Could Video Chat Be Coming to Your Car? OnStar to Unveil New Car Technology
- Posted on December 22, 2011 at 8:56am by
Liz Klimas
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On the heels of the National Transportation Safety Board recommending all states ban use of mobile devices while operating a vehicle, OnStar seems to be going in the opposite direction, demonstrating new “infotainment” capabilities in its 2012 research car.
According to Motor Authority, OnStar will demonstrate technology that could allow for video chat and 4G streaming in cars at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Motor Authority reports that these features would only be functional when the car was in park and possibly only limited to the back seat:
OnStar said the system will offer such features as cloud-based streaming of information and entertainment, rear-seat infotainment management and video chat.
While it doesn’t get into the specific configuration, the pictures make it appear as though the car itself is equipped with a 4G modem that provides Internet connectivity and services throughout. In the rear, we see two tablet computers that look hardwired directly to the car
OnStar 2012 research vehicle. (Photo: OnStar)
Motor Authority reports that OnStar showed off some of its 4G capabilities last year and is set to reveal the latest technology this year in a Chevy Volt.
Since this is still a research vehicle, it is unclear what sort of Internet tracking or other monitoring OnStar will partake in should the technology make it into commercial vehicles. In the past, OnStar has been criticized for violating user privacy. This year, we reported that OnStar tracked information from vehicles even with owners had discontinued their service. The company later announced it would stop doing this after backlash.
[H/T Gizmodo]
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libtardian-refugee
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 5:29pmSome people are naturally distracted and probably shouldn’t have this technology, as for me, i have been trying to mount my bowflex where the driver seat is supposed to be. I am sure that “I” will not be a danger. (haven’t figured out the seatbelt yet)
Report Post »2theADDLED
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 6:35pmThis new technology is more distracting then wearing a seatbelt but we get fined if we
Report Post »don’t wear one.
How much $$$ was spent on this great development at tax payers expense and how
much $$$ will it cost the buyer, People now can‘t afford and don’t want a Volt.
I guess if we want a plain old basic transport vehicle Im sure some country like china
can build one for 1/4 of your cost.
Remember when you bought a car or truck and you chose the options now it is forced
on us by dictators at the factory.
babylonvi
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:49pmAnd they want to make a law against TEXTING!
Report Post »SurfinRallylizard
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:26pmi sit in gridlock traffic everyday, how about instead of this stuff we get those flying cars we were promised and have multiple levels of freeway so no one has to deal with traffic? OR, we invent that cool transport thing and we can all zoom to work/school/vacation/playboy mansion etc…. whenever we want? inter-world instant travel and commerce… how awesome is that.
Report Post »Macman1138
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 1:36pmI was wondering about the concept last week, linking my iPhone to the Uconnect with the screen and a camera in the dash of my Jeep Rubicon.
Report Post »ElaineA
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 1:30pmI bought my 2008 TAHOE in part because it had ON STAR. I sold my 2008 Tahoe and bought a FORD because ON STAR thought tracking me for Government Motors was a ‘good’ thing. I expect the ONSTAR feature that permits ONSTAR to slow and stop your car regardless of anything the owner of the car can do about it will be used by the Government to keep people from using the highways and escaping large cities during martial law …. obviously if I get stuck behind an ONSTAR vehicle I am as stopped as he is …. but I am not going to pay for the privilege.
Report Post »TheCalvinistPastor
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 1:16pmLet me get this Str8. Talking to a person on a screnn is illegal and distracting…..yet talking to the person sitting next to you is ok?
HMM. Wow, I am glad our MOMMY Government has our best intrests at heart.
Report Post »TelepromoterNChief
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 1:04pmJust like the XBox Kinnect, it will always be on…..watching you.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 12:21pmHow about… Movies… for the Driver to watch?
Report Post »Poggle The Stick
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:12amThere‘s no point in video chatting with someone in a car if the car isn’t moving. It woudl be nicer if it worked WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING.
Report Post »HenryCameron
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:37pmPlease tell me you’re joking.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:11amIsn’t that weird? Recent news has government wanting to ban ALL comm inside a vehicle, even hands free devices. And now Government Motors has this release… hmmm..
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:37amYea, just so Obama can pop in with specially tailored messages just for you, like “Your neighbor is a terrorist. Go and shoot him NOW!“ or ”DO NOT RESIST THE ARMED SOLDIERS ON YOUR STREET. CALMLY ENTER THE GREEN BUS” and crap like that.
You know, for your SAFETY!!!!!
YEARRRRGHHHhHHH!!!!
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