[K Dawg ONE]

http://media.gm.com/servlet/Gateway...monthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=74&docid=44741

Dallas - OnStar today announced the introduction of two new navigational services to complement and enhance its existing Turn-by-Turn service, the most widely available navigation system on the market. These features solidify GM's leadership in navigation with more vehicles on the road with embedded navigation systems and more options than any other automaker.

The first new service is OnStar Destination Download, which enables OnStar subscribers with screen-based navigation systems to quickly input their destination while on the go via the simple press of a button. The second service, OnStar eNav, allows subscribers with a Turn-by-Turn Navigation-capable vehicle to find and save destinations on MapQuest.com and have those destinations sent to their vehicle's OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation system.

OoOoOoOoOooooo!

 

[BPGTim]

Thank you for this new info. This will be a subject in my next sales meeting.

 

[Clownzilla]

Still waiting for a flat fee for the personal calling feature. I LOVE that feature and how it integrates into the car, but why keep charging fees that are more like cell calling plans from the early 90's? It has so much potential that is being wasted for short term profits. To be honest, that Microsoft Sync on Ford products is looking mighty nice right now................

 

[PositiveAboutGM]

Still waiting for a flat fee for the personal calling feature. I LOVE that feature and how it integrates into the car, but why keep charging fees that are more like cell calling plans from the early 90's? It has so much potential that is being wasted for short term profits.

Agreed, but would Verizon permit this?

For various reasons, I have my phone and wireless card on Alltel. I would love to "hook up" my OnStar phone with Alltel just as one can with Verizon. In my case, this would be an acceptable solution. They're both on CDMA...

 

[Ambalanche]

This was needed in order to keep Onstar relevent since all GM vehicles are supposed to have bluetooth available next year. I think it's good since you currently have to have the car in park or stopped to input addresses. This way the advisor can do it for you on the go! I never understood why Onstar wasn't integrated with the onboard nav system.

 

[Z28x]

I had onstar basic for 1 year. It was useless. not worth the money.

 

[coaster.n3rd]

I had onstar basic for 1 year. It was useless. not worth the money.

Please elaborate as to why it was useless.

 

[nd4spd]

I had onstar basic for 1 year. It was useless. not worth the money.

It's actually a positive for you that you feel the basic service was useless. The Safe and Sound (basic) package is just that, it's a safety feature that you hope you never have to use just like insurance. My mother rolled her Monte Carlo 4 times and was unable to call for help. Onstar was there and able to get her the help she needed quickly so that she could walk away with just bumps and bruises. To my family the service is priceless and worth every penny.

 

[I-Love-Pontiac]

Well, until onstar has a graphic user interface... I really don't care.

 

[rbarrios]

I beta-tested the eNAv feature.
When we bought our 07 Impala, we immidiately upgraded to include Turn by turn navigation.
At a later date- we were sent email asking if we wanted to beta test the mapquest/onstar feature.we went ahead and used it- (I still use it).... its simple. And since we had been previous mapquest users- the combination is great. We then had questionaires about it. including the possible name... I guess they chose eNav.
But we sure like it...
My gf likes it- and (sister just bought an 08 Buick Lucerne), and she has started using Turn by turn. She likes it alot.
One thing they both said- is that they dont care to look at a screen with maps and arrows and colors. they also dont care to learn how to operate a new GPS system....
Sisters bf used a Garmin portable nav system- and my sister just couldnt stand the thing... she simply refused to play with it. The Onstar- she calls with no problem.
some people just dont like techy gizmos that require alot of button pushing...

 

[autofan]

To my family the service is priceless and worth every penny.

I like the idea of the emergency service but I think the monthly fee is simply too expensive. Last I knew, it was $15 for the basic Safe & Sound pkg. While I understand the notion that it's worth the price for the peace of mind, I think the reason many choose not to continue OnStar service past the first year is because of the cost. As you add calling and navigation services, it can be a pretty pricey endeavor. Perhaps if you frequently travel to unfamiliar places or find yourself lost often those features are worthwhile.

One thing I do not like is how relentless OnStar is about continuing your subscription and selling their services. I find it absolutely unacceptable that they can interrupt your car's radio to sell their product. That's in addition to the phone calls, emails and frequent mailings to do the same.

 

[BPGTim]

It's actually a positive for you that you feel the basic service was useless. The Safe and Sound (basic) package is just that, it's a safety feature that you hope you never have to use just like insurance. My mother rolled her Monte Carlo 4 times and was unable to call for help. Onstar was there and able to get her the help she needed quickly so that she could walk away with just bumps and bruises. To my family the service is priceless and worth every penny.

Onstar is only useless to those who have never used it. THis is the best interctive system ever put into a vehicle and the ignorant or un informed are always the ones that find fault.

I dare someone to find a system that can do even half of what Onstar can do and then find it at a price that even resemble the $399 a year for the most comprehensive package they offer. People think this is the replacement for a cell phone and it is designed to enhance the convenience of wireless communication and it is well below any cell phone agreement I can find.

My example $199 Safe and Sound and $39.99 for 100 minutes. even if you talk 100 per month ($479.88/year) + $199 Onstar vs. Cell phone $40/month ($480/year) and what does your cellphone do when your check engine light comes on or when your airbag deploys or you have a heartattack ......need I say more ...... What about your dear BLUETEETH what are they going to do when your child falls and you need an ambulance, or your elderly parent has a flat tire at night and they don't remember the roadside assistance number ???????

 

[T-Type]

I find it absolutely unacceptable that they can interrupt your car's radio to sell their product.

Are you serious? Do they do that? That would be hugely irritating.

 

[GMinTheDriveway]

Well, until onstar has a graphic user interface... I really don't care.

Most of us graduated from picture books long ago. How hard is translating written or spoken language for you? Are you confused by "right" or "left" and need a "<----" or "--->" to tell you which direction that is?

 

[GMinTheDriveway]

I like the idea of the emergency service but I think the monthly fee is simply too expensive. Last I knew, it was $15 for the basic Safe & Sound pkg. While I understand the notion that it's worth the price for the peace of mind, I think the reason many choose not to continue OnStar service past the first year is because of the cost. As you add calling and navigation services, it can be a pretty pricey endeavor. Perhaps if you frequently travel to unfamiliar places or find yourself lost often those features are worthwhile....

What is the cost of an ambulance that gets there too late becuase no one was left alert enough to dial 9-1-1?
How much is your screen-based DVD navigation? $40-$80/month is what you pay for that in your finance or lease contract. And for what? You need another $200 disc every year that is already 1-2 years out of date. Please.
Navigation systems are, for most people, just a bragging right or an excuse not to know where they are going and how to get there.

 

[bone]

I had onstar basic for 1 year. It was useless. not worth the money.

I agree. Had it for one year.

 

[genjy]

What is the cost of an ambulance that gets there too late becuase no one was left alert enough to dial 9-1-1?
How much is your screen-based DVD navigation? $40-$80/month is what you pay for that in your finance or lease contract. And for what? You need another $200 disc every year that is already 1-2 years out of date. Please.
Navigation systems are, for most people, just a bragging right or an excuse not to know where they are going and how to get there.

Onstar is fine. The safety and service aspects of Onstar are excellent.

However, GM tries to butcher traditional DVD navigation and Bluetooth connectivity in order to sell Onstar's competing services, and that's a problem for many people.

Many people don't care for turn-by-turn or calls through Onstar. By not offering NAV and BT, GM is just pissing off a lot of customers. Let those who want the Onstar services or NAV or BT order them. Don't limit features and options for the sake of Onstar profit.

 

[Shawn Wuan]

It's actually a positive for you that you feel the basic service was useless. The Safe and Sound (basic) package is just that, it's a safety feature that you hope you never have to use just like insurance. My mother rolled her Monte Carlo 4 times and was unable to call for help. Onstar was there and able to get her the help she needed quickly so that she could walk away with just bumps and bruises. To my family the service is priceless and worth every penny.

Yeah, my family and live and die by On Star!

 

[imrf]

I find it absolutely unacceptable that they can interrupt your car's radio to sell their product.

I've never had that in any of my vehicles that I let OnStar lapse on. Same goes with my friends and family.

 

[imrf]

However, GM tries to butcher traditional DVD navigation

What butchering is done? Outside of not being able to input destinations while driving, I haven't seen any butchering of the NAV systems that GM installs.