OnStar is GMs proprietary on-board connected communications system that operates via wireless cellular technology.
It comes standard on all GM vehicles free for the first 6 months. In the case of the Chevy Volt it is free standard for five years.
The system is used to connect directly to a headquarters switchboard operator who can help drivers with directions and vehicle function issues right in the car using handsfree audio. In addition to providing directions which can be downloaded to the car, accidents and emergencies are responded to, and cars can even be slowed remotely in the case they are stolen.
OnStar now in its 9th generation platform has been a very successful program for GM with over 6 million US subscribers.
Now, in what appears to be brilliant business move, at the Consumer Electronics Show, GM unveiled a new product which is a standalone rearview mirror that is fully packed with the OnStar technology. This mirror can be installed on competitors vehicles enabling the driver same full suite of OnStar services. The device is compatible with all the top models of most manufacturers.
The mirror houses the iconic blue button used to connect to the service and features include Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, one-button access to emergency and roadside services, and hands-free calling, including Bluetooth connectivity.
“For years, thousands of drivers have asked us to get OnStar in vehicles that didn’t feature it as standard,” said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. “With the retail product that we’ve introduced today they certainly can. This move in to the consumer electronics space represents the biggest development in our business model since introducing OnStar as standard across all GM products several years ago. It represents a quantum leap forward in our plans to grow our business and provide a strong new revenue base for GM and OnStar from which we can further develop our core offerings in the factory-equipped market.”
The mirror will go on sale in the Spring at the stores of GM’s first retail partner for the producrt, Best Buy. It will cost $299 plus an installation fee of between $75 to $100. Service plans start at $18.95 per month.
In additional to the mirror, GM also unveiled some future OnStar will be capable of as it becomes empowered with the new 4G broadband wireless cellular spectrum provided by partner Verizon.
The futuristic features demonstrated in a Buick LaCrosse reasearch vehicle include the following:
Vehicle monitoring
Cameras mounted throughout the interior and exterior of the car allow remote viewing of what is happening in and around your parked vehicle through a smartphone or PC.
Impact detection
The research vehicle has the ability to send live video to secure servers in the cloud from each of its six cameras placed around the exterior and interior of the vehicle. This is triggered by events around the car, or by an application on a smartphone. When an impact such as a parking lot fender-bender is detected, the vehicle transmits a video clip – helping to identify the offending driver.
Home monitoring and control
Keep an eye on your home by connecting to security cameras in real time through the 4Home service. Control the thermostat, lights and other home systems from your vehicle – “preset” scenes allow you to condition your home when you leave, before you return, or when you’re leaving for an extended period of time.
Electronic User’s Guide
Learn how to operate and maintain your vehicle through videos streamed on demand to the dashboard.
Video chat
Make a video call using Skype to connect with family, friends or colleagues when the vehicle is in park.
Traffic view
A voice-operated navigation system goes beyond calculating the best route by displaying live traffic-cam images from TrafficLand to spot congestion before you get stuck in a back-up.
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 12:19 am and is filed under OnStar. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+1
Jan 6th, 2011 (12:25 am)OnStar on a Toyota?
NOOOOOOOOOOO
Actually since I know it saves lives I’m good with it.
WOT
+20
Jan 6th, 2011 (1:16 am)You: Hello OnStar? My car is broken down and I need assistance.
OnStar: I see that your car is not a GM. Hold on, I’m sending a tow truck and a GM sales rep to you right away!
+7
Jan 6th, 2011 (1:23 am)The one feature I want is to be able to locate where the car is from my computer or iPhone. With GPS on OnStar, I don’t know why they don’t include this.
+4
Jan 6th, 2011 (1:41 am)Mr. Preuss is one of the finest GM execs, according to what I know.
Now if only GM would ferry their top dogs around in one of these…
/suicide doors are a must for auto execs.
+7
Jan 6th, 2011 (1:47 am)It’ll be funny when some one steals one of those cars and throws the mirror out the window LOL.
-Hello Onstar, my cars been stolen
-Um, it shows that it’s located in the bushes beside you
Ok ok i know it wouldn’t be funny to the person who’s car is stolen but I had to say it.
+12
Jan 6th, 2011 (2:43 am)It was exciting to see the OnStar announcement at GM’s website. It’s something that many non-GM car owners have wanted for some time. For those who want turn by turn instructions after pressing the blue button and telling the advisor where you want to go, it’s a perfect solution. I can imagine children buying this for parents that need a bit of assistance with navigation, but are not willing to fuss with a standard GPS. If OnStar offered a tracking capability, the parents could check where their kids were. But that might be a bit of a privacy issue. The built in OnStar will continue to be the champion. OnStar mirror customers might consider a GM vehicle next time!
I gave a test drive to my staircase contractor. Local streets and the freeway create a 4 mile test loop from the house. Afterwards he stood and looked at the Volt and said, “Why isn’t every car like this? It exists! It’s right here! This is what every car should be!” Demand will increase if we remain positive and let our friends and business associates sample true Volt performance.
Jan 6th, 2011 (5:29 am)OnStar, take a picture of this Audi I’m getting ready to blow away in the right lane, and E-Mail it to Joe.
+13
Jan 6th, 2011 (6:04 am)My wife is a diehard Honda freak. Last two cars were a 97′ Civic LX and now an 06′ Accord EX. It’s the one with the limo tint and Costco door dings.
Last year we drove down to L.A. to demo a 2011 Volt during the unplugged tour. On the way down she badgered me about my not buying a Lexus or a BMW. I assured her the leather appointed Volt has the feel of any other luxury sedan. She continued to grumble.
We arrived and registered. As we waiting our turn to drive. We looked at a black Volt with white console. She continued to hold an “I really don’t want to be here” attitude. A silver Volt with dark console drove up. This was my one shot to show off and win her over. I asked the GM rep if we could start in Sport mode with L regen. He said, “Sure, anything you want”. We had a great track to demo on. City streets with an uphill straight-a-way to demonstrate the acceleration. She noticed the smoothness of the Volt right off. I asked the GM rep if we could turn the BOSE on. He reached over and turned it on. I proceeded to turn it up to about 100db or so. The song playing was “Messin’ With a Son of a Bitch” by Nazareth. We arrived at the straight-a-way and I gave it about 80%-90% pedal. The Volt rushed forward and felt light as the torque quickly took us up to 60mph. We then reentered the parking area. I looked at her and asked, “Pretty good huh”? She nodded is quiet agreement.
=D-Volt
+3
Jan 6th, 2011 (8:07 am)OT – I think we’ve found a replacement for Tim Allen for the next series of VOLT commercials.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTysXITBCmk
And now, The Cleveland Cavaliers have offered a job and a house to the homeless man with a golden radio voice. “That lady offered me a full-time job with the Cavs and then something about the mortgage of a home? I’m going with that! Out of all the offers I’ve had, and I’ve had quite a few, I’ll be working in Cleveland, Ohio,” Ted Williams said. “It’s just phenomenal and it’s getting more and more overwhelming as the minutes go by.”
+2
Jan 6th, 2011 (8:08 am)Glad to see OnStar expanding to non GM cars.
Here’s another interesting piece of technology GM is working on w/ another company.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-01-06-gmelectronics06_ST_N.htm
+7
Jan 6th, 2011 (8:20 am)I hate monthly payments with a passion. I’ve never done car payments. When I was younger and couldn’t buy a new car outright, I bought a used car instead.
So needless to say, I won’t be buying the OnStar service.
Jan 6th, 2011 (8:33 am)No remote start? No smartphone app similar to the Volt’s app? If you’re going to upgrade it, go all the way.
Jan 6th, 2011 (8:58 am)I’d never buy such a service, but I think the retailing of it is an awesome idea. My current vehicle shipped before OnStar was standard on that model. It would make a nice upgrade for someone who is interested.
Jan 6th, 2011 (9:01 am)How are you accessing the Internet?
+1
Jan 6th, 2011 (9:32 am)Hey Dave, if you buy/lease a Volt OnStar is prepaid for 5 years. After that, it can be purchased on a yearly basis. OnStar rocks, man! And I highly recommend it to everyone I know!
Regarding hating monthly payments: If you never make monthly payments, you’re paying for many things in advance, which can be very costly. I pay about 10 bills on a monthly basis. It takes only about 5 minutes via PC banking, it’s absolutely free and it creates detailed records in that same 5 minutes only once every month.
Jan 6th, 2011 (9:55 am)Phone recharging mat in GM cars…
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703675904576064290970257646.html?ru=yahoo&mod=yahoo_hs
=D-Volt
+1
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:08 am)Too bad, they did not include an auto dimming feature. Then you would have a reason to upgrade that older vehicle’s mirror.
Crash reporting and turn by turn directions plus bluetooth for 240$ a year (plus the initial cost). Plus the ability to shoot off a location from google maps on your computer directly to onstar.
Unlike a regular Nav system though, you know that they are not going to try to steal it. The value is in the service not the device.
I think it is worth it for those us concerned about our wife’s/children/parents. Not sure I would get it for myself for that price.
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:25 am)Great Idea! I like that GM is coming up with new high-tech ideas and bringing them to market.
I also like that they are bring advanced software technology to the electrification of transportation. GM is on a roll.
Don’t let that foot off the pedal!
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:30 am)Despite the fact that I hate paying the monthly fees, I can’t deny that Onstar makes me feel a bit safer knowing that I have it on board. This can only be a good thing for GM.
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:46 am)This to me, is GM acknowledging that they have missed the boat and others have caught up. I always thought that GM should have spun off OS early and got its competitors to buy in to help build up the program.
OS was a big miss in my opinion (could have been MUCH bigger) just like speedpass XOM should have spun off speedpass so that other companies would embrace it, and move the technology to other retail outlets.
If GM wants to make something of this, they should work out free install at a GM location not paid install at BEST BUY!!!!!!
+3
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:50 am)Ted was on the Today program this morning according to the news (see AP link below.) After watching the first video, don’t miss this one where he is at the radio station being interviewed by CBS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiT3S97X3Ng&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Made my day!
AP news link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jyCqFzHoI1YffuptU350FdqaSsCg?docId=3227d3471fd94260933343e42635a52c
-1
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:51 am)I’d never buy or use onstar even in a GM vehicle. It much easier to just use my cell phone. why would I pay and extra $18 monthly when my cell phone does the same thing?
-4
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:56 am)WordPress is indeed a fantastic application – I’m having a great deal of pleasure running a blog.
-4
Jan 6th, 2011 (10:57 am)WordPress is actually a fantastic system – I’m having a great deal of pleasure running a blog.
+2
Jan 6th, 2011 (11:04 am)MichaelH,
I really wish Mr Williams all the best luck in the world. And here’s hoping he can stay on the path away from drugs and alcohol. His voice is really a great tool of his that should be used.
Jan 6th, 2011 (11:19 am)How much more per month would GM/Verizon have to charge customers to just let them use the 4G signal for web browsing & email? It would be nice to have your car serve as a hot spot for all the patrons.
Jan 6th, 2011 (12:15 pm)It looks like GM has just stolen the CES show from Ford. OnStar directly enhances the vehicle’s utility and performance by being vehicle-centric, not peripheral tech centric.
Jan 6th, 2011 (1:01 pm)Could the 4G OnStar capabilities be a feature of the 2012 Volt? Or does the 2011 Volt already have a 4G capabilties (that could be activated by a visit to the dealer or a firmware upgrade)?
Jan 6th, 2011 (1:10 pm)RE: Shaun @ #22 “I’d never buy or use onstar even in a GM vehicle. It much easier to just use my cell phone. why would I pay and extra $18 monthly when my cell phone does the same thing? ”
Your cell phone doesn’t do the same thing. Your cell phone won’t call anyone if you are knocked unconscious during a crash.
I had two daughters attending separate colleges hundreds of miles away. I slept much better at night knowing they had OnStar in the event of a disaster. And, the ability to monitor oil life and tire pressures was just icing on the cake.
For some, it might not be worth it. For me at that point in my life, it definitely was. In fact, we have it on our own car, and our daughters continue to have it on theirs.
Btw, anyone having problems quoting? My quoted posts won’t show up.
Jan 6th, 2011 (8:41 pm)I have the OnStar system in my 2009 Equinox, so I tried to activate it. The OnStar rep told me that there is no service in my area (Puerto Rico), and that there is no plan to expand OnStar to cover the Caribbean (this will include the U.S. Virgin Islands).
If it were a satellite-based service, I can activate it. The Equinox also had XM Radio and I could activate that, but I don’t listen to much radio in my vehicles. I rather listen to local AM and FM radio anyway, since that is free, and all my GM vehicles have CD players (my Buick Regal has a working cassette player, too).
IF anyone from GM is reading this forum, please expand OnStar to every U.S. market around the world before offering OnStar to other manufacturers. Start with Puerto Rico which has over 200,000 GM vehicles and over 20,000 are newer models that have OnStar built in. If I can activate OnStar here, I will add it to my Buick Regal.
Raymond
Jan 6th, 2011 (9:12 pm)“This mirror can be installed on competitors vehicles enabling the driver same full suite of OnStar services”.
They found a good idea to get rid of their Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix) OnStar overstock mirrors
Jan 7th, 2011 (10:24 am)Because your cellphone cannot do the same thing. Will your cellphone automatically call for help if your airbag deploys?
Does your cellphone have a 3 watt transmitter with an external to the vehicle antenna?
Does your cellphone have unlimited battery power so long as you have fuel in the vehicle? (well maybe if you connect a car charger).
Does your cellphone offer handsfree voice activated dialing and connection to a human that can offer assistance, (well maybe).
The aftermarket version may not be as useful as the built-in one, but it does have additional functionality compared to a handheld cellphone.
Jan 21st, 2011 (11:04 pm)Hi there, just browsing for information for my Puerto Rico 4g website. Can’t believe the amount of information out there. Wasn’t what I was looking for, but great site. Have a good day.