GM announce Facebook for your car

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OMG: Facebook comes to the car
Richard Blackburn
September 15, 2010


GM have teamed up with OnStar to provide Facebook access for cars.

A US company is developing technology that allows drivers to use Facebook on the run.

Drivers in the United States will soon be able to update their Facebook page while they are driving.

The developers of the new technology say it won’t unduly distract drivers because the updates will be voice-activated.

OnStar, the technology arm of General Motors, says the new system would allow Facebook users to verbally update their Facebook status and listen to news-feed messages.


Drivers will also be able to compose voice-based SMS messages and have text messages read to them via Bluetooth.

They can then press a button on the steering wheel and reply to the messages by verbally selecting a pre-set response.

The new system is one of many being developed by car makers to connect with the digital generation. BMW is offering internet access on its top-of-the-line 7-Series, while Mercedes-Benz has developed a wireless hotspot for its E-Class and S-Class sedans.

OnStar says the technology is being developed under the banner of “responsible connectivity”, with special attention paid to not diverting the driver’s eyes from the road ahead.

But some studies have found that even “hands-free” applications have the potential to distract drivers.

OnStar will also develop a series of applications for smartphones that will perform the various functions usually found on a keyfob, remotely opening doors and turning on air-conditioning or heating systems.

The company has asked university students to help design the technology and develop applications to keep them connected on the road.