OnStar … Thoughts ?

[Ben Malik]

I tried a free trial of OnStar , and was marginally ok. I didn’t need anything or crash my car. So true value never really realized. Few remote functions are nice to have.

Given how expensive it is , anyone subscribed to it ongoing and find it useful? If so, details as to why you like it?

Any way to get a better subscription price ? @ $50 per month for the One subscription or $30 per month for Protect … seems wildly high to me.

Any and all thoughts appreciated.

My 25 Vet came with a 3 yr subscription…. Probably built into my purchase price, who knows. The sales guy told me never to upgrade or extend as he even thinks is not worth it. Actually got an email from “Con”-star asking if I wanted to upgrade. Not sure what version I have, but I have no use for it given I have GPS onboard as well as my iPhone. Both which give me turn by turn. The Chev app gives me health of the car… oil tire pressure etc.
As for a kill switch , I have the solar throttle controller…. When my car is parked, as it is now for the winter, I have the throttle disabled and the unit in my house.

 

[DynamicCaps]

Hope GM are reading and learning from this thread.

Make it affordable, cheap and feature packed … maybe they might just sell more subscriptions.

@$5/month for all the features (which aren’t that exciting) … I’d be a buyer. Otherwise , hard pass and use my Soler when and as needed.

 

[Ben Malik]

Hope GM are reading and learning from this thread.

Make it affordable, cheap and feature packed … maybe they might just sell more subscriptions.

@$5/month for all the features (which aren’t that exciting) … I’d be a buyer. Otherwise , hard pass and use my Soler whe

Even at that price point , I would not find it worthwhile. It’s like when you had to buy data packages at ridiculous prices with OnStar back in the day. I have OnStar, as stated above, and I have NEVER used it once.
It’s still a hard pass for me

 

[JCWP]

I tried a free trial of OnStar , and was marginally ok. I didn’t need anything or crash my car. So true value never really realized. Few remote functions are nice to have.

Given how expensive it is , anyone subscribed to it ongoing and find it useful? If so, details as to why you like it?

Any way to get a better subscription price ? @ $50 per month for the One subscription or $30 per month for Protect … seems wildly high to me.

Any and all thoughts appreciated.

Basic program is free. I still have it on my 2022 (delivery Oct. 2021). I got stranded Aug. 24/2024 on HWY. 12 here in B.C. with no cell service and was able to use On Star to get a tow . I get a monthly email report on the status of my car still.

 

[notlim]

In 2024 I bought a used 2017 C7 from a dealer in A--x Ontario that had 9500 km's on it. They gave me the 90 day trial version of it and that expired so I pressed the blue on star button in the car and complained to the person on the other end. I told them that the car had so few miles on it and to me it was a new car and that I should have received the free three year subscription as I had with a 2023 Camaro I had. After a long period on hold the person came back and I received the three year On Star package at no additional cost. In all honesty I don't use the system for anything other than for tracking the vehicle in the event it was stolen and that my insurance company requires an anti theft and or tracking device for theft recovery. I know they offer more but I connect my phone that covers everything I need and unless I get in a crash I won't realize how valuable the crash detect system works to send help.

 

[1st Vette]

Hope GM are reading and learning from this thread.

Make it affordable, cheap and feature packed … maybe they might just sell more subscriptions.

@$5/month for all the features (which aren’t that exciting) … I’d be a buyer. Otherwise , hard pass and use my Soler when and as needed.

I'd be willing to spring for $5.50 ......

 

[DynamicCaps]

This thread speaks volumes …. Thanks everyone for your reply’s.

I’m hard passing on any subscription level.

 

[1st Vette]

This thread speaks volumes …. Thanks everyone for your reply’s.

I’m hard passing on any subscription level.

Certainly at the asking price . Has some interesting features but none most need . A lot of folks have 200 TV channels and watch 4 . When the trial version of Serious XM ran out I got ten offers to renew at a better deal each time. Haven't taken the bait yet . Wouldn't mind having Howard though, lol. But thats about it .

 

[Murray20c8]

BTW, Android is introducing the "Find Hub Network".

You can use Find Hub to locate devices when they’re connected to the internet. With the Find Hub network, you’ll be able to locate your devices even if they’re offline. You can also find any compatible Fast Pair accessories when they’re disconnected from your device. This includes compatible earbuds and headphones, and trackers that you can attach to your wallet, keys, or bike.
To help you find your items when they’re offline, Find Hub will use the network of over a billion devices in the Android community and store your devices’ recent locations.

This would include your Android Auto I'd think.

 

[1st Vette]

BTW, Android is introducing the "Find Hub Network".



This would include your Android Auto I'd think.

Android location tracking allows users to find and monitor the location of their devices and other items using apps like Google’s Find My Device and Life360. These services utilize GPS and Wi-Fi data to provide real-time location updates and help locate lost devices.

Key Features of Android Location Tracking​

Device Location Services​

• Find Hub: This app helps locate Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, and accessories like earbuds. It can find devices even when they are offline.
• Play Sound: Users can make their devices ring to help locate them if they are nearby.
• Map View: The app displays the last known location of devices on a map, providing directions if needed.
• Location Sharing
• Share Location: Users can share their live location with friends and family for a specified duration. This feature helps coordinate meetups and ensure safety.
• Privacy Controls: Users can stop sharing their location at any time, ensuring control over their privacy.
• Security and Privacy
• Encrypted Data: Location data is encrypted to protect user privacy. The Find Hub network uses a secure method to ensure that only authorized users can access location information.
• Unknown Tracker Alerts: Android devices can alert users if an unfamiliar Bluetooth tracker is detected nearby, enhancing safety against unwanted tracking.
• Compatibility and Requirements
• Supported Devices: Find Hub works with Android devices running OS 6 and above, as well as various accessories that support the Find My Device network.
• Third-Party Trackers: The app can also track compatible third-party Bluetooth items, expanding its utility beyond just Android devices.
• These features make Android location tracking a versatile tool for both personal safety and device recovery.

 

[Murray20c8]

... and should be repeated in the computer security thread. lol.
Big Brother Google is watching!

 

[1st Vette]

... and should be repeated in the computer security thread. lol.
Big Brother Google is watching!

Bit of a trade off isn't it. If you want to use some of , or any of the admittedly useful apps and features you give up your privacy not that we have any anyway . Your activity for a wide variety of interactions with web sites and the internet in general can be profiled by what is known as " fingerprinting " . As you say , a topic for the other thread. I of course will post the info for those that are unaware. You can't hide , lol. And no , this doesn't help,