GM Updates OnStar to Battle Ford's Sync
Most people think of OnStar as the little blue button you press when you get in an accident and need to call for help. For years, however, GM’s concierge service has offered phone and travel assistance, and more recently it gained the ability to send directions to navigation systems on demand, as well.
Today, GM has announced a new version of OnStar will augment the existing services with new hardware that may lead to hands-free texting and Facebook updates via Bluetooth and microphones in the cabin.
Both technologies are being tested and work on the new hardware being put into 2011 OnStar-equipped GM vehicles. Older models won’t be upgraded. This is a clear attempt to catch up with Ford’s Sync system and its text-messaging features. However, GM is tempering jumping into that space and says it is testing both services.
The new hardware improves voice recognition, navigation, traffic, weather alerts and access to a cell phone’s contact list via Bluetooth.
GM is coordinating the relaunch of Onstar with a new ad campaign that shows off another new feature called MyLink that allows owners to use a smartphone to replicate their key fob, extending the ability to lock or unlock their car — or check to see if they forgot to do so — from anywhere. If the car is equipped with remote start, MyLink will do that, too. It will also send diagnostic information to your phone. So far, this has been shown on the Chevy Cruze and Volt, and now it seems it will be spread throughout the 2011 lineup.
There is no mention of voice-activated music selection like Ford’s Sync or Honda’s latest navigation system.
All of the new features will be included in the standard OnStar annual subscription of $199 or the upgraded service that includes navigation at $299 a year.
