Difference between revisions of "OnStar"

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|URLTEXT= OnStar
 
|URLTEXT= OnStar
 
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OnStar is an encompassing vehicle telecommunication platform that provides emergency, security, navigation, mobile connectivity, and vehicle maintenance monitoring services to its users. The platform is able to automatically alert officials of your location if you have been in an accident, unlock your car remotely if you have locked your keys in the vehicle, provide vehicle tracking if it has been stolen, and more. OnStar provides an experience that more fully integrates your vehicle into your life by making it more communicative while also ensuring that the vehicle is also more autonomous.
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{{initial|O}}nStar is an encompassing vehicle telecommunication platform that provides emergency, security, navigation, mobile connectivity, and vehicle maintenance monitoring services to its users. The platform is able to automatically alert officials of a user's location if they have been in an accident, unlock the car remotely if the user locks their keys in the vehicle, provide vehicle tracking if it has been stolen, and more. While OnStar provides an integrated experience between the user and their vehicle, ethical concerns has arose surrounding location tracking and application hacking.
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=History=
 
=History=
  [[File:First_onstar.png|150px|left|thumb|DAIR System]]
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  [[File:First_onstar.png|175px|left|thumb|DAIR System]]
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===Beginning===
 
===Beginning===
Conceived and developed within General Motors dating back to 1960s, OnStar is touted as being the way of the future when it comes to interacting with your automobile.<ref name="heritage">https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/featured/OnStar.html</ref>. The origin for the concept of OnStar can be found in the creation of the ''Driver Aid, Information, and Routing (DAIR) System''. The technology was unveiled in two prototype vehicles in 1966 and was capable of providing basic turn-by-turn directions to drivers while also providing feedback to the drivers regarding current road conditions and relaying up-to-date accident reports. The project was brought to an end when it was shown that the overhaul to the American roadway system that would be needed for the product to work reliably and nationally would be be virtually impossible to accomplish.<ref name="heritage"></ref>
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Conceived and developed within [[Wikipedia: General Motors|General Motors]] dating back to the 1960s, OnStar is touted as being the way of the future when it comes to interacting with one's automobile.<ref name="heritage">[https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/featured/OnStar.html "The Origins of OnStar."], Featured: The Origins of OnStar. ''GM Heritage Center'', n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.</ref>. The origin for the concept of OnStar can be found in the creation of the ''Driver Aid, Information, and Routing (DAIR) System''. The technology was unveiled in two prototype vehicles in 1966 and was capable of providing basic turn-by-turn directions to drivers while also providing feedback to the drivers regarding current road conditions and relaying up-to-date accident reports. The project was brought to an end when it was shown that the overhaul to the American roadway system that would be needed for the product to work reliably and nationally would be be virtually impossible to accomplish.<ref name="heritage"/>
 
[[File:Onstarbuttonpush.jpg|150px|right|thumb|First Iteration of Onstar]]
 
[[File:Onstarbuttonpush.jpg|150px|right|thumb|First Iteration of Onstar]]
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===Evolution===
 
===Evolution===
A similar concept to the ''DAIR System'' was started once GPS and wireless communication methods were found to provide the core goals of the ''DAIR System'' without completely reworking our roadway systems.<ref name="heritage"></ref> The current iteration of OnStar that we would recognize today was officially unveiled at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and was first made available in 1997 model year Cadillac vehicles. The system was able to connect drivers to 24/7 OnStar concierges who could provide turn-by-turn directions as well as emergency assistance in times of need. The system was touted as being the "world's first in-vehicle, hands-free communication system".<ref name="heritage"></ref> By the year 2001, OnStar has also added the ability for drivers to place personal calls, access their email, and hear the latest news broadcasts through their OnStar systems.<ref name="heritage"></ref>
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A similar concept to the ''DAIR System'' began it was discovered that GPS and wireless communication methods provided the core goals of the ''DAIR System'' without completely reworking roadway systems.<ref name="heritage"/> The current iteration of OnStar was officially unveiled at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and was first made available in 1997 Cadillac vehicles. The system was able to connect drivers to 24/7 OnStar concierges who could provide turn-by-turn directions as well as emergency assistance in times of need. The system was advertised as the "world's first in-vehicle, hands-free communication system".<ref name="heritage"/> In 2001, OnStar added the ability for drivers to place personal calls, access their email, and hear the latest news broadcasts through their OnStar systems.<ref name="heritage"/>
 
[[File:Onstarapp.jpg|125px|right|thumb|Current Iteration of OnStar]]
 
[[File:Onstarapp.jpg|125px|right|thumb|Current Iteration of OnStar]]
 +
 
===Current Status===
 
===Current Status===
As of today, OnStar offers a huge litany of services to its subscribers. Those services can be grouped under five main types of service: emergency, security, navigation, mobile connectivity, and vehicle maintenance monitoring. OnStar is able to call emergency professionals when you have an accident, unlock your car if you have locked the keys in it, provide navigation routes that avoid accidents or traffic jams, provide internet access while you are on the go, tell you when and why your vehicle is malfunctioning, and etc.<ref name = "onstar home"></ref>
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Today, OnStar offers a multitude of services to its subscribers. Those services can be grouped under five main types of service: emergency, security, navigation, mobile connectivity, and vehicle maintenance monitoring. OnStar is able to call emergency professionals when a user has an accident, unlock the car for users that accidentally locked their keys within it, provide navigation routes that avoid accidents or traffic jams, provide internet access for users on-the-go, and tell users when and why their vehicle is malfunctioning.<ref>[https://www.onstar.com/us/en/help-support.html "OnStar Help & Support|OnStar."], ''OnStar''. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.</ref>
  
 
=Overview of Services=
 
=Overview of Services=
===Emergency Services <ref>https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/emergency.html</ref> -===
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===Emergency Services <ref>[https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/emergency.html "Emergency."], Emergency|OnStar. ''OnStar'', n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.</ref>===
 
[[File:Emergency_services_icon.png|70px|right|]]
 
[[File:Emergency_services_icon.png|70px|right|]]
# ''Automatic Crash Response'': If you are involved in an accident, built-in sensors will automatically alert OnStar officials and predict severity based upon the sensor findings. An OnStar official will then automatically check in with you to see if you need help and alert emergency professionals of the accident and its location if additional assistance is required.
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# ''Automatic Crash Response'': If users are involved in an accident, built-in sensors will automatically alert OnStar officials and predict severity based upon the sensor findings. An OnStar official will then automatically check in with the driver to see if they need help and alert emergency professionals of the accident and its location if additional assistance is required.
# ''Emergency Assistance'': If you press the red emergency button, you will be instantly connected with an OnStar official who can provide critical emergency help while also notifying other emergency personal of your location and the issue that you are facing.
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# ''Emergency Assistance'': If users press the red emergency button, they will be instantly connected with an OnStar official who can provide critical emergency help while also notifying other emergency personal of the user's location and the issue that they are facing.
# ''Crisis Assist'': If you find yourself in a perilous situation then OnStar advisors can provide you with emergency resources, escape routes, and/or contact family member for you. Some examples in which you may require Crisis Assistance would include: severe weather, natural resource/man-made disasters, and natural disasters.
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# ''Crisis Assist'': If a user finds themselves in a perilous situation, OnStar advisors can provide them with emergency resources, escape routes, and/or a contact family member. Examples in which a user may require Crisis Assistance are severe weather, natural resource/man-made disasters, and natural disasters.
# ''Roadside Assistance'': Roadside assistance can provide more generic service help, such as: a lockout service, emergency towing, flat tire changing services, battery jump start services, emergency fuel delivery services
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# ''Roadside Assistance'': Roadside assistance can provide more generic service help, such as a lockout service, emergency towing, flat tire changing services, battery jump start services, and emergency fuel delivery services.
===Security Services <ref>https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/security.html</ref>===
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===Security Services <ref>[https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/security.html "Security."], Security|OnStar. ''OnStar'', n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.</ref>===
 
[[File:Securityservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
 
[[File:Securityservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
 
# ''Remote Ignition Block:'' If a vehicle has been reported stolen, OnStar can send a remote signal that will stop the engine from starting.
 
# ''Remote Ignition Block:'' If a vehicle has been reported stolen, OnStar can send a remote signal that will stop the engine from starting.
# ''Stolen Vehicle Slowdown:'' If a car has been reported stolen, a signal will be sent to the authorities to help recover your vehicle and reduce high- speed pursuits. Once the police have confirmed that the conditions are safe, OnStar will send a signal that gradually slows the vehicle so that it can then be apprehended by the authorities.
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# ''Stolen Vehicle Slowdown:'' If a car has been reported stolen, a signal will be sent to the authorities to help recover the vehicle and reduce high-speed pursuits. Once the police have confirmed that the conditions are safe, OnStar will send a signal that gradually slows down the vehicle so it can be apprehended by the authorities.
# ''Theft Alarm Notification:'' If your car alarm goes off, OnStar can notify you immediately by text, email, or phone call (whichever you prefer) to quickly and safely recover your vehicle.
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# ''Theft Alarm Notification:'' If the car alarm goes off, OnStar can notify the owner of the vehicle immediately via text, email, or phone call to quickly and safely recover the vehicle.
===Navigation Services <ref>https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/navigation.html</ref>===
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===Navigation Services <ref>[https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/navigation.html "Navigation."], Navigation|OnStar. ''OnStar'', n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.</ref>===
 
[[File:Navigationservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
 
[[File:Navigationservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
# ''Turn-By-Turn Directions:'' OnStar can also send turn-by-turn directions to your in-vehicle navigation system through the use of your vehicle’s mobile app. You can also use ''Destination Download'' where drivers can now push a button to contact OnStar officials who will find turn-by-turn directions to your point of interest and then send them to your in-vehicle navigation system.
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# ''Turn-By-Turn Directions:'' OnStar can also send turn-by-turn directions to a user's in-vehicle navigation system through the use of the user's vehicle’s mobile app. Drivers can also use ''Destination Download'', in which they push a button to contact OnStar officials who will find turn-by-turn directions to the point of interest and send those directions to the in-vehicle navigation system.
# ''AtYourService:'' This service is is a new way to discover value in the places you go, providing you with better ways to eat, shop, and play. When you’re not driving, get valuable offers delivered directly to your vehicle’s mobile app. OnStar officials can also help you find and book a hotel room through Priceline.com.
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# ''AtYourService:'' This service is is a new way to discover value in the places a user goes, providing an overall better user experience with suggestions on where to eat, shop, and play. When users are not driving, they can get valuable offers delivered directly to their vehicle’s mobile app. OnStar officials can also help users find and book a hotel room through Priceline.com.
===Mobile Connectivity Services <ref>https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/connections.html</ref>===
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===Mobile Connectivity Services <ref>[https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/connections.html "Connections"], Connections|OnStar. ''OnStar'', n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.</ref>===
 
[[File:Mobileconnectivityservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
 
[[File:Mobileconnectivityservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
# ''OnStar 4G LTE & Wi-Fi Hotspot:'' You can now connect up to seven tablets, laptops or other devices at 4G LTE speed with the new offering of OnStar 4G LTE. This also makes your car into its own Wi-Fi hotspot.
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# ''OnStar 4G LTE & Wi-Fi Hotspot:'' With the new offering of OnStar 4G LTE, users can connect up to to seven devices (including tablets and laptops) at 4G LTE speed. This also makes a user's car into its own Wi-Fi hotspot.
# ''Hands-Free Calling:'' OnStar also offers a built-in wireless service so you can stay connected when your cell phone does not have service or is not with you.
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# ''Hands-Free Calling:'' OnStar also offers a built-in wireless service so users can stay connected when their cell phone does not have service or is not on their person.
# ''Access to Third-Party Applications and Services:'' OnStar has also connected with select third party providers of apps and services so that they can offer you innovative and personalized features.
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# ''Access to Third-Party Applications and Services:'' OnStar has also connected with select third party providers of apps and services so that they can offer users innovative and personalized features.
===Vehicle Maintenance Monitoring Services <ref>https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/vehiclemanager.html</ref>===
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===Vehicle Maintenance Monitoring Services <ref>[https://www.onstar.com/us/en/services/vehiclemanager.html "Vehicle Manager"], Vehicle Manager|OnStar. ''OnStar'', n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.</ref>===
 
[[File:Vehiclemaintenancemanagementservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
 
[[File:Vehiclemaintenancemanagementservicesicon.png|70px|right|]]
# ''Diagnostic Reports:'' Every month, with ''Diagnostic Reports'', OnStar will make your vehicle can run a thorough check of its engine, transmission, antilock brakes and more, and email you the results. With ''Dealer Maintenance Notifications'', if it is time for your vehicle to have maintenance service done by the dealer, your car will email your diagnostics report to the dealer when it’s time, and the dealer will contact you to set up a service appointment. With ''Proactive Alerts'', your vehicle can predict potential issues with key vehicle components and send you alerts (via email and/or text). And with ''Diagnostic Alerts'', you can set your preferences to receive a monthly diagnostic report or be notified of your vehicle’s condition in real-time, by email or text.
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# ''Diagnostic Reports:'' Every month, OnStar can run a thorough check of a user's vehicle's engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes and more, and email over the results. With ''Dealer Maintenance Notifications'', a user's car will email the diagnostics report to the dealer if it is time for the vehicle to have maintenance service done, and the dealer will contact the user to set up a service appointment. With ''Proactive Alerts'', the vehicle can predict potential issues with key vehicle components and send alerts via email and/or text. ''Diagnostic Alerts'' allows users to set their preferences to receive a monthly diagnostic report or be notified of the vehicle’s condition in real-time via email and/or text.
# ''OnStar Smart Driver:'' With OnStar Smart Driver, you’ll receive information about your driving behavior, tips on becoming a smarter driver, and you could potentially qualify for insurance discounts from participating providers.
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# ''OnStar Smart Driver:'' With OnStar Smart Driver, users will receive information about their driving behavior and tips on becoming a smarter driver. Users also have the potential to qualify for insurance discounts from participating providers.
# ''Remote Access:'' With the Remote Access mobile app, you can start your engine, lock and unlock your doors, honk the horn and flash the lights from almost anywhere.   
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# ''Remote Access:'' With the Remote Access mobile app, users can start their engine, lock and unlock doors, honk the horn, and flash the lights from almost anywhere.   
# ''Location Manager:'' The Location Manager service allows you to know where your vehicle is at all times. Within the Location Manager service, you have the ''Family Link'' service. With your OnStar app, the ''Family Link'' service will allow you to see where your vehicle is and receive email or text alerts about its location at specific times. Also within the ''Location Manager" services is the ''Vehicle Locate'' function. This function allows you to easily look-up where your vehicle’s location is on a map.
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# ''Location Manager:'' The Location Manager service allows users to know where their vehicle is at all times. With the Location Manager service, users have the ''Family Link'' service. With the OnStar app, the ''Family Link'' service will allow users to see where their vehicle is and receive email and/or text alerts about its location at specific times. The Location Manager service also has a ''Vehicle Locate'' function, which allows users to easily look-up their vehicle’s location on a map.
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=Ethical Concerns=
 
=Ethical Concerns=
*OnStar Tracks Your Car Even When You Cancel Service<ref>https://www.wired.com/2011/09/onstar-tracks-you/|OnStar Tracks Your Car Even When You Cancel Service</ref>
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===Location Tracking===
*Can Your Car Be Hacked?<ref>http://www.caranddriver.com/features/can-your-car-be-hacked-feature</ref>
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OnStar tracks the location of OnStar-equipped vehicles to provide navigation and emergency services. Although location tracking is necessary for drivers who want to take full advantage of OnStar’s capabilities, there are privacy concerns associated with the consistent tracking of a vehicle’s movement. In 2011, OnStar notified drivers that it would begin collecting this data even after drivers stop using the service.<ref name=tracking>Kravets, D. (2011). [https://www.wired.com/2011/09/onstar-tracks-you/ “OnStar Tracks Your Car Even When You Cancel Service”]. Wired. Retrieved 22 April, 2017, from </ref> Drivers must notify the company if they want to sever this connection.<ref name=tracking/> This updated privacy policy also stated that OnStar reserves the right to anonymize this data and sell it to third parties.<ref name=tracking/> In 2012, OnStar rolled out “Family Link”, a service that allows owners of vehicles with OnStar to track their family members’ location through the OnStar website and to receive email and text alerts about their location at specific times or locations.<ref name=FamilyLink>Lavrinc, D. (2012). [https://www.wired.com/2012/03/onstart-lets-you-track-your-spouse-for-0-12-a-day “OnStar Lets You Track Your Spouse for $0.12 a Day”]. Wired. Retrieved 22 April, 2017, from /</ref> This raises concerns about privacy infringement surrounding location tracking of drivers who are currently using or have previously used the service.
*Hackers Remotely Kill a Jeep on the Highway - With Me in It. <ref>https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/</ref>
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=See Also=
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===Hacking===
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OnStar-equipped vehicles, like all things with an IP address, are vulnerable to hacking. This requires increased staff and resources to ensure these vehicles remain secure.<ref>Barry, K. (2011). “Can Your Car Be Hacked?” Car and Driver. Retrieved 23 April, 2017, from http://www.caranddriver.com/features/can-your-car-be-hacked-feature</ref> Although OnStar doesn’t handle the control systems of vehicles, successful hacking of the diagnostic and location-based information it does handle could be dangerous for drivers. In 2015, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek successfully hacked a Jeep Cherokee by sending commands through the vehicle’s entertainment system to its control systems.<ref name=hack>Greenberg, A. (2015). “Hackers Remotely Kill a Jeep on the Highway—with Me in It”. Wired. Retrieved 23 April, 2017, from https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/</ref> They were able to do anything from blasting the air conditioning to cutting the vehicle’s brakes.<ref name=hack/> A well-known hacker, Samy Kamkar, has successfully hacked OnStar-equipped GM vehicles using the RemoteLink mobile app.<ref name=GM>Read, R. (2015). “GM’s OnStar is vulnerable to hackers—here’s how to keep your car safe”. Business Insider. Retrieved 23 April, 2017, from http://www.businessinsider.com/gms-onstar-is-vulnerable-to-hackers-heres-how-to-keep-your-car-safe-2015-8</ref> Kamkar was able to locate, unlock, and start these vehicles, but he had to be relatively close to the vehicle for this hacking to be successful.<ref name=GM/>
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=Case Study=
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In 2014, a woman in Campbell crashed her Chevorlet Cruze down a mountain, leaving her in bad shape. Her car had OnStar installed and therefore the car was able to send information to a specialist quickly to notify authorities that a crash had occurred. However, there was a big issue related to how authorities could respond to this accident--the location sent by OnStar was 15 miles off. Although eventually the woman was found and saved due to technology in her iPhone, it is unfortunate how the OnStar technology was unable to successfully complete the job it was made for. However, this technology has made improvements in how quickly authorities are able to reach accidents and respond to them, resulting in a higher rate of survivals. Additionally, this technology allows information to be extracted and delivered quickly without much assistance from the driver. Before this technology existed, authorities had to rely on maps, phone calls, and word of mouth information making it more difficult to provide assistance when it is needed. <ref> South Bay Ravine Crash Illustrates Power, Limitations of Onstar http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Wrong-car-crash-location-spurs-OnStar-probe-5825410.php </ref> Although OnStar technology has not been perfected as of yet, this case is an example of how different information technologies work together. OnStar was able to successfully send a signal notifying the necessary agents about the crash, while technology on the iPhone was able to pinpoint exactly where the victim was.
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=References=
 
=References=
 
{{resource|
 
{{resource|
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
}}
 
}}
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=External Links=
 
=External Links=
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[[Category: Hardware]]
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[[Category: Out of Date]]

Latest revision as of 16:03, 19 April 2018

OnStar
Onstarlogo.png
Onstarimage.png
"OnStar" Homepage
Type Vehicle Telecommunications Platform
Launch Date 1996
Status Active
Product Line Emergency Services
Security Services
Navigation Services
Mobile Connectivity Services
Vehicle Maintenance Monitor Services
Platform Mobile Applications
Built-In Physical Devices
Aftermarket Physical Devices
Website OnStar
O
nStar is an encompassing vehicle telecommunication platform that provides emergency, security, navigation, mobile connectivity, and vehicle maintenance monitoring services to its users. The platform is able to automatically alert officials of a user's location if they have been in an accident, unlock the car remotely if the user locks their keys in the vehicle, provide vehicle tracking if it has been stolen, and more. While OnStar provides an integrated experience between the user and their vehicle, ethical concerns has arose surrounding location tracking and application hacking.

History

DAIR System

Beginning

Conceived and developed within General Motors dating back to the 1960s, OnStar is touted as being the way of the future when it comes to interacting with one's automobile.[1]. The origin for the concept of OnStar can be found in the creation of the Driver Aid, Information, and Routing (DAIR) System. The technology was unveiled in two prototype vehicles in 1966 and was capable of providing basic turn-by-turn directions to drivers while also providing feedback to the drivers regarding current road conditions and relaying up-to-date accident reports. The project was brought to an end when it was shown that the overhaul to the American roadway system that would be needed for the product to work reliably and nationally would be be virtually impossible to accomplish.[1]

First Iteration of Onstar

Evolution

A similar concept to the DAIR System began it was discovered that GPS and wireless communication methods provided the core goals of the DAIR System without completely reworking roadway systems.[1] The current iteration of OnStar was officially unveiled at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and was first made available in 1997 Cadillac vehicles. The system was able to connect drivers to 24/7 OnStar concierges who could provide turn-by-turn directions as well as emergency assistance in times of need. The system was advertised as the "world's first in-vehicle, hands-free communication system".[1] In 2001, OnStar added the ability for drivers to place personal calls, access their email, and hear the latest news broadcasts through their OnStar systems.[1]

Current Iteration of OnStar

Current Status

Today, OnStar offers a multitude of services to its subscribers. Those services can be grouped under five main types of service: emergency, security, navigation, mobile connectivity, and vehicle maintenance monitoring. OnStar is able to call emergency professionals when a user has an accident, unlock the car for users that accidentally locked their keys within it, provide navigation routes that avoid accidents or traffic jams, provide internet access for users on-the-go, and tell users when and why their vehicle is malfunctioning.[2]

Overview of Services

Emergency Services [3]

Emergency services icon.png
  1. Automatic Crash Response: If users are involved in an accident, built-in sensors will automatically alert OnStar officials and predict severity based upon the sensor findings. An OnStar official will then automatically check in with the driver to see if they need help and alert emergency professionals of the accident and its location if additional assistance is required.
  2. Emergency Assistance: If users press the red emergency button, they will be instantly connected with an OnStar official who can provide critical emergency help while also notifying other emergency personal of the user's location and the issue that they are facing.
  3. Crisis Assist: If a user finds themselves in a perilous situation, OnStar advisors can provide them with emergency resources, escape routes, and/or a contact family member. Examples in which a user may require Crisis Assistance are severe weather, natural resource/man-made disasters, and natural disasters.
  4. Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance can provide more generic service help, such as a lockout service, emergency towing, flat tire changing services, battery jump start services, and emergency fuel delivery services.

Security Services [4]

Securityservicesicon.png
  1. Remote Ignition Block: If a vehicle has been reported stolen, OnStar can send a remote signal that will stop the engine from starting.
  2. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown: If a car has been reported stolen, a signal will be sent to the authorities to help recover the vehicle and reduce high-speed pursuits. Once the police have confirmed that the conditions are safe, OnStar will send a signal that gradually slows down the vehicle so it can be apprehended by the authorities.
  3. Theft Alarm Notification: If the car alarm goes off, OnStar can notify the owner of the vehicle immediately via text, email, or phone call to quickly and safely recover the vehicle.

Navigation Services [5]

Navigationservicesicon.png
  1. Turn-By-Turn Directions: OnStar can also send turn-by-turn directions to a user's in-vehicle navigation system through the use of the user's vehicle’s mobile app. Drivers can also use Destination Download, in which they push a button to contact OnStar officials who will find turn-by-turn directions to the point of interest and send those directions to the in-vehicle navigation system.
  2. AtYourService: This service is is a new way to discover value in the places a user goes, providing an overall better user experience with suggestions on where to eat, shop, and play. When users are not driving, they can get valuable offers delivered directly to their vehicle’s mobile app. OnStar officials can also help users find and book a hotel room through Priceline.com.

Mobile Connectivity Services [6]

Mobileconnectivityservicesicon.png
  1. OnStar 4G LTE & Wi-Fi Hotspot: With the new offering of OnStar 4G LTE, users can connect up to to seven devices (including tablets and laptops) at 4G LTE speed. This also makes a user's car into its own Wi-Fi hotspot.
  2. Hands-Free Calling: OnStar also offers a built-in wireless service so users can stay connected when their cell phone does not have service or is not on their person.
  3. Access to Third-Party Applications and Services: OnStar has also connected with select third party providers of apps and services so that they can offer users innovative and personalized features.

Vehicle Maintenance Monitoring Services [7]

Vehiclemaintenancemanagementservicesicon.png
  1. Diagnostic Reports: Every month, OnStar can run a thorough check of a user's vehicle's engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes and more, and email over the results. With Dealer Maintenance Notifications, a user's car will email the diagnostics report to the dealer if it is time for the vehicle to have maintenance service done, and the dealer will contact the user to set up a service appointment. With Proactive Alerts, the vehicle can predict potential issues with key vehicle components and send alerts via email and/or text. Diagnostic Alerts allows users to set their preferences to receive a monthly diagnostic report or be notified of the vehicle’s condition in real-time via email and/or text.
  2. OnStar Smart Driver: With OnStar Smart Driver, users will receive information about their driving behavior and tips on becoming a smarter driver. Users also have the potential to qualify for insurance discounts from participating providers.
  3. Remote Access: With the Remote Access mobile app, users can start their engine, lock and unlock doors, honk the horn, and flash the lights from almost anywhere.
  4. Location Manager: The Location Manager service allows users to know where their vehicle is at all times. With the Location Manager service, users have the Family Link service. With the OnStar app, the Family Link service will allow users to see where their vehicle is and receive email and/or text alerts about its location at specific times. The Location Manager service also has a Vehicle Locate function, which allows users to easily look-up their vehicle’s location on a map.


Ethical Concerns

Location Tracking

OnStar tracks the location of OnStar-equipped vehicles to provide navigation and emergency services. Although location tracking is necessary for drivers who want to take full advantage of OnStar’s capabilities, there are privacy concerns associated with the consistent tracking of a vehicle’s movement. In 2011, OnStar notified drivers that it would begin collecting this data even after drivers stop using the service.[8] Drivers must notify the company if they want to sever this connection.[8] This updated privacy policy also stated that OnStar reserves the right to anonymize this data and sell it to third parties.[8] In 2012, OnStar rolled out “Family Link”, a service that allows owners of vehicles with OnStar to track their family members’ location through the OnStar website and to receive email and text alerts about their location at specific times or locations.[9] This raises concerns about privacy infringement surrounding location tracking of drivers who are currently using or have previously used the service.

Hacking

OnStar-equipped vehicles, like all things with an IP address, are vulnerable to hacking. This requires increased staff and resources to ensure these vehicles remain secure.[10] Although OnStar doesn’t handle the control systems of vehicles, successful hacking of the diagnostic and location-based information it does handle could be dangerous for drivers. In 2015, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek successfully hacked a Jeep Cherokee by sending commands through the vehicle’s entertainment system to its control systems.[11] They were able to do anything from blasting the air conditioning to cutting the vehicle’s brakes.[11] A well-known hacker, Samy Kamkar, has successfully hacked OnStar-equipped GM vehicles using the RemoteLink mobile app.[12] Kamkar was able to locate, unlock, and start these vehicles, but he had to be relatively close to the vehicle for this hacking to be successful.[12]

Case Study

In 2014, a woman in Campbell crashed her Chevorlet Cruze down a mountain, leaving her in bad shape. Her car had OnStar installed and therefore the car was able to send information to a specialist quickly to notify authorities that a crash had occurred. However, there was a big issue related to how authorities could respond to this accident--the location sent by OnStar was 15 miles off. Although eventually the woman was found and saved due to technology in her iPhone, it is unfortunate how the OnStar technology was unable to successfully complete the job it was made for. However, this technology has made improvements in how quickly authorities are able to reach accidents and respond to them, resulting in a higher rate of survivals. Additionally, this technology allows information to be extracted and delivered quickly without much assistance from the driver. Before this technology existed, authorities had to rely on maps, phone calls, and word of mouth information making it more difficult to provide assistance when it is needed. [13] Although OnStar technology has not been perfected as of yet, this case is an example of how different information technologies work together. OnStar was able to successfully send a signal notifying the necessary agents about the crash, while technology on the iPhone was able to pinpoint exactly where the victim was.


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "The Origins of OnStar.", Featured: The Origins of OnStar. GM Heritage Center, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
  2. "OnStar Help & Support|OnStar.", OnStar. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
  3. "Emergency.", Emergency|OnStar. OnStar, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
  4. "Security.", Security|OnStar. OnStar, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
  5. "Navigation.", Navigation|OnStar. OnStar, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
  6. "Connections", Connections|OnStar. OnStar, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
  7. "Vehicle Manager", Vehicle Manager|OnStar. OnStar, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Kravets, D. (2011). “OnStar Tracks Your Car Even When You Cancel Service”. Wired. Retrieved 22 April, 2017, from
  9. Barry, K. (2011). “Can Your Car Be Hacked?” Car and Driver. Retrieved 23 April, 2017, from http://www.caranddriver.com/features/can-your-car-be-hacked-feature
  10. 11.0 11.1 Greenberg, A. (2015). “Hackers Remotely Kill a Jeep on the Highway—with Me in It”. Wired. Retrieved 23 April, 2017, from https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/
  11. 12.0 12.1 Read, R. (2015). “GM’s OnStar is vulnerable to hackers—here’s how to keep your car safe”. Business Insider. Retrieved 23 April, 2017, from http://www.businessinsider.com/gms-onstar-is-vulnerable-to-hackers-heres-how-to-keep-your-car-safe-2015-8
  12. South Bay Ravine Crash Illustrates Power, Limitations of Onstar http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Wrong-car-crash-location-spurs-OnStar-probe-5825410.php


External Links