Android Auto vs OnStar
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 1,106
My wireless carrier is AT&T (who also provides OnStar service for 2015 and later vehicles) and my 2016 Z06 has service in areas where my iPhone struggles and often fails to provide service. Although the antenna location in the C7 isn't as well located (in terms of coverage) as the roof mount on most other GM cars it is still far more efficient than those located in the phone. I believe the OnStar unit also has higher output power since it isn't restricted to the same power level as a handheld phone (near field RF exposure to human tissue regulations).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
When I had my C6GS, GM gave me 3+ years OnStar basic for FREE (which includes Crash Assistance), even though I bought my car used. I think they still offer something like that for C7, but haven't checked it out yet. So if that's the case, I'd rather have the car's cell connection used.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 1,106
For many years GM has also been using OnStar modules equipped with a lithium backup battery to allow it to still call for assistance even if the vehicle battery or connecting bus is damaged in a crash. No system is damage proof but this is a lot more robust than depending upon a car telemetrics system maintaining its power AND retaining connectivity with a cellphone which has probably destroyed itself anyway in a serious crash.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 546
Likes: 89
For many years GM has also been using OnStar modules equipped with a lithium backup battery to allow it to still call for assistance even if the vehicle battery or connecting bus is damaged in a crash. No system is damage proof but this is a lot more robust than depending upon a car telemetrics system maintaining its power AND retaining connectivity with a cellphone which has probably destroyed itself anyway in a serious crash.
I think that's a stretch. Cell phones have batteries. I have been in numerous accidents where my cell phone was not damaged at all. Including one where I was spun in circles going 60mph. The only advantage onstar would have is its hard wired rather than Bluetooth. But hey, if OnStar makes you feel safe, knock yourself out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
I think that's a stretch. Cell phones have batteries. I have been in numerous accidents where my cell phone was not damaged at all. Including one where I was spun in circles going 60mph. The only advantage onstar would have is its hard wired rather than Bluetooth. But hey, if OnStar makes you feel safe, knock yourself out.
*Ever forget your cell phone at home or the office?
*Ever have an unexpected dead cell phone battery?
*Ever have your BT connection broken?
*Ever forgot to turn your phone back on from Airplane mode?
*Ever have someone else drive your car without you in it? (No one ever drives my car but me, but I assume it happens to others)
For me, the above are rare events, but they *have* happened.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 546
Likes: 89
Another possible advantage is that the OnStar "crash call" will work regardless of whether your personal cell phone is working, or regardless of who is in the car.
*Ever forget your cell phone at home or the office?
*Ever have an unexpected dead cell phone battery?
*Ever have your BT connection broken?
*Ever forgot to turn your phone back on from Airplane mode?
*Ever have someone else drive your car without you in it? (No one ever drives my car but me, but I assume it happens to others)
For me, the above are rare events, but they *have* happened.
*Ever forget your cell phone at home or the office?
*Ever have an unexpected dead cell phone battery?
*Ever have your BT connection broken?
*Ever forgot to turn your phone back on from Airplane mode?
*Ever have someone else drive your car without you in it? (No one ever drives my car but me, but I assume it happens to others)
For me, the above are rare events, but they *have* happened.
Your that one guy that buys GM\ATT's unlimited data plan aren't you?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
Just pointing out possibilities where your cell phone connection to your car might not be available in an accident.
Cheer up, man... things will get better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 353
Again, pretty much the one reason I have Onstar for. Crash Assistance. If I'm knocked out or injured in a bad crash, no cellphone will dial 911 of its own accord :P
For data I have T-Mobile's Syncup Drive stuck in the OBD slot, 10GB free every month and the device itself was free - both thanks to their Black Friday promotions.
No nav can beat Google Maps via Android Auto. But the car nav has helped me out when I'm in a remote location in the mountains with no coverage (and I mean no Verizon-coverage-remote :P ) By car nav, I mean the stock 3LT nav, I haven't ever bothered calling Onstar to ask for directions.
For data I have T-Mobile's Syncup Drive stuck in the OBD slot, 10GB free every month and the device itself was free - both thanks to their Black Friday promotions.
No nav can beat Google Maps via Android Auto. But the car nav has helped me out when I'm in a remote location in the mountains with no coverage (and I mean no Verizon-coverage-remote :P ) By car nav, I mean the stock 3LT nav, I haven't ever bothered calling Onstar to ask for directions.
Last edited by graj6; Apr 11, 2017 at 03:50 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 1,209
From: Phoenix, Arizona
*Ever forget your cell phone at home or the office?
*Ever have an unexpected dead cell phone battery?
*Ever have your BT connection broken?
*Ever forgot to turn your phone back on from Airplane mode?
*Ever have someone else drive your car without you in it? (No one ever drives my car but me, but I assume it happens to others)
For me, the above are rare events, but they *have* happened.
Last edited by defaria; Apr 11, 2017 at 04:46 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 546
Likes: 89
That's not a swipe brother. Its called internet conversation. Most of what you infer is incorrect. Things are good for me. I don't try to offend or take offense from people staring at screens.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
Well, no worries.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,250
Likes: 656
From: San Diego Ca
Paying the retail cost of $20/month or the discounted cost of $10/month simply to be able to contact someone if you are in a crash seems ridiculous. In this world everyone carries a cell phone and if you are in a crash (how many have you been in?) and are knocked out some passerby will call for you.
In that one in ten million chance you are driving the Tail of the Dragon and go off road and over a cliff than I suppose it would be useful. So if that or Pikes Peak is your thing I suppose it might be worth it.
In that one in ten million chance you are driving the Tail of the Dragon and go off road and over a cliff than I suppose it would be useful. So if that or Pikes Peak is your thing I suppose it might be worth it.