GM

Are "smart windows" in our future? GM challenged students from the FUTURE LAB at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Israel to develop a new concept in backseat entertainment technology that…get this…uses the windows themselves!

GM's "Windows of Opportunity" (WOO) project gave researchers and students from FUTURE LAB free reign to design applications that will turn car windows into interactive displays for rear seat passengers. What they came up with is amazing!

The apps include:

• Otto, an animated character projected over passing scenery that responds to real-time car performance, weather and landscape. With Otto, passengers can learn about their environment in fun, playful ways.
• Foofu, an app that allows passengers to create, explore and discover through finger drawing on window steam.
• Spindow, an app that provides its users a peek into other users’ windows around the globe in real time.
• Pond, an app that allows passengers to stream and share music with other cars on the road, downloads favorite tracks, and share messages with other passengers on the road.

How does the idea of a self-driving vehicle sound? It may happen…and sooner than you think. Vehicles that partially drive themselves will be available by the middle of the decade with more sophisticated self-driving systems by the end of the decade, General Motors Vice President of Global Research and Development Alan Taub says.

Sensors, radars, portable communication devices, GPS and cameras are the tools that supply critical information to the driver and the automobile's computer system. Combined with digital maps, the same technologies will allow the driver to let the vehicle concentrate on driving while he does something else.

"The technologies we're developing will provide an added convenience by partially or even completely taking over the driving duties," Taub said. "The primary goal, though, is safety. Future generation safety systems will eliminate the crash altogether by interceding on behalf of drivers before they’re even aware of a hazardous situation."

GM is already putting some of these advanced safety systems into its vehicles. For example, a lane departure warning system is available on the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; a side blind-zone alert is available on the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. A host of vehicles, including the Equinox and Terrain, offer back-up cameras.Read more

We all know the OnStar service can provide emergency crash response, roadside assistance and stolen vehicle assistance, but the company is upping the game with their latest announcement. OnStar is jumping in head-first into the smartphone mobile app business for all GM brands. No longer just tied to the Chevrolet Volt, OnStar announced that it's expanding its mobile app technology to include the majority of vehicles in the 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC lineups.

Smartphone users will be able to use many of OnStar's features right from their device. In addition to unlocking the doors and sounding the vehicle's horn and lights, OnStar subscribers will be able to see their current fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average miles-per-gallon... even remotely start their vehicle!Read more

Pontiac is dead, but not all of its cars. According to Bob Lutz of GM, the Pontiac G8 will be making its way to showrooms under the Chevrolet Caprice name. GM CEO, Frit Henderson, has stated that the GXP edition of the G8 would not live on. The standard RWD G8 has sold surprisingly well since it is competitively priced with its competition. Thus, the standard G8 will live on.

Lutz has also stated the Pontiac G8 is sold in other markets, such as South Africa and the Middle East, wearing Chevrolet badges, already.

Now if only the GTO would come back. I loved that car. 400hp for around $30,000! Why did it have to go, again?

In these economic times, every dollar counts. In an effort to help families save money wherever they can, OnStar continues support for the Low-Mileage Discount program. This program helps those Americans who drive less, pay less on their automotive insurance.

Using built-in technology, customers who opt-in can save up to 54% just by driving less than 15,000 miles annually. With the subscriber’s permission, the odometer reading from the monthly diagnostics email is forwarded to the insurance company. Based on those readings, the company will decrease premiums accordingly.

Not only does this program cut down on insurance premiums, but it also gives families an incentive to limit unnecessary driving.
Read more