OnStar Team Uses Virtual Reality To Demonstrate Tech At 2015 CES

With the advent of complicated technological features in many automobiles, manufacturers are finding a need to educate customers about these key features. Hence, the OnStar team used Oculus Rift virtual reality goggles to help attendees visualize the technology of OnStar at the Chevrolet Connected By OnStar booth at last week’s 2015 Consumer Electronics Show.

According to FastLane, attendees put on the Oculus headset, they were transported to a virtual setting with three cars off in the distance: a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Malibu, and Colorado, each demonstrating a different OnStar feature.

Corvette
Using a virtual racetrack setting, the Corvette gathers digitized data that is delivered to customers via OnStar every month. OnStar’s new predictive diagnostics informs drivers if a part or component needs attention before vehicle performance is impacted. Additionally, the new Smart Driver Assessment opt-in service provides drivers a summary of one’s driving behaviors over a 90-day period, which could lead to insurance discounts from companies offering such a service.

Malibu
Driving through a virtual mountain road, an OnStar advisor sends you Turn-by-Turn Navigation, allowing you to keep your attention to the road while following the directions.

In a second demonstration, a virtual vehicle is stolen but, because you have OnStar, an Advisor can locate the vehicle and work with local authorities to return it. As the stolen car begins a high-speed chase, police work with OnStar to slow down the vehicle via the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service and bring it to a complete stop, subsequently arresting the perp.

Colorado
In the final virtual demonstration, you walk up to a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and notice the numerous smart phones, tablets, and other techie items flying around you, suggesting that you can remain connected thanks to OnStar 4G LTE. Its Wi-Fi hotspot allows up to seven devices to be connected at one time.

OnStar also provides the RemoteLink app, which connects to a vehicle and start or stop its engine, lock or unlock its doors, flash its horns and lights, and more.

Before you leave the virtual tour, an OnStar Advisor informs attendees of deals and savings of retailers in the area thanks to OnStar’s newest feature, AtYourService.