Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[OnStar RemoteLink mobile app coming standard on all new GM vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/onstar-remotelink-mobile-app-coming-standard-on-all-new-gm-vehic/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/onstar-remotelink-mobile-app-coming-standard-on-all-new-gm-vehic/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/onstar-remotelink-mobile-app-coming-standard-on-all-new-gm-vehic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



As an evolution and improvement of its OnStar technology, General Motors has announced that it will be expanding the RemoteLink Mobile App on most 2014 model year Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. The new, aptly named RemoteLink Key Fob Services will allow users to remotely operate all of the same systems as the car's key fob, including locking and unlocking the doors and remote starting (on vehicles equipped with a factory remote starter) using a smartphone.

These Key Fob Services will be free for five years - starting from the vehicle's delivery date - but the full suite of RemoteLink features will continue to be offered only with a subscription (trial or paid). These premium features include contacting a live adviser, getting turn-by-turn directions and remotely monitoring the vehicle's diagnostic systems.

Scroll down below for the complete press release with all the details.

Continue reading OnStar RemoteLink mobile app coming standard on all new GM vehicles

OnStar RemoteLink mobile app coming standard on all new GM vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickcadillacchevygeneral motorsgmgmcmobile appsonstarOnStar remotelinkremotelink key fob servicesremotelink mobile appsThu, 06 Jun 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20600314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/onstar-remotelink-mobile-app-coming-standard-on-all-new-gm-vehic/20600314/article-detail.xml 20600314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/gm-onstar-remotelink-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/gm-onstar-remotelink-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/chevy-announces-spark-sonic-will-be-first-to-integrate-apples/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/chevy-announces-spark-sonic-will-be-first-to-integrate-apples/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/chevy-announces-spark-sonic-will-be-first-to-integrate-apples/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet MyLink with Apple Siri Eyes Free

Get ready for Siri in your car. Early in 2013, Chevrolet will be the first automaker to roll out Apple's Eyes Free technology, showing up initially in the Spark (in 1LT and 2LT trims) and Sonic (in LTZ and RS versions). Both models also come with six months of OnStar service included for free, which also includes a smartphone app - available for Android, iOS or Blackberry.

Here's what Siri in your Chevy Spark or Sonic can do:
  • Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on your iPhone
  • Play songs in the iTunes library, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
  • Listen to, compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
  • Access Calendar and add appointments
  • Minimize distraction by keeping the screen of the iPhone from lighting up, even when Siri answers simple questions, such as game scores or the dates of national holidays
  • While in Eyes Free mode, Siri will not provide answers to complex questions that require displaying a web page.
Chevrolet MyLink in 2014 ImpalaOwners will need a compatible iPhone (4S or 5, running iOS6) to use Siri Eyes Free, connected through Bluetooth to Chevy's MyLink infotainment system.

Speaking of which, Chevrolet has also announced that the next generation of its MyLink technology (see the image to the right) will debut with the 2014 Impala. Later in the year it will also show up in GM's new full-size trucks and SUVs and the Corvette.

There are all kinds of new features in the next-gen MyLink, but one headliner is Chevy's first use of natural voice recognition. There will also be four optional graphic treatments to choose from, large icons on the touch screen plus a set of old-fashioned knobs and steering wheel controls.

Check out all the details in the dual press releases and trio of videos below.

Continue reading Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos]

Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechevroletchevy mylinkgeneral motorsgmimpalamylinkonstarsirisiri eyes freesonicsparkTue, 27 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20389357/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/27/chevy-announces-spark-sonic-will-be-first-to-integrate-apples/20389357/article-detail.xml 20389357 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/chevymylinksiri_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/chevymylinksiri.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Giveaway: Win an OnStar FMV with 2-year subscription]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/autoblog-giveaway-win-an-onstar-fmv-with-2-year-subscription/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/autoblog-giveaway-win-an-onstar-fmv-with-2-year-subscription/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/autoblog-giveaway-win-an-onstar-fmv-with-2-year-subscription/#comments

Enter Sweepstakes We're back with another giveaway, this time courtesy of OnStar. The General Motors subsidiary that single handedly created this new industry of bundled safety, security and communications technologies with its integrated OnStar system is now offering that suite of services to every car owner, not just GM customers.

Called the OnStar FMV, this product bakes all of OnStar's features into a rearview mirror that can be installed in almost any car, new or old. Those features include:
  • Automatic Crash Response - Triggered by an accelerometer in the mirror, help is sent automatically
  • Turn-by-Turn navigation - Tell an Advisor where you want to go and spoken turn-by-turn directions are provided
  • Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance - Uses GPS to track your vehicle
  • Roadside Assistance - Help for you and a red button for emergency assistance
  • Handsfree Calling - Through OnStar service or through Bluetooth connection to mobile phone
We're giving away not only an OnStar FMV, but installation and a two-year subscription are included for a total prize value of $697! We haven't given away a prize this valuable in a long time, so make sure you enter on our Facebook page between now and 5:00 PM EST on Monday, September, 24.

When you enter, you'll also get a unique URL to share with friends via Facebook, Twitter and email. If they use it to enter, you get more entries! See below for the rules of the sweepstakes.

The Rules:
  • Click here to enter. Requires that you Like the Autoblog Facebook page. Additional entries can be earned if your friends use a unique URL given to you to enter.
  • Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older! (Sorry, Canada!)
  • The winner will be chosen randomly. One winner will win an OnStar FMV, installation and a two-year service subscription valued at $697.
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within five days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
  • Entries can be submitted until Monday, September 24, 2012 at 5:00 PM EST.

Autoblog Giveaway: Win an OnStar FMV with 2-year subscription originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog giveawaygiveawayonstaronstar fmvMon, 17 Sep 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20323914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/autoblog-giveaway-win-an-onstar-fmv-with-2-year-subscription/20323914/article-detail.xml 20323914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/onstar-fmv-autoblog-giveaway_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/onstar-fmv-autoblog-giveaway.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar bug forces GM to halt deliveries on 60,000 vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GM OnStar

General Motors stopped the sale of certain 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt models as well as 2013 Buick Verano units, GMC Terrain crossovers and 2012 Cadillac SRX, XTS and ATS vehicles due to a problem with the onboard OnStar crash notification system. According to Automtotive News, the affected units would not notify emergency responders of an accident in any collision that did not actuate the vehicle's airbags. That could include rear-end impacts. GM says the software glitch won't take long to address and doesn't impact the crash notification system in accidents that involve deployed airbags. The trouble doesn't prevent the airbags from deploying, either.

All told, the stop-sale covers around 60,000 vehicles already on dealer lots. GM has already cleared some of those for sale thanks to a remote reflash sent through the OnStar system. Automotive News reports that unfortunately, the fix hasn't worked on every vehicle, and dealers are having to manually install the fix on the remainder of the impacted units. GM expects the repair to be completed by the end of September.

OnStar bug forces GM to halt deliveries on 60,000 vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atsbuickcadillacchevroletcruzeequinoxgmgm stop salegmconstarstop saleveranovoltxtsMon, 10 Sep 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319315/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/20319315/article-detail.xml 20319315 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gm-onstar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gm-onstar.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar expands service to Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/onstar-expands-service-to-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/onstar-expands-service-to-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/onstar-expands-service-to-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



"Bienvenidos a OnStar."

General Motors Co. announced this afternoon that it's taking its OnStar services south of the border and will begin offering them in Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles sold in Mexico in 2013. Services included: automatic crash response, 24/7 emergency services, stolen vehicle assistance, vehicle diagnostics, turn-by-turn navigation, remote door unlock and the RemoteLink mobile app.

While OnStar does come with a monthly subscription fee, GM believes the having a human being on the other end of the line makes its service special.

The company may have a point. Extensive testing has shown there are some advantages to the service and humans generally have much better voice recognition abilities than Siri, Sync or even HAL. But individual customers must decide if it's worth the price.

The expansion of services means all of North America will now be covered by OnStar. GM also offers OnStar in China. Currently there are 6 million subscribers to OnStar. Scroll down to see the press release.

Continue reading OnStar expands service to Mexico

OnStar expands service to Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinagminfotainmentmexicoonstartelematicsThu, 06 Sep 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20316596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/06/onstar-expands-service-to-mexico/20316596/article-detail.xml 20316596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gm-onstar-mexico_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gm-onstar-mexico.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar gets button redesign, Camaro gets frameless rearview mirror]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/onstar-gets-button-redesign-camaro-gets-frameless-rearview-mirr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/onstar-gets-button-redesign-camaro-gets-frameless-rearview-mirr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/onstar-gets-button-redesign-camaro-gets-frameless-rearview-mirr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

General Motors OnStar rearview mirror controls

After holding what we're sure were enough clinics to start a psych practice, General Motors has unveiled a redesign of its OnStar buttons and certain features for its 2013 products. The biggest change comes with the hands-free calling button, which gets swapped from a telephone icon to one of a person speaking. In addition to still making and taking calls, OnStar takes voice commands so that drivers can check on a saved route, traffic, weather and more. The new button also matches up with the voice command button on the touchscreen interfaces for MyLink, CUE and IntelliLink.

The two remaining buttons get less drastic makoevers. With OnStar's move into global markets, the emergency button sports now sports "SOS" instead of the white cross, the former graphic being internationally recognized as a request for help. And the OnStar button itself is updated with the brand's logo that was redesigned in 2010.

Certain 2013 Chevrolet Camaro models get a further aesthetic treat, with the 2SS, 2LT and ZL1 models getting touchscreen interfaces on frameless mirrors. The same three button will illuminate when touched, then disappear. Check out the press release below for more info.

Continue reading OnStar gets button redesign, Camaro gets frameless rearview mirror

OnStar gets button redesign, Camaro gets frameless rearview mirror originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet camarocamarogeneral motorsgmon staronstarrear view mirrorrearview mirrortelematicsTue, 21 Aug 2012 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20305308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/21/onstar-gets-button-redesign-camaro-gets-frameless-rearview-mirr/20305308/article-detail.xml 20305308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/on-starcamaro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/on-starcamaro.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar vehicles now ready for car-sharing through RelayRides]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/onstar-vehicles-now-ready-for-car-sharing-through-relayrides/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/onstar-vehicles-now-ready-for-car-sharing-through-relayrides/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/onstar-vehicles-now-ready-for-car-sharing-through-relayrides/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors OnStar Relay Rides car-sharing app for iPhone

Nothing like a little rental income to help make the monthly payment on the Caddy, huh?

General Motors, which said last fall that it reached an agreement with RelayRides to make people's personal vehicles available for car sharing, is doing just that. Tuesday, GM said that owners of cars equipped with the automaker's OnStar navigation service can rent out the vehicles to RelayRides subscribers. Through the service, RelayRides members can now use their smartphones to unlock participating GM vehicles. Subscribers can also get access to the cars by replying to certain text messages. GM says its vehicle owners may be able to earn "hundreds of dollars per month from their idle vehicles."

RelayRides debuted its peer-to-peer car-sharing service in Boston two years ago and took the service nationwide earlier this year. GM reached its agreement with RelayRides last fall, saying at the time that all GM vehicles built after 2010 and equipped with OnStar would be ready for the service.

Continue reading OnStar vehicles now ready for car-sharing through RelayRides

OnStar vehicles now ready for car-sharing through RelayRides originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car sharecar sharingcar-sharingcarsharinggeneral motorsgmonstarrelay ridesrelayridesWed, 18 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20280933/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/onstar-vehicles-now-ready-for-car-sharing-through-relayrides/20280933/article-detail.xml 20280933 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/relayrides_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/relayrides.jpg <![CDATA[How Ford's Sync could lower your insurance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Sync

How far are you willing to go to save a few bucks on your auto insurance? Because State Farm will gladly shave five percent from your premium if you're willing to permit the insurance company to log into your Sync-equipped vehicle to view the Vehicle Health Report. According to Motor Trend, the actuaries just want to look at your mileage, and if you can keep it in the triple digits each month, you'll be eligible for further savings.

If you're one of the four million Ford customers who have Sync'ed your ride and you're thinking this sounds like a great deal, please stop to ask yourself, "What would George Orwell do?" Sure, this program and others like it are nothing new, in fact, State Farm has been offering a similar deal for OnStar customers for some time, according to the report.

But we have to wonder just how slippery this slope will get before your insurance company starts using telematics data in ways that are much more intrusive. We can imagine surcharges for driving your car during high traffic times or parking in dangerous neighborhoods. Or perhaps you'll start being billed for mileage "overages," just like a cell phone plan. The whole concept, frankly, has us reaching for our tinfoil-lined hat.

How Ford's Sync could lower your insurance originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big brotherfordinsuranceonstarstate farmstate farm insurancesynctelematicsSun, 03 Jun 2012 14:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248770/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/20248770/article-detail.xml 20248770 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/sync-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/sync-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Electronics makers wary of NTSB's proposed hands-free ban]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hands free calling

Here's one from the unsurprising file: The Consumer Electronics Association has written the National Traffic Safety Board in opposition to the proposed ban on hands-free calling.

According to The Detroit News, CEA is all for efforts to create technological solutions to the distracted driving problem, which makes perfect sense, as those products or features would be one more thing for its member firms to sell. To its credit, CEA did write that it supports banning texting and restricting phone use by young drivers.

But the organization insists that there is no "real-world evidence" to support prohibiting all phone use in vehicles, according to the report. In support of its position, it played the makeup card, saying that other distractions like "eating, drinking, applying makeup and engaging with children" would also need to be banned.

The NTSB proposal to ban hands-free calling is somewhat peculiar in that it would ban calls through a paired cell phone, but not calls through a phone built into the vehicle, like the OnStar system from General Motors. The recommendation has been controversial, with even Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood failing to get on board with the idea.

Electronics makers wary of NTSB's proposed hands-free ban originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceaconsumer electronics associationdistracted drivinggmhands free banhands free callinghands free calling banntsbonstarFri, 11 May 2012 16:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235669/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/electronics-makers-wary-of-ntsbs-proposed-hands-free-ban/20235669/article-detail.xml 20235669 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hands-free-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hands-free-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Has GM's OnStar accidentally confirmed the 2014 Chevy SS?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/has-gms-onstar-accidentally-confirmed-the-2014-chevy-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/has-gms-onstar-accidentally-confirmed-the-2014-chevy-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/has-gms-onstar-accidentally-confirmed-the-2014-chevy-ss/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

OnStar confirms 2014 Chevrolet SS

While we're not ready to label this the return of the Pontiac G8, count us eager to get behind the wheel of whatever a "2014 Chevrolet SS Performance" turns out to be. Hopefully the appearance of this reference on the OnStar website is more than just a digital placeholder.

Chevy SS rumors have been swirling lately, with General Motors registering the "SS" trademark earlier this month, just days after our spy shooters caught what looked like a hotted-up Impala. Then there's the NASCAR situation: Chevrolet has said its new entry in the racing series will be both a new vehicle and a new nameplate. We're guessing that car isn't going to be the Spark.

So this new OnStar "leak," if it is such a thing, would point to the Chevy SS being a separate model (you can check it out on OnStar's site here). If we are reading our tea leaves correctly, the model will be derived from the rear-drive Holden Commodore (the same Zeta architecture that underpins Chevrolet's law-enforcement-only Caprice PPV), while the brand's front-drive Impala will get a new, sportier variant. We'd also assume that the long-wheelbase version of the Commodore used for the Caprice cop car would donate its top-level powertrain, the 355-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8.

Maybe we should just press the OnStar button and ask?

Has GM's OnStar accidentally confirmed the 2014 Chevy SS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sscapricecaprice ppvchevroletchevyg8impalaimpala ssonstarpontiac g8sszetaWed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/has-gms-onstar-accidentally-confirmed-the-2014-chevy-ss/20223767/article-detail.xml 20223767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/onstar-opt-1335363127_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/onstar-opt-1335363127.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar to offer vehicle tracking service for extra $3.99/month [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/onstar-to-offer-vehicle-tracking-service-for-extra-3-99-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/onstar-to-offer-vehicle-tracking-service-for-extra-3-99-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/onstar-to-offer-vehicle-tracking-service-for-extra-3-99-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Eye of Sauron

Are you the parent of a teenager who hasn't found enough reason to hate your ever-loving guts? Well then OnStar has a new product for you. Dubbed Family Link, the new service will tell you exactly where your OnStar-equipped vehicle is at any time. It will even send you emails or text messages at particular times of day with a location update. It's OnStar's first separately priced feature from its main suite of services, and at $3.99/month is an inexpensive way to invade the privacy of your loved ones while they're driving the car you pay for.

At least, that's how we imagine 16-year-old Tiffany will feel when she finds out her dad is paying the Eye of Sauron to keep its gaze fixed on her little Chevy Sonic.

OnStar, of course, paints a much more flattering picture of the service's purpose. In their own words, it allows "subscribers to stay connected to their loved ones when driving an OnStar-equipped vehicle." In fact, 4,500 subscribers have already tested the service in a pilot program ahead of its limited roll out next month. Family Link will be available to all OnStar subscribers in the U.S. by the end of the year.

Truth be told, we're old enough now to look past Family Link's inherent issues with privacy and see its value as a peace-of-mind bringer to parents and spouses alike. Knowing a loved one arrived safely or is where they're supposed to be is worth having Tiffany hate your guts a little extra. She'll understand one day, and until then: my house, my car, my rules. See the video and the press release below.

Continue reading OnStar to offer vehicle tracking service for extra $3.99/month [w/video]

OnStar to offer vehicle tracking service for extra $3.99/month [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>family linkonstarvehicle trackingTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20202266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/onstar-to-offer-vehicle-tracking-service-for-extra-3-99-month/20202266/article-detail.xml 20202266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/eyeofsauron-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/eyeofsauron-opt.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar opens doors to devs, kicks off with peer-to-peer car-sharing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/08/onstar-opens-doors-to-devs-kicks-off-with-peer-to-peer-car-shar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/08/onstar-opens-doors-to-devs-kicks-off-with-peer-to-peer-car-shar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/08/onstar-opens-doors-to-devs-kicks-off-with-peer-to-peer-car-shar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The next big in-car infotainment feature probably won't come from an automaker; it will be the work of an outside developer with access to the vehicle's infotainment system. With that fact in mind, OnStar is opening its API to select devs to create new apps utilizing the system's Advanced Telematics Operating System (ATOM).

To be clear, OnStar's API is still closed, but GM's telematics service will accept applications from developers and based on what they submit, will then grant them access to OnStar's 1s and 0s.

So what can we expect to see? Not much until OnStar opens the doors in the first half of this year. But it has announced a partnership with RelayRides, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service that lets owners of OnStar-equipped vehicles to rent out their rides when they're not being used. By using the OnStar API, RelayRides will be able to approve a vehicle for use and then using an iPhone or Android app, the renter can unlock the doors to a vehicle that's been reserved in advance.

It's one of many products that will be hitting the market this year and you can read about a few more in the release after the break.

Continue reading OnStar opens doors to devs, kicks off with peer-to-peer car-sharing

OnStar opens doors to devs, kicks off with peer-to-peer car-sharing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012general motorsgmonstarrelay ridesrelayridesSun, 08 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20142581/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/08/onstar-opens-doors-to-devs-kicks-off-with-peer-to-peer-car-shar/20142581/article-detail.xml 20142581 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/onstar-api-cloud-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/onstar-api-cloud-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM addresses Escalade's most-stolen status with new security features]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/gm-addresses-escalades-most-stolen-status-with-new-security-fea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/gm-addresses-escalades-most-stolen-status-with-new-security-fea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/gm-addresses-escalades-most-stolen-status-with-new-security-fea/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so Cadillac is rolling some new anti-theft technology into it's flagship Escalade. While the 'Sclade is pretty long-in-the-tooth these days, it's still one of the most stolen vehicles extant.

The new security features include a new encryption system for the key, key cylinder and ignition system, a beefier steering column lock, an inclination sensor to sound an alarm when the vehicle gets towed, a shock sensor, and a new wheel lock system. And of course, Escalades already come with OnStar, which is capable of remotely locking the ignition and tracking the vehicle if it does go missing.

Read the full release after the jump.

Continue reading GM addresses Escalade's most-stolen status with new security features

GM addresses Escalade's most-stolen status with new security features originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 cadillac escaladeanti-theftcadillacescalademost stolen carsonstarsafetysecurityFri, 30 Dec 2011 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137096/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/gm-addresses-escalades-most-stolen-status-with-new-security-fea/20137096/article-detail.xml 20137096 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/escaladesecurity-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/escaladesecurity-opt.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



General Motors is slowly pushing OnStar into the infotainment realm as it recognizes its telematics system needs to provide more than emergency services and navigation functionality to entice consumers. To that end, at CES this January OnStar is rolling out another connectivity concept employing 4G LTE broadband to bring even more media into the car.

Last year, GM outfitted a Buick LaCrosse with Verizon's high-speed data service, but the 2012 concept is based around the more tech-centric Chevrolet Volt. Among the services fitted to the Volt are cloud-based streaming media and information, a duo of tablets mounted on the backs of the front seats and the same video chat functionality we sampled last year.

Additionally, Cadillac will be showing off a more refined version of its CUE entertainment system in Sin City, and we'll have hands-on with both in a few week's time. Hit the jump for the official release.

Continue reading OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES

OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g ltecesces 2012chevroletchevrolet voltgeneral motorsgmonstarvoltWed, 21 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/20132181/article-detail.xml 20132181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/1216ces-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/1216ces-628.jpg <![CDATA[Are OnStar subscribers at risk for robocalls?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/are-onstar-subscribers-at-risk-for-robocalls/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/are-onstar-subscribers-at-risk-for-robocalls/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/are-onstar-subscribers-at-risk-for-robocalls/#commentsFiled under: ,

OnStar

The first telephone call was placed in 1876 - and we imagine people have been getting ticked off about phone nuisances ever since. While telemarketers and robocalls have replaced wrong numbers and people eavesdropping on the party line, now we have a new menace: "violators of the sanctity of the cockpit."

At least that's how an OnStar spokesman described an unwanted phone call a journalist received in an OnStar-equipped vehicle. John Voelcker writes about receiving a robocall while test-driving a Chevrolet Sonic, posing the question for his Car Connection readers, "Is this a common problem?"

Apparently not, at least according to what the OnStar spokesman says, describing the number of complaints the company receives as only "handfuls."

Perhaps the bigger question is whether such undesirable calls pose any real threat? As is often the case when dealing with telemarketers, the answer is not really, save for the nuisance factor. OnStar merely suggests owners of OnStar-equipped cars add their OnStar phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry and says it will credit any phone minutes wasted by robocallers.

Are OnStar subscribers at risk for robocalls? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmonstarrobocallsWed, 02 Nov 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095943/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/02/are-onstar-subscribers-at-risk-for-robocalls/20095943/article-detail.xml 20095943 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/onstar-opt-1320174581_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/onstar-opt-1320174581.jpg <![CDATA[GM, RelayRides using OnStar to open up peer-to-peer car-sharing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/gm-relayrides-using-onstar-to-open-up-peer-to-peer-car-sharing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/gm-relayrides-using-onstar-to-open-up-peer-to-peer-car-sharing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/gm-relayrides-using-onstar-to-open-up-peer-to-peer-car-sharing/#commentsFiled under: ,

GM RelayRides

General Motors has formally established its first-ever car-sharing gig by signing a deal with peer-to-peer specialist RelayRides. GM's head of business development initiatives, Bob Tiderington, remarked:
We could stand on the sidelines and watch or we could choose to participate and try to make it into a favorable business model, which in this particular case, we have.
General Motors intends to adapt its OnStar tech to facilitate peer-to-peer car sharing through RelayRides. With OnStar in their vehicle, owners wishing to join the RelayRides car-sharing program will no longer have to install a separate device that allows entry and use of the vehicle.

When the peer-to-peer scheme kicks off in early 2012, all General Motors vehicles built after 2010 and equipped with OnStar will be peer-to-peer-ready, says Tiderington. That's approximately 1.7 million vehicles that could transform into peer-to-peer automobiles overnight, at least in theory.

The breakthrough here is that RelayRides will no longer have to equip participating vehicles with an add-on device that lets a renter access it with a membership card. With OnStar, the service can be turned on with no more than a couple of movements and clicks of a mouse.

Continue reading GM, RelayRides using OnStar to open up peer-to-peer car-sharing

GM, RelayRides using OnStar to open up peer-to-peer car-sharing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car sharingcarsharinggeneral motorsgmonstarrelay ridesrelayridesThu, 06 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20075543/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/06/gm-relayrides-using-onstar-to-open-up-peer-to-peer-car-sharing/20075543/article-detail.xml 20075543 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gm-relayrides_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gm-relayrides.png <![CDATA[OnStar bends to pressure, will not track data from canceled subscribers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/onstar-bends-to-pressure-will-not-track-data-from-canceled-subs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/onstar-bends-to-pressure-will-not-track-data-from-canceled-subs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/onstar-bends-to-pressure-will-not-track-data-from-canceled-subs/#commentsFiled under: ,

OnStar button

Reversing its earlier decision, OnStar has issued a press release confirming it will indeed alter its Terms and Conditions policy and "will not keep a data connection to customers' vehicles after the OnStar service is canceled." Says OnStar President Linda Marshall:

We realize that our proposed amendments did not satisfy our subscribers. This is why we are leaving the decision in our customers' hands. We listened, we responded and we hope to maintain the trust of our more than six million customers.

Further, OnStar promises that it may allow customers to opt-in to such a data-tracking system in the future but will only use data in ways the customer approves. In addition to "[providing] former customers with urgent information about natural disasters and recalls affecting their vehicles", we imagine that also may include selling the information to law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.

The move comes after OnStar came under fire for tracking certain data streams related to your driving such as speed and location, even if the owner canceled the service. Feel free to read the complete press release after the break.

Continue reading OnStar bends to pressure, will not track data from canceled subscribers

OnStar bends to pressure, will not track data from canceled subscribers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>onstaronstar dataonstar terms and conditionsonstar trackingTue, 27 Sep 2011 13:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20067660/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/onstar-bends-to-pressure-will-not-track-data-from-canceled-subs/20067660/article-detail.xml 20067660 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-button_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-button.jpg <![CDATA[Senator calls for investigation of OnStar privacy issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/senator-calls-for-investigation-of-onstar-privacy-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/senator-calls-for-investigation-of-onstar-privacy-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/senator-calls-for-investigation-of-onstar-privacy-issues/#commentsFiled under: ,

onstar

It appears that OnStar users have something in common with Rockwell, and we're not talking about an affinity for products from Detroit. You should always feel like somebody's watching you... because they are. OnStar is tracking a handful of data streams related to your driving such as speed and location, and it's doing so regardless of whether you are still subscribed to the system.

Many are surprised at just how much information OnStar is grabbing, and see this move as a clear invasion of privacy. OnStar has no plans to change, and this has lead U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to call for a government investigation into the actions of the telematics company. Schumer believes that what Onstar is doing is unfair trade practice, and "one of the most brazen invasions of privacy in recent memory."

You may be an average man or woman, with an average life. You work from nine to five, and you may or may not pay the Onstar Price. If all you want is to be left alone in your average home, OnStar might have you feeling like you're in the Twilight Zone.

Senator calls for investigation of OnStar privacy issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chuck schumeronstaronstar investigationonstar spyingsenator schumerMon, 26 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20066392/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/senator-calls-for-investigation-of-onstar-privacy-issues/20066392/article-detail.xml 20066392 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-630.jpg <![CDATA[GM's OnStar now spying on your car for profit even after you unsubscribe? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

OnStar

If you're the owner of a fairly new General Motors product, you may want to take a close look at the most recent OnStar terms and conditions. As it turns out, the company has altered the parameters under which it can legally collect GPS data on your vehicle.

Originally, the terms and conditions stated that OnStar could only collect information on your vehicle's location during a theft recovery or in the midst of sending emergency services your way. That has apparently changed. Now, OnStar says that it has the right to collect and sell personal, yet supposedly anonymous information on your vehicle, including speed, location, seat belt usage and other information.

Who would be interested in that data, you ask? Law enforcement agencies, for starters, as well as insurance companies. Perhaps the most startling news to come out of the latest OnStar terms and conditions is the fact that the company can continue to collect the information even after you disconnect the service. If you want the info to be cut off all together, you'll have to specifically shut down the vehicle's data connection. If that sounds scary, you should check out a full breakdown of the new policies here.

*UPDATE: OnStar has released a statement in response to the dust up over its newest set of terms and conditions. You can find the full text after the jump.

Continue reading GM's OnStar now spying on your car for profit even after you unsubscribe? [UPDATE]

GM's OnStar now spying on your car for profit even after you unsubscribe? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmgpsonstaronstar terms and conditionsterms and conditionstrackingWed, 21 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048819/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/20048819/article-detail.xml 20048819 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-630.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar extending its global reach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/onstar-extending-its-global-reach/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/onstar-extending-its-global-reach/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/onstar-extending-its-global-reach/#commentsFiled under:

onstar

OnStar began its helpful ways back in 1995. Since then, GM's telematics systems has focused its efforts on providing assistance to North American motorists. Now, the vehicle communications giant is looking to venture further out into the world.

OnStar took its first steps in the global marketplace by entering China in 2009. Up next? The Middle East and Latin America are slated to receive the push-button treatment. There's a massive pool of motorists for OnStar to court globally, and if the service becomes popular outside of North America, it could rapidly expand beyond its current six million subscribers.

OnStar extending its global reach originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsonstaronstar chinaonstar globalonstar latin americaonstar middle eastvehicle communicationsTue, 09 Aug 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20012535/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/09/onstar-extending-its-global-reach/20012535/article-detail.xml 20012535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/onstar-button-1300217676_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/onstar-button-1300217676.jpg -1 2