Car Throttle

Happy Thanksgiving, from OnStar! One of the recent convienience features of General Motors' long-running telematics system has been Turn-by-Turn directions relayed through an equipped car's audio system. Each GM vehicle equipped with OnStar comes standard with the service for 1 year. For those that have let the service lapse, this "gift" is for you. On the day after Thanksgiving (the notorious "Black Friday" shopping day), OnStar is offering Turn-by-Turn directions free. This could be useful especially for people out of town and looking to take advantage of sales on the day after Thanksgiving. As with all promotions, GM does have an aim with it - to hopefully bring a few subscribers on board who haven't signed up after the 1-year period, and to maybe produce a positive

The sophistication of technology in automobiles has increased so much over just the past few years. As a reference, the Lincoln MKT's technology package was quite impressive, especially for a brand not known for its technological prowess. Apple's iPhone has revolutionized the mobile segment, and has offered so many new opportunities with its interface and constant data connection. Automakers are beginning to realize the capability for synergies between cars and new smartphones. General Motors' OnStar system has been the predominant telematics system, but Ford's Microsoft-developed SYNC has been making a big splash recently. Mercedes-Benz has offered its own "Tele Aid" competing service on its vehicles for the past 10 years. This new system is dubbed "mbrace" (curious name) and it was developed in partnership with Hughes Telematics,