GM Updates OnStar's Look for 2013 Models

OnStar is receiving a facelift in GM's 2013 model year vehicles. GM says that while the changes may look like nothing more than a few buttons, they are actually indicative of significant changes in GM's mobile security and information system.

"While the new buttons are cool, it's what's behind the button that is most impressive," Douglas McKibbon, manager of OnStar Hardware's engineering group, said in a statement. "The buttons were changed for a few different reasons, but one was to better reflect the software updates that have gone into this current generation of OnStar."

Where there used to be a button with a white phone on it called the "Hands-Free Calling button," there is now a button with a speech icon that OnStar refers to as the "Voice Command button." In addition to allowing hands-free calling, the feature allows for accessing a saved route, checking Hands-Free Calling minutes, or accessing such OnStar Virtual Advisor capabilities as saved MapQuest directions and traffic, weather and stock updates.

GM says that the voice command button better integrates with vehicle infotainment systems like Chevrolet MyLink, Cadillac CUE and Buick/GMC IntelliLink. The logo on OnStar's voice command button also appears on these programs' touch screens, and can be accessed by pressing it on the screen, on the rearview mirror, or by voice command.

"Many drivers are unaware of all that OnStar has to offer," McKibbon said. "We feel this new look will better shows the breadth of our voice-based services."

The Emergency button, formerly signified by a white cross in a red circle, is now identified by the "SOS" symbol. GM is rapidly expanding its sales and operations in foreign markets, and believes that the new symbol is more widely recognized internationally.

"As we continue to expand, we want to make sure that our product and our service stay consistent throughout all markets," Terry Inch, vice president of Sales, Marketing and New Business Development, said in a statement. "Emergency service is a staple of OnStar and that's why we moved to a globally recognizable symbol."

OnStar has also redesigned its logo to reflect its new commitment to "responsible connectivity." GM says that the new logo was the result of long and exhaustive market research.