GM Proposes Feature for Facebook Addicts: Verbal Status Updates Through OnStar

By Tracey E. Schelmetic, TMCnet Contributor

It happens all the time. You’re on your way to the grocery store to buy FrootLoops and Red Bull, and you realize that you’ve failed to let your Facebook (News - Alert) friends know about your important errand. It’s illegal to use your hand-held device in the car (and you always obey the law), but you fear your friends may not rest until they know of your sugar and caffeine quest. If this has ever happened to you, fret no longer: GM may have a solution for you.

The automaker announced Wednesday that it is testing software that would allow drivers to talk to their cars to update their status messages on the social networking site. Drivers could also listen to Facebook postings and messages, said the company. These verbal updates would be accomplished via GM's OnStar safety network and are said to be part of the automaker's effort to position the OnStar brand to better compete with rivals, particularly Ford, when it comes to onboard information and entertainment. (Apparently, Ford drivers will only be able to tell of the FrootLoops and Red Bull errand after the fact.)

GM has also revealed that it is testing a feature that would read cellular telephone text messages to drivers and allow them to respond by picking one of four preset replies with a button on the steering wheel. (One wonders what those four canned replies will be: “Yes,” “No,” “Maybe…I’ll call you later” and “I told you never to call me here”?)

GM spokeswoman Jocelyn Allen has said that while the features are in development, they first must be evaluated and tested thoroughly to make sure they don't distract drivers from paying attention to the road. (Sorry, Lady, but not only is the cat long out of that bag, it’s halfway across the country by now.)

In addition to announcing the social networking features that are in development, GM has also indicated that the OnStar brand will be used for high-tech radios, navigation systems and other dashboard electronics that will compete with Ford's Sync system by Microsoft (News - Alert). OnStar, which comes with many GM vehicles, is often free for the first year and costs $199 per year for basic service and $299 for service that comes with turn-by-turn navigation and other features. No word on whether the premium service will include the fix for Facebook addicts.

(source: http://ivr.tmcnet.com/topics/ivr-voicexml/articles/100504-gm-proposes-feature-facebook-addicts-verbal-status-updates.htm)