Revision as of 21:28, 30 March 2017

OnStar

"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

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.

History:

DAIR System

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.^[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 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.^[1] 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".^[1] 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.^[1]

Current Iteration of OnStar

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.^[2]

Overview of Services:

Emergency Services ^[3] -

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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, emergency fuel delivery services

Security Services ^[4] -

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 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.
3. 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.

Navigation Services ^[5] -

1. 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.
2. 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.

Mobile Connectivity Services ^[6] -

1. 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.
2. 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.
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 you innovative and personalized features.

Vehicle Maintenance Monitoring Services ^[7] -

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Ethical Concerns:

• OnStar Tracks Your Car Even When You Cancel Service^[8]
• Can Your Car Be Hacked?^[9]
• Hackers Remotely Kill a Jeep on the Highway - With Me in It. ^[10]

See Also:

References:

External Links: