OnStar Family Link brings loved ones closer together through vehicle tracking
Add this to the ever-growing list of things we're glad we didn't have back when we were teenagers. GM this week announced the release of Family Link, the latest addition to its OnStar service. The new feature lets subscribers track the exact location of vehicles at any time via an online map. Subscribers can also set up a text message alert to keep on top of the car's location. There's certainly potential for the feature as a safety tool, but it's also no doubt a long awaited addition for overbearing parents everywhere. The service is beginning life as an invitation-only pilot program that includes around 10,000 OnStar subscribers.
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OnStar Connects Loved Ones No Matter Where They Roam
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – OnStar today announced it has launched a pilot for Family Link, a new optional service that will explore ways subscribers can stay connected to their loved ones when driving an OnStar-equipped vehicle.
OnStar is conducting the pilot program to gauge consumer interest. Pilot services will include:
Vehicle Locate: The subscriber can log on to the Family Link website to view a map with the vehicle's exact location at any time.
Vehicle Location Alert: Subscribers can set up email or text message notifications to let them know the location of their loved one's vehicle. They can choose the day, time and frequency of the alerts.
"Our subscribers have asked us for a solution to help them stay connected to their family when they're on the road," said OnStar President Linda Marshall. "What parent hasn't asked their teenaged driver to call or send a text when they arrive somewhere, only to not hear from them? Family Link's Vehicle Locate feature lets a parent check on their child's progress or help determine when he/she might be home safe and sound.
"That means peace of mind for them and their loved ones while they're on the road."
Participation in the OnStar Family Link pilot is by invitation only and will include approximately 10,000 active U.S. OnStar subscribers.
Access to the Family Link website requires an OnStar user name and password. Only the subscriber with access can locate a vehicle or send alerts.
To use Vehicle Locate, subscribers log onto the Family Link website and navigate to the Vehicles tab and click on Locate. Once the vehicle has been located, the vehicle's icon will be shown on the map. Additional location details can be seen by hovering over the vehicle.
To set up a Location Alert, subscribers log on to the Family Link website and navigate to the Alerts tab and click on Add Alert. The subscriber can request the day of week and time to receive an alert, as well as how they would like to be notified: via text, email or both. Location Alerts will include the address the vehicle is near as well as the date and time.
