2011 Chevrolet Volt in New York City, March 2010
OnStar is already one of the most handy features you can get in a GM vehicle but soon it will be even better thanks to a little help from Google. Together, the two will develop a number of new mobile app features that strengthen Chevrolet’s commitment to providing Volt customers with the most connected vehicle experience possible.
A new “navigation” tab has been added to the home screen of the existing Chevrolet Volt mobile app on the Android smartphone. When a Volt owner presses this tab, they will be able to see the current location of their Volt pinpointed on Google Maps, as well as their location relative to it.
From this map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to vocally search for a destination with their Android handset. They can then elect to send the destination from their Android phone to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn directions to their destination waiting for them when they start the vehicle. Additionally, the owner will also have the option to get voice-guided directions to their vehicle from their current location, using Google Maps Navigation.
Other features will include a charge status display, scheduled charge timing, display of battery life, information for mpg, electric only miles and odometer readings, and the ability to remotely start the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature.
The public will get a peek at what OnStar is working on at the Google I/O conference May 19-20 in San Francisco, where OnStar will debut and demonstrate the new functionalities being developed.
[GM]
