Google Android Interface For the Chevy Volt 132
jerryjamesstone writes "Earlier this month, General Motors hinted at a partnership with a major tech company to fully overhaul its telematics system, OnStar. While OnStar CEO Chris Preuss was tight-lipped about who that partner was, Motor Trend recently reported that it's Google. If the rumor's true, GM will make the Chevy Volt the first Android-based vehicle to hit the road. The Motor Trend article suggests 'Google would sell its Android operating system for in-car use,' while the Wall Street Journal has a slightly different take: 'The pairing would likely involve a way for users of Android-based smartphones to use OnStar features from their phone while not in their car. ... For instance, a person could find out information about their vehicle's maintenance needs through the Android phone. In the case of the Volt, GM's coming electric car, an owner may be able to keep track of the car's battery charge without being in the car.'"
Re:Erm, is this really usefull? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Remote access to my car? (Score:1, Informative)
Hate to break it to you, but long term, you won't really have an economical option as the population that appreciates having OnStar and its brethren vastly outnumbers those worried by remote diagnostics. It is quite useful to let OnStar monitor oil life for instance - the 3 month/3000 miles is a "bad conditions" rule needed for back in the days where we couldn't monitor the condition of the oil. The ability to contact/be contacted by emergency services in a crash is also very appealing (of course this assumes the crash doesn't kill the uplink or stereo, so it may be a bit of false security). While it is possible to overhaul the standard "service vehicle" warning lights, it is actually superior to be notified when not driving - are you going to disrupt whatever plans have you on the road to get it serviced right then? Not likely, instead, by being notified when not driving, you can plan to get it serviced and be reminded of it.