Auto operating system expired in November of 2008, so they can provide the software to other companies, which includes the base capabilities of Bluetooth and USB connection for voice control. But, all the other applications - 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, and Traffic, Direction & Information - are Ford developed."

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford could have problems with SYNC patents originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar not for sale, expanding into China

Michael Harley — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: China, Technology, GM

Profitable, and with 5.5 million subscribers under its belt, GM's OnStar vehicle telematics system is not for sale, according to a top General Motors executive. "At this point, OnStar is firmly a part of the new GM and is an integral part of GM's future strategy," reports Chet Huber, the outgoing president of OnStar. Huber, who has led the unit since its launch in 1995, made the statement yesterday during a media event with his successor, Walt Dorfstatter.

While GM has been ditching brands to cut expenses, OnStar seems to be doing very well. There are plans to expand the technology across the emerging Chinese marketplace, and its engineering team is determined to push development. "Innovation is at the core of OnStar, just not the dancing hologram type of innovation that some companies try to use as eye candy instead of substance," boasted Huber. The subscription-based system is credited with over 500 patents (and it continues to file for new ones at the rate of one every six days). OnStar recently added an engine-block disabling feature, designed to deter vehicle theft, and is working on its own form of text message integration and traffic reporting.

Even though the relationships with Acura, Audi, Isuzu, Lexus, Subaru, and Volkswagen have ended, executives have not ruled out licensing the technology to other automakers either.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

OnStar not for sale, expanding into China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar announces Remote Ignition Block for stolen vehicles

Dan Roth — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Technology

OnStar already has anti-theft features like Stolen Vehicle Slowdown to fight back when your General Motors vehicle has been ripped off. Beefing up the arsenal, OnStar has a new trick: Remote Ignition Block. When an OnStar subscriber reports a vehicle stolen and authorities confirm, Remote Ignition Block uses GPS to ping the car and prevent it from starting.

The service will be available on two million cars, and the hope is that it will help you get your lifted Chevrolet Camaro back before it winds up on World's Wildest Police Chases. There's always the danger that a perp will trash the car anyway when it becomes unresponsive, but at least that's not as risky to innocent bystanders as a full-on pursuit. OnStar officials say they have seen good response to this latest new service. 97% of current subscribers surveyed apparently would like the new function, although it remains to be seen how many of those interested parties will convert into actual customers. Press release after the jump.

[Source: OnStar]

Continue reading OnStar announces Remote Ignition Block for stolen vehicles

OnStar announces Remote Ignition Block for stolen vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar getting upgrade for pinpoint accuracy in emergencies

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, GM

In the event of a crash, vehicle sensors gather up information and connects an OnStar adviser to a vehicle. OnStar can then contact emergency services and provide information regarding the severity of the crash, with information about airbags deployed and type of impact.

In the past, OnStar advisers would have to give emergency services a detailed description of the location of the accident.
Subscribers to the telematics system will benefit from new technology that will enable OnStar to electronically transmit precise longitude and longitude coordinates directly to the 911 center. Where available, the Automatic Location Identification (ALI) data display will show the authorities exactly where you're located, with almost zero opportunity for error.

While OnStar didn't always sound like such a great deal, real-time directions and accident assist makes it a near must have for anyone owning a GM vehicle. Now GM just needs to sell the service to other automakers so the General can make a tidy profit off of its investment. Hit the jump to see the GM OnStar press release.

Continue reading OnStar getting upgrade for pinpoint accuracy in emergencies

OnStar getting upgrade for pinpoint accuracy in emergencies originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: OnStar to add hands-free Twitter functionality?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, GM, Rumormill

General Motors' OnStar in-car communications system can give you directions or help you make a phone call, and soon it may also be able to send and receive Tweets. Gear Live recently received a survey from the General announcing that Twitter functionality could soon be on the way.

With a press of a vehicle's OnStar button, users will reportedly be able to send voice-activated Tweets of up to 140 characters to everyone in their Twitter network. The text would automatically be added to the owner's Twitter account via the "What are you doing?" section at the top of the page. The system would also read aloud messages that are sent to the OnStar user.

Adding Twitter functionality would be a boon for fans of the social networking site, while also giving users less of an incentive to take their eyes off the road to check for messages on their smart phone, although the jury's still out on whether this can be done safely. From where we sit, this innovation would make even more sense applied to all text messages (not unlike Ford's Sync), which has somehow become a preferred means of communications for everyone on the planet under the age of 30. Thanks for the tip, Jonathan!

[Source: Tech Crunch]

Rumormill: OnStar to add hands-free Twitter functionality? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar for everyone! GM offering service to other automakers

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, GM

GM is out to win hearts and minds, one OnStar-equipped vehicle at a time. The General is talking to other carmakers about offering OnStar, which would be a return to previous practice. The service was linked with six other brands in the past, including Audi, Acura, and Lexus, but the ties were cut around the time cellular communications switched to digital from analog.

Now OnStar is ready to start adding friends to its profile again, and not just in the U.S. and Canada: the General is looking at expanding into other countries. GM says the driver aid has been getting more profitable for GM over the years, and that's in spite of reduced car sales. About 20% of used car buyers have been adding the service, which has kept the six-million-strong subscriber base growing. This looks like a good situation all around: GM makes money, customers get services, call centers don't need to be replicated. We just hope that the partners keep in-car navigation as well -- that turn-by-turn stuff is for the birds.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

OnStar for everyone! GM offering service to other automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2009: Dodge Journey to get OnStar-like features this summer

Chris Tutor — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge

On our final night in Vegas, Hughes Telematics invited us over to talk about their work in... well... telematics. Among their demo vehicles was a Dodge Journey outfitted with what is essentially Chrysler's version of OnStar. The Journey will be Chrysler's first product with the service and should be available this summer.

We're not certain what name the new service will get, but it essentially offers the same basic services General Motors' vehciles have. Press a button on the rearview mirror and talk with an assistant at Hughes' own call center to unlock doors and provide directions. The system will also alert rescue agencies of an crash.

Pricing and exact date of availability are both unknown. Hughes reps said that their company is in talks with Chrysler to develop much more elaborate systems with many more features, some of which we were able to check out. We'll be able to post more on that later. But until then you can refresh on what Hughes Telematics told us at CES 2008.

CES 2009: Dodge Journey to get OnStar-like features this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota announces telematics service: Safety Connect and Lexus Enform

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales has announced a new in-car convenience telematics program for select Toyota and Lexus models that sounds a lot like GM's popular OnStar program. The proprietary system will be dubbed Safety Connect for Toyota buyers and Lexus Enform for ToMoCo's luxury brand. There's a lengthy press release after the jump, but here are the salient points. Safety Connect is the core service and, as its name implies, is designed to give drivers additional peace of mind.

The system features four different safety and security elements: Automatic Collision Notification (ACN), an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location (SVL), and Roadside Assistance. Using embedded cellular and GPS, it can signal help if there's an airbag deployment or a severe rear-end collision. If the system isn't triggered automatically, the Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) can be used to contact the help center manually. If the car is stolen it can be tracked once a police report is filed. The system also includes Roadside Assistance through the SOS button when the driver needs mechanical assistance.

The Lexus Enform service builds on the basic Safety Connect concept and adds convenience features that Lexus owners will undoubtedly appreciate: Destination Assist and eDestination. Destination Assist provides a live operator who can help with directions or suggest destinations like local points of interest, gas stations or even Zagat-rated restaurants. Once the driver makes a choice, the destination can be sent wirelessly to the vehicle's navigation system. If they want to do the planning themselves, eDestination can be accessed from any PC with owners relaying info to the car's sat-nav.

The whole thing will be accessible by voice command through Lexus' casual-speech voice recognition system, the Flexible Voice Interface, currently scheduled to debut on the 2010 RX. Other features will include Mobile Audio Casts with Lexus Insider and XM Radio. Lexus Insider will provide mini programs and news updates sent automatically that can be accessed at the push of a button. Traffic and weather updates will also be available through XM.

Safety Connect and Lexus Enform will start showing up on select models beginning late this summer with included one-year trial subscriptions.

Gallery: Toyota Safety Connect and Lexus Enform

Continue reading Toyota announces telematics service: Safety Connect and Lexus Enform

Toyota announces telematics service: Safety Connect and Lexus Enform originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest

Alex Nunez — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Safety, Technology

As GM has reminded us in numerous ad campaigns, OnStar can summon help if you get into trouble while at the wheel of a car or truck equipped with the service. One Paul W. Sinker III of Stroudsbourg, PA probably wishes he'd been driving something without the factory-installed blue button after his OnStar setup worked exactly as advertised early New Year's Day. According to the The Morning Call newspaper, the 22-year-old driver had gotten his car stuck in the mud. OnStar summoned the police (it's not made clear whether this was initiated by the driver or the system acted proactively in Omniscient Being mode), and officers arrived on-scene at around 1 A.M. From there, Mr. Sinker's kickoff to 2009 made like the Andrea Doria. The police smelled booze on his breath, a field sobriety test ended with an arrest, and the whole affair subsequently hit the AP wire. Listen, we shed zero tears for drunk drivers given the opportunity to model the latest Smith & Wesson jewelery, but this particular tale also serves as a reminder that your car's techno features can indeed come back to bite you - or in this particular case, get you pinched.

[Source: The Morning Call]

Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: See how OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown works on the road

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, GM

Click the image above to view the video

Needless to say, stealing cars is big business. If your vehicle becomes a target for thieves, there's a good chance it will be stripped of its parts and scrapped within days or even hours of being stolen. There are plenty of security options to locate your vehicle, but OnStar takes it one stop further by powering down the vehicle in a safe fashion. A simple call between you, the police, and OnStar can activate the vehicle slowdown system, which lets the driver continue to steer and brake as needed, but the engine decelerates until the vehicle stops safely.

The bloggers over at Kicking Tires took a Chevy Impala equipped with Stolen Vehicle Slowdown for a spin to see exactly how it works. Hit the jump to view the video, and let us know if you think OnStar's system will deter thieves from stealing GM products.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Continue reading VIDEO: See how OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown works on the road

VIDEO: See how OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown works on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's OnStar will track your annual mileage... but only for your benefit

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, GM

We've heard it before: "We're going to collect the information, but it won't go beyond..." The latest take on "Let us help you with technology" comes courtesy of GM's OnStar, which is offering you the opportunity to have your annual mileage tracked. The info will be given to their GMAC arm, which will then see if you qualify for insurance discounts. That sounds good, right?

Of course, no one mentions the other side -- that they can also see if you need a higher premium. "You told us this car was just for weekend recreation, Mr. Smith..." Signing up for the OnStar service is voluntary, so it's not going to start watching you until you say so... yet. But if you really do think you're paying too much, then why not. They probably already know everything about you, anyway... Thanks for the tip, Myles!

[Source: Top Speed]

GM's OnStar will track your annual mileage... but only for your benefit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next generation of in-car tech may be sponsored by advertisers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Marketing/Advertising, Technology

Not surprisingly, young car buyers want their new cars filled with as much technology as possible. Specifically, navigation systems and in-car telematics like Ford's SYNC and General Motors' OnStar are highly desirable among 16-24 year-old car buyers. As it turns out, though, it is that same demographic that is least willing to pay for these features. So, what's the solution? Advertising. As we've noted before, the chances seem good that at some point in the not-too-distant future, our navigation screens will show us local spots with preference given to those establishments that have paid for placement.

Not everyone is likely to be happy about this trend. Besides the irritation of a constant barrage of advertisements, there is also a danger in letting your car know too much about you. If your vehicle were to track your movements, or even purchases made from inside your vehicle, that information could be made available to other organizations. Those concerned that "Big Brother" is watching them may not want features like this keeping their eyes on our driving habits. On the flip side, this knowledge could make for advertisements in which we're truly interested. And, would it be so bad if your car alerted you to an upcoming speed trap? Just so long as it's not installed in a certain Plymouth Fury from '58...

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Next generation of in-car tech may be sponsored by advertisers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar reveals trio of new navigation features

John Neff — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, GM

We always wondered how a phone-based concierge service would fit into a world that's populated with DVD-based navigation systems that contain millions of points of interest. General Motors' OnStar service, however, has weathered the arrival of in-dash and third-party nav systems quite nicely, thank you very much. Today the service announced a trio of new features, including one called OnStar Destination Download that marries its main selling point (speaking with a human being) to the power of GM vehicles equipped with a screen-based nav system. Unlike with most vehicles that feature a built-in nav, OnStar subscribers using this new service don't have to stop their vehicles to input a destination. They can push the little blue OnStar button and give the destination verbally to an advisor who will then download it into the car's screen-based nav. All this happens on the go and is completely hands-free, except for pushing the OnStar button.

The second service is called OnStar eNav, which was first announced almost a year ago, that lets subscribers plan their trips on MapQuest (disclaimer: MapQuest is owned by AOL and so is Autoblog. Small world, huh?) and call them up later from within their vehicle. A user will again push the OnStar button and follow voice commands to retrieve their directions. This service, however, does not input the directions into your screen-based nav system, but instead uses OnStar's Turn-by-Turn voice navigation to guide you.

Finally, OnStar subscribers with screen-based nav systems will also benefit from the company signing up with the XM NavTraffic service. This service, which allows the nav system to reroute around poor traffic conditions, is already used on a small handful of GM vehicles, but will expand in 2009 to all 22 vehicles the automaker offers with screen-based nav systems.
[Source: GM]

Continue reading OnStar reveals trio of new navigation features

OnStar reveals trio of new navigation features originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford offers SmartAlert system to compete with OnStar

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Lifestyle

If SYNC sells cars for Ford, the Blue Oval is now going to see how well its latest electronic add-on moves the metal. In an effort to compete with OnStar, Ford has developed SmartAlert with a company called SkyWay Systems, Inc., of Colorado. Available to be installed by dealers by Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury dealers, SmartAlert uses GPS and can operate as a stolen car tracking service, and it will be connected to a call center that can unlock your doors for you. The system can also keep track of your speed, so teens beware: parents can set the system up to alert them to your lead-footed ways via cell phone, e-mail, or text message. To have SmartAlert installed will cost from $700 to $1,200 for the first year, after which, as with OnStar, customers will pay a monthly fee. Add this to the new features coming in SYNC 2.0 like 911 Assist, and it appears we have a nice little rivalry going in the field of in-car telematics.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Ford offers SmartAlert system to compete with OnStar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2008: CarShield offers telematics on the (kinda) cheap

Chris Tutor — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Safety

That little red box contains a lot of electronic goodies that, until now, were only available as options on newer vehicles. Plug that plastic rectangle into your car's diagnostics port and CarShield puts you in touch with your car like never before.

Like most simple telematic systems, it contains cellular capabilities, GPS and Bluetooth. Those technologies allow car owners to open locked car doors with a Bluetooth mobile phone and track where there car is, has been or is going. Got a teen driver? If the little brat ventures outside your pre-determined boundaries, the CarShield will send you a text message to let you know.

Perhaps more useful to the general population, though, are CarShields diagnostic features. It monitors your car's health, and alerts you via text message if your battery is getting weak, if your tires are low or, in some cars, if you need an oil change.

Continue reading CES 2008: CarShield offers telematics on the (kinda) cheap

CES 2008: CarShield offers telematics on the (kinda) cheap originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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