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.[1] 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. 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.[2]
Contents
History:
Beginning -
The origin for the concept of OnStar can be found in the creation of the Driver Aid, Information, and Routing (DAIR) System that was originally developed by General Motors engineers in the mid 1960s. 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.[3]
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.[4] 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".[5] 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.[6]
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.[7]
Overview of Services:
Emergency Services [8] -
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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[9] -
- Remote Ignition Block
- Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
- Theft Alarm Notification
- Turn-By-Turn Directions
- AtYourService
Mobile Connectivity Services[11] -
- OnStar 4G LTE & Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Hands-Free Calling
- Access to Third-Party Applications and Services
Vehicle Maintenance Monitoring Services[12] -
- Diagnostic Reports
- OnStar Smart Driver
- Remote Access
- Location Manager
