September 22, 2010 by OnStar Admin
OnStar Relaunches Its Brand with Focus on “Responsible Connectivity”
There have been tremendous changes at OnStar this week with the announcement of our brand relaunch and I wanted to take a moment to talk about what this means for our subscribers.
Safety and security are OnStar’s strengths, something we will never walk away from, but a lot has happened in the 15 years since we started this company. People are focused on staying connected, and some people may even compromise their safety to do so. At OnStar, it’s not a matter of what we can do; it’s what we should do. In fact, responsible connectivity is the motivation behind everything we do.
Unfortunately, while people are focused on staying connected, they’re not doing it very safely:
- A recent study reports that 47% of adults who text say they have sent or read text messages while driving
- According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted driver, and more than half a million were injured
For you, it means that the connectivity that you crave in your life doesn’t need to stop when you get into their vehicle… because OnStar is testing new ways to keep you safely connected to the things that matter most – your family, friends, business associates, social media tools and our OnStar Advisors.
There’s no limit to the gadgets and distractions you can put in a vehicle, but at OnStar, it’s not a matter of what we can do; it’s what we should do. We wish the legislation alone would stop people from texting and using their smartphones while driving, but that’s just not realistic. That’s why OnStar wants to offer safe alternatives. Here are the technologies that we’re testing and will make available to you once we’re confident that they meet our requirements for safe and responsible connectivity:
Voice Texting
Voice Texting works exactly as it sounds – sending and receiving texts without ever picking up your phone! It’s as simple as pairing your phone to your vehicle’s Bluetooth, hearing your texts read to you through the system, and replying – via voice – using one of a few preset messages.
Audio Facebook
Audio Facebook allows users to verbally update their status messages and listen to their news feed from the last 24 hours through the OnStar Virtual Advisor capability.
We’ve made other announcements as well:
OnStar MyLink
Earlier this summer we announced mobile apps for Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Those mobile apps are called OnStar MyLink. Through OnStar MyLink you can remotely activate all functions that are on your key fob, including remote start, horn and lights and door unlocks from select smartphones.
First Assist
First Assist is an enhancement to our existing emergency service offering and gives our subscribers access to specially trained advisors who are certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch to provide critical instruction in emergency situations. We believe these protocols will compliment the efforts of our public safety partners and may potentially result in saving even more lives.
New Marketing Campaign
Have you seen our new marketing campaign? We wanted you and your friends to clearly understand the breadth all what we offer. We are thrilled to help you when you need us most, but we are also very excited to help you continue your life on the road.
This is just the beginning. I encourage you to follow us here, on Facebook or on Twitter for new and exciting updates.
LiveOn!
Chris Preuss
I own a Buick that has onstar but not activated. The only interest I would have to activate it is. If I was able to track my kids speeds and location. I don\t know if you offer this service or not. If not you should concider it.