We all know not to text and drive, but what about a quick email or Facebook check? It takes a little less effort when behind the wheel, but it's just as dangerous. Well, the Feds are actually wanting to ban the use of a cell phone when behind the wheel. Period.
So what does this mean to everyone driving on a daily basis for work, making phone calls to colleagues, clients, family or friends? If the Feds have their way, and the states enforce the ban, you can't do it. But, if you have a Bluetooth you can still talk... and if you have OnStar, you can do just about anything.
Earlier this year OnStar rolled out a new program that allows you to not only talk on the phone through your car, but to send a text message, such as, "I'm driving," or, "I'll call you back soon." You can also have your Facebook updates, texts and emails read to you through OnStar. And it's free with your OnStar subscription.
And, if you have an Android phone or iPhone, you can download an app - myChevrolet - for your 2011 or 2012 cars that will help in many ways. You can search the owner's manual for your car, find a parking spot, and even monitor your car --- the phone will send you a notification if any fluids are low, tire pressure, or anything else strange that may be going on with your car. The OnStar app lets you unlock or start your car remotely, but runs around $18 a month.
Come by Team Auto Group today to test drive a car and get to know more about the OnStar app for your phone and using OnStar to update Facebook, send texts and emails, and communicate through the car.
Here's some more info directly from OnStar:
Research indicates that 42 percent of all drivers have texted while driving (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2009), which has emerged as a major safety concern in recent years. With the OnStar voice communications app, there is no need to look away from the road or take hands off the wheel to get incoming messages or send outgoing messages As more and more drivers pair their Bluetooth phones with their vehicles, OnStar wants to add value to the mobile connection and offer a safer and easy alternative for staying connected while driving.
Full launch is planned for later in the first half of 2011 through the Android Market, after thorough research and testing; cost to be determined.
Key Features:
Incoming SMS text messages and Facebook updates are converted from text to synthetic speech by the app, then sent via Bluetooth to the vehicle's speakers or to the speakers in the OnStar retail product.
Drivers can respond by voice through the in-vehicle or retail product microphone in several ways:
o Select by voice command among a list of defined messages, such as "Yes," "No" and "Driving."
o Speak a custom message, which is transcribed into text; also custom messages can be posted as audio clips in Facebook.
o For text messages, say "Call Back" and the driver's phone will automatically dial the phone number associated with the incoming message.
o For text messages, set an automatic reply to all incoming messages, such as: "I'm on the road until 3 p.m. and can get back to you then."
o For Facebook updates, the driver can say "Like" to like a friend's update.
Three operating modes help drivers learn how the app works:
o Beginner – provides full voice prompts for all features.
o Intermediate – provides fewer and shorter voice prompts.
o Expert – no voice prompts.
Requirements: A mobile phone running Android 2.2 or higher; either a GM vehicle with built-in Bluetooth or a vehicle equipped with the new OnStar retail product. OnStar is considering expanding the app in future to work with other manufacturer's in-vehicle Bluetooth systems, and adapting the app to run on other mobile platforms.
Key Features:
Incoming SMS text messages and Facebook updates are converted from text to synthetic speech by the app, then sent via Bluetooth to the vehicle's speakers or to the speakers in the OnStar retail product.
Drivers can respond by voice through the in-vehicle or retail product microphone in several ways:
o Select by voice command among a list of defined messages, such as "Yes," "No" and "Driving."
o Speak a custom message, which is transcribed into text; also custom messages can be posted as audio clips in Facebook.
o For text messages, say "Call Back" and the driver's phone will automatically dial the phone number associated with the incoming message.
o For text messages, set an automatic reply to all incoming messages, such as: "I'm on the road until 3 p.m. and can get back to you then."
o For Facebook updates, the driver can say "Like" to like a friend's update.
Three operating modes help drivers learn how the app works:
o Beginner – provides full voice prompts for all features.
o Intermediate – provides fewer and shorter voice prompts.
o Expert – no voice prompts.
Requirements: A mobile phone running Android 2.2 or higher; either a GM vehicle with built-in Bluetooth or a vehicle equipped with the new OnStar retail product. OnStar is considering expanding the app in future to work with other manufacturer's in-vehicle Bluetooth systems, and adapting the app to run on other mobile platforms.
gOoD pOsT...
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