In 1953, GM President Charles E. Wilson famously said what has since been misquoted as "What's good for GM is good for America."
Although that's not really what he said, it
would be the perfect motto for a pair of smartphone apps recently released by GM -- the MyChevrolet and OnStar MyLink apps.
These apps allow you to save your parking location, track time on parking meters, request roadside assistance, turn on your vehicle, unlock your car (even if the keys are inside), search your owner's manual and a whole lot more.
Even better: The location-based features are available for
any vehicle (even non-GM vehicles).
Even more better: Both apps are free to download for
Android and
iPhones.
More info on both apps:
Owners of 2011 Chevrolet models can access their vehicle information and
OnStar services right from their smart phones. The myChevrolet and
OnStar MyLink applications, available as free downloads, provide drivers
with unprecedented connectivity to their vehicles from their
Android or
Apple iPhone device.
Features of the apps, also available on Buick, GMC and Cadillac
models, fall into three categories: location-based services,
vehicle-specific information and OnStar connectivity features.
> The location-based service of these apps work on ANY vehicle (even non-GM vehicles). The location-based services include a parking reminder that allows drivers to save their parking location to a GPS-enabled map, set a timer to track how much time they have on the parking meter, and even add a note or photo with details about their parking location.
This app is free to download and you do not need OnStar.
> The vehicle-specific app is available for all 2011 Chevrolet vehicles. Vehicle-specific information is accessible after scanning the vehicle identification number using the smart-phone camera. These features include searchable content for the most-commonly accessed information in the owner’s manual, such as directions saving radio presets. The app also provides explanations of warning lights and indicators on the vehicle instrument panel at the touch of a button.
This app is free to download and you do not need OnStar.
> The OnStar app is free to download but only available to subscribers of OnStar, all 2011 GM vehicles come with a six-month trial. Through OnStar’s unique connection to the vehicle, owners can send remote vehicle commands such as unlocking or locking the doors, and starting the engine. In addition, owners can access key diagnostic information, including fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average miles per gallon. The diagnostic information is current as of the last vehicle start, giving OnStar subscribers an up-to-date health report of their vehicle anytime they need it.