Continuing its collaboration with the nation’s largest LTE network operator Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless – which was announced at last year’s Consumer Electronics show (CES) – General Motor’s OnStar said that the two partners have made significant progress on the 4G LTE (News - Alert) front. And have developed a more holistic approach to bringing cloud computing to connected vehicles.

As a result, on Tuesday, OnStar and Verizon Wireless  unveiled a second-generation connected research vehicle at the 2012 CES (News - Alert) show in Las Vegas. The development platform for this research was GM’s Chevrolet Volt.

According to OnStar, the research concept vehicle focuses on a comprehensive in-vehicle experience, giving all users access to streaming content from the cloud enabled by the Verizon 4G LTE network and building on OnStar’s Advanced Telematics Operating System (ATOMS).

The prototype applications demonstrated at CES include streaming content, sharing content throughout the vehicle, rear seat infotainment management, and video chat. Consequently, the 4G LTE connection provides passengers access to streaming content from their home computer or via a popular streaming service, while OnStar offers in-vehicle sharing of content among users. With the use of an advanced human machine interface (HMI), the user has independent control of the two rear zones, allowing transmission of cached or streaming content, including music, videos, games and news, to each rear passenger, said the partners.

With regards to video chat, rear seat passengers can make a Skype (News - Alert) video call from the vehicle to anywhere. For instance, from vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-mobile device, or vehicle-to-vehicle, according to the developers.

Additionally, combining smart grid technology and home connectivity, OnStar is developing in-vehicle energy management applications, such as OnStar remote link, real-time diagnostics and Eco routing, and home energy management.

In a statement, OnStar President Linda Marshall said, “These applications are just a glimpse of what is possible when you combine the cloud computing capabilities of OnStar and the power of the Verizon 4G LTE network. “Moving forward we want to continue to provide our customers with a comprehensive suite of connected services and create a seamless and safe in-vehicle experience,” added Marshall.

Continuing, Marshall stated, “Any future services from OnStar will meet our high standards for safety – making sure that drivers’ hands are on the wheel and their eyes are on the road.”

Want to learn more about 4G wireless technologies? Then be sure to attend the 4GWE Conference, collocated with TMC’s ITEXPO East 2012taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. The 4GWE Conference provides unmatched networking opportunities and a robust conference program representing the wireless ecosystem. The conference not only brings together the best and brightest in the wireless industry, it actually spans the communications and technology industry. To register, click here.

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