OnStar RemoteLink Passes 14 Million Interactions

Developers use HTML5 technology to make mobile app available on more devices

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May 23, 2012, 10:58 ET

DETROIT, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 821,000 active users of OnStar's RemoteLink mobile app have checked their tire pressure, how much gas is in their tank and unlocked their doors as part of the more than 14 million interactions that have occurred since the auto industry-first mobile app debuted in 2010.

Starting today, RemoteLink will be available to many more smartphone users. The mobile app, written using HTML5 technology, is now available in BlackBerry App World™ for BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900 and 9930 users.

The RemoteLink app was conceived as a feature for Chevrolet Volt owners to remotely check the status of their vehicle's battery life. From there, the idea grew to leverage OnStar's unique connection to the vehicle, providing drivers with up-to-date vehicle information such as oil level, tire pressure, fuel level and lifetime miles per gallon. The app also offers users remote commands, including remote start, door lock/unlock and horn/light activation.

Last year, OnStar added a navigation enhancement to RemoteLink, providing customers with the ability to search for a destination on their smartphone and send it directly to their vehicle, where they can access the route via OnStar. According to OnStar data, those who use the app most include the Chevrolet Volt, Cruze and Sonic drivers along with Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups drivers.

For the 2013 model year, the OnStar RemoteLink mobile app will be compatible with 31 General Motors vehicle models.

Since it was introduced, OnStar's RemoteLink app has been available for iPhone and Android smartphones, but OnStar heard from many subscribers asking for a BlackBerry® app.

"We listened to our subscribers, and in doing so, took an extra step by writing the BlackBerry version using HTML5 technology," said Steve Schwinke, director, Advanced Systems Development for OnStar.

HTML5 is an emerging language for structuring and writing content for the web that is gaining momentum in the mobile app space.

"Writing the app using HTML 5 gave us insight into the readiness of the technology and positioned us to be more flexible supporting new phone operating systems," said Schwinke. "Delivering it on the BlackBerry platform is just the start of this journey."

The OnStar RemoteLink app is available in BlackBerry App World now. OnStar subscribers can download the application and visit onstar.com to enable remote commands.

OnStar teamed up with Detroit music producer, OCTiV, to create an exclusive video featuring the RemoteLink app and several Chevrolet vehicles, including the 2012 Camaro. The original music score includes OnStar sounds and OCTiV's unique Dubstep sound, a subgenre of electronic dance music that originated in London, has been around since 1998, but has seen its greatest growth in the past few years.

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

SOURCE General Motors