Hands-Free Calling Choices Encouraged by OnStar

By Calvin Azuri, TMCnet Contributor

The process of pairing cell phones to hands-free technology has been simplified with a Bluetooth/Hands-Free Calling awareness campaign being launched by OnStar. OnStar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors (News - Alert).

Chris Preuss, president, OnStar said in a recent statement, "What we're learning is that many customers simply do not understand the technology, or they're confused by how to pair their cell phone to a Bluetooth device. It's about both educating the customer and alleviating technical challenges." 

Clear instruction on how to pair specific devices is available at the newly launched website www.gm.com/handsfree. According to the site, most Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles can stay connected in two possible ways. The first way is using OnStar Hands-Free Calling while the other is to use the built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Specific instructions on how to pair the device to the vehicle are available on the interactive website.

Preuss added that, "There's no question that cellular device use in the vehicle is and will continue to be one of the biggest safety challenges facing society. Technology will play a key role in mitigating this impact, but we cannot over-assume engagement just because we provide the capability. This education and awareness campaign is designed to encourage use of hands-free technology because we take driver distraction and safety very seriously."

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac customers can easily use the hands-free technology. The mobile needs to be connected to the Bluetooth of the vehicle. Using steering wheel controls and voice recognition, calls can be placed and received. With the help of speakers and the built-in microphone, the vehicle audio system will allow the consumers to make and receive calls. When the ignition is turned on, the paired mobile will connect automatically to the vehicle.

With the help of voice-activated dialing, OnStar subscribers will be able to make calls from their vehicle. With OnStar Hands-Free Calling, calls can be placed by pressing the white phone icon button. The number can then be dialed by saying the number aloud. In order to receive a call, the white phone icon button needs to be pressed. For better reception, Hands-Free Calling has externally mounted antennae. 

For more information, visit www.onstar.com.

(source: http://unified-communications-headsets.tmcnet.com/topics/unified-communications-headsets/articles/99984-hands-free-calling-choices-encouraged-onstar.htm)