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The Engadget interview: OnStar's Nick Pudar talks smart grids at CTIA 2012 (video)
While visiting the Innovation Showcase at CTIA 2012, we ran into Nick Pudar -- OnStar's VP of Business Development -- who was kind enough to give us a few minutes of his time. We sat in the LTE Skype-enabled Chevy Volt on display and discussed such topics as OnStar FMV, RelayRides and smart grids -- wherein power utilities can (with the customer's consent) send a signal to a vehicle to control when it charges. The idea is to allows utilities to maximize grid efficiency and minimize power spikes while giving customers options for when to charge the vehicle -- like when the rates are the lowest or when the power generated is coming from renewable energy, for example. Pretty neat stuff, eh? Watch our video interview for all the (pardon the pun) juicy details.
QNX shows off its versatility, powers OnStar accessories as well as floundering tablets
Back in April of 2010, RIM snatched up a little known property called QNX, which primarily powered in-car infotainment systems. As we all know, that little OS eventually became the platform on which the PlayBook was built -- but QNX hasn't left the dashboard behind completely. Turns out the software inside OnStar's FMV, which went on sale in July, is actually QNX's Neutrino RTOS. Why are we only finding out about it now? Who knows, but maybe there's some sweet BlackBerry and OnStar integration coming once RIM puts QNX in phones. Check out the PR after the break.
OnStar FMV available at Best Buy July 24th for $300
Perhaps you recall hearing, back at CES, about GM's aftermarket mirror that would make the OnStar service available to most cars, including those from its most hated rival in Dearborn. No? Don't worry, here's the skinny: the OnStar FMV will let you have the company's popular blue button technology in over 90 million automobiles. Meaning that almost anyone can now reap the benefits of features like automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation and hands-free calling. You know... unless you're cruising in the General Lee, or something. Selling for $299.99, plus a $75 installation charge and $18.95 per month ($199 yearly) subscription, the high tech rear-view mirror will be on shelves at Best Buy starting July 24th and is now available for pre-order. Before you throw down the Benjamins for this automotive security blanket, you might want to double check that your car is compatible -- check the full PR to find out how.
OnStar's aftermarket mirror to be called OnStar FMV, gets a new microphone
When General Motors used CES to launch a mirror with a blue button that would work in any car it was called, quite simply, "retail product." Perhaps realizing that such a sweepingly vague name for the company's assault on every car every manufactured might lead to a bit of confusion, GM has now decided to call the mirror OnStar FMV. FMV, which stands for "For My Vehicle" and not "Full Motion Video," will act like a hands-free device and allows you to get other blue button functionality, including turn-by-turn directions and emergency assistance. Since CES the mirror has been augmented with an external microphone, but the price stays the same: $299 when it launches this summer -- plus $100 for installation and $18.95 per month or $199 yearly to make use of OnStar services. Blue buttons don't come cheap, son.
