DETROIT -
FOR RELEASE: May 15, 2001DETROIT - OnStar subscribers are now able to get audio entertainment information, including soap opera updates and horoscopes through OnStar's new Virtual Advisor service.
Rod Egdorf, OnStar's vice president of wireless business, made the announcement today at the "eyeforauto" telematics conference at Cobo Hall. Developed in collaboration with General Magic, OnStar Virtual Advisor gives subscribers hands-free, voice-activated access to personalized, Web-based information including e-mail, news, sports, weather, financial services by Fidelity Investments, and The Wall Street Journal audio content. OnStar will add traffic information to that lineup later this summer.
"Our subscribers want an ever increasing variety of information, and for most people, entertainment plays an important role in their lives. Whether you are looking to keep the kids happy or get the scoop on your favorite soap, you can get it through Virtual Advisor," Egdorf said. "The addition of entertainment information is yet another example of OnStar adding services to its open Virtual Advisor platform to meet growing subscriber demand."
OnStar's new entertainment information includes:
- Features: Daily and weekly updates covering the latest trends, book reviews, food and wine information, historical facts, consumer issues and more.
- Movies: Weekly movie news and information and celebrity updates.
- Music: Weekly updates highlighting the top ten singles and CDs in adult contemporary, rock, country, classical, jazz/new age, heavy metal, pop, Christian, R&B and alternative.
- Television: Daily listings of prime time programming on major network and cable television channels.
- Series updates: Up-to-date summaries of the most recent episodes of today's hottest television series.
- Soap operas: Daily episode summaries of the most popular soap opera programs, weekly program recaps and news on program celebrities.
- Horoscopes: Daily horoscopes, as well as birthday horoscopes.
- Children's programming: Children's programs updated daily with information that includes activities, short stories, book reviews, video reviews, science programs, jokes and more.
- Lottery results: Up-to-date results from lotteries across the country.
About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corp., is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology. OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency services, roadside assistance with location, remote door unlock, remote diagnostics, route support, OnStar concierge and convenience services. OnStar Personal Calling, being rolled out nationally, allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor, developed in conjunction with General Magic Inc., allows subscribers to access personalized Web-based information, in a hands-free voice-activated manner - there are no screens or displays. Additional information is available on the Web at www.onstar.com.