DETROIT – In an ongoing effort to find the next original and compelling connected mobility solution, OnStar is giving developers attending the 2012 South by Southwest interactive, film and music festival, the chance to meet with OnStar leadership in person on March 12, at the Austin Hilton Hotel.
Nick Pudar, vice president of planning and business development at OnStar, will hold an open session with developers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., to personally discuss OnStar’s upcoming application program interface (API). Interested attendees can register here.
“We look forward to working with selected third-party app developers in shaping the experience that our customers will have in the future,” said Pudar. “With the number of creative minds gathering at SXSW, it’s possible we may come across the next big thing for the auto industry.”
OnStar services are enabled by its Advanced Telematics Operating Management System (ATOMS). ATOMS is the most-powerful automotive cloud platform in the market today – connecting to more than 6 million OnStar customers. Apps created using the API will deliver services and functionality in the same manner.
Pudar will offer details of OnStar’s API development kit which was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. The kit will allow developers to create innovative mobile applications designed to interact with OnStar’ connected safety, security and mobility services and allow access to vehicle centric information such as diagnostics and location or remote features.
“Many automotive companies have announced they are creating data platforms,” said Pudar. “With ATOMS, we already have a powerful platform in place and offering up a proprietary API is taking the next step in delivering a new suite of services to our OnStar customers.”
Over the past year OnStar has actively engaged third-party developers, working with outside companies like Google and MapQuest to enhance and customize the OnStar customer experience
The first business partner to use OnStar’s API will be RelayRides, the world’s first peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace that has an exclusive partnership with General Motors. With RelayRides, millions of GM vehicle owners will soon be able to leverage OnStar to rent out their idle cars with the owner controlling the rates and availability. By using the OnStar API, RelayRides will allow its renters to use remote features with their smartphones, such as unlocking GM vehicles to access the reserved car.
Giving safe access to the ATOMS Cloud Platform is part of a broad 2012 growth initiative by OnStar. Developers interested in the API should contact OnStar at [email protected].
Also on display at SXSW will be OnStar’s latest generation of its 4G LTE concept vehicle, showcasing the most comprehensive in-vehicle experience in a Chevrolet Volt.
The in-car infotainment system, developed by OnStar in partnership with Verizon, gives customers access to the Cloud through the Verizon 4G LTE network and provides users direct access to streaming content from their home computer or via a popular streaming service, showcasing the most connected in-vehicle experience.
Additionally, Chevrolet and OnStar have worked together to create a mobile application to support the “Catch-A-Chevy” shuttle service being offered to festival-goers. The application utilizes OnStar’s set of location based APIs and gives users the ability to search, locate and reserve a ride and offers tips on the most-popular events happening around the city.
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.
