Word: onstar
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Virtual Advisor--available by year's end in 32 of GM's 54 cars (as well as some Lexus, Acura and Saab models)--is an extension of GM's OnStar system, which when introduced in 1996 was touted mostly as a luxury option for drivers who could use it to get directions, make restaurant reservations and buy theater tickets over a speakerphone from the comfort of their Cadillacs. This year the selling point is safety first; the pampering will cost you extra...
...combining global-positioning-satellite technology with a hands-free connection to teams of actual human advisers, OnStar provides a range of services, starting with a basic safety option that for $199 a year gives drivers the comfort of knowing that Big Brother OnStar is up there watching: advisers are alerted and call in assistance when the air bags of an OnStar-equipped car deploy. They can also unlock doors when keys get lost, diagnose engine problems or even find a stolen car. Last fall an OnStar adviser tracked a GMC Yukon stolen from a Battle Creek, Mich., dealership, enabling police...
Other automakers offer similar systems, but none so far that are fully voice activated. Still, they are moving in that direction. Mercedes says its OnStar-like Command feature is available hands-free. BMW has announced a customized, hands-free, digital version of Motorola's new TimePort. BMW plans to introduce iDrive, a console panel that will house Internet and e-mail software as well as hands-free phone service. In 2002 Ford hopes to install its own service, called Wingcast...