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Remote control your car with the OnStar app for BlackBerry smartphones

By Zach Gilbert on 21 May 2012 03:00 pm
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Last week Hyundai let us know that they are working on a BlackBerry application to work with their Bluelink in-car technologies, and now GM has officially stepped into the ring with OnStar. Today those with an OnStar enabled Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick or GMC that live in the USA will be able to access features like activating your horn & lights, starting your vehicle remotely, locking/unlocking your doors and more.

Features

  • NEW!  Find a destination on your phone and send it directly to your OnStar Turn-by-Turn or In-Dash navigation system (OnStar Directions & Connections subscription required).  Your directions will be downloaded and available upon vehicle start, and you are on your way.   
  • Lock/unlock your doors from any distance
  • Start your vehicle remotely (based on vehicle capability)
  • Control your Chevrolet Volt charging and charge mode settings
  • Activate your Horn & Lights to help locate your vehicle
  • Contact an OnStar Advisor, Roadside Assistance or your Preferred Dealer

Unprecedented connectivity to:
  • View real-time fuel information, including fuel range, gallons of gas remaining and your lifetime MPG
  • View your Chevrolet Volt battery state of charge, electric range, electric miles and MPG
  • Check your current lifetime mileage
  • Check your remaining oil life
  • View your current tire pressure information
  • Access account information

Of course for some of these features you will need OnStar paid services and a data connection on your BlackBerry smartphone. The OnStar app is only available for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Bold 9930 at this time, but I would expect that to change in the coming months. Also, I hope that a BlackBerry 10 application using the Cascades framework is underway; I’m sure it would look amazing and function like a charm.

Download the OnStar app for BlackBerry smartphones

Topics: OnStar BlackBerry Smartphones BlackBerry Apps

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44 comments

shemaree09

Finally! some awesome apps for the 9900/9930 :D

jafobabe

Yay!! I knew there was a reason I bought the 9900 on top of the 9810 that I already have...
Sweet!

Dim-Ize

Too bad it won't work with my 2007 Avalanche. Only 2010-2012 autos, apparently.

Barefoot_Kevin

Works fine on my 2006 Corvette and my 2004 Malibu. Really odd too, because it's not supposed to.

mnhockeycoach99

If you are serious, I'm curious as to how you got it to work. When I try to register for the mobile app, I get a message stating that my vehicle isn't currently supported and then it boots me out of the app. ARGGGH!!

Barefoot_Kevin

I didn't do anything other than register my phone to my Onstar acct. I didn't get that message. Probably just a glitch, but I am gonna ride it until they figure it out.

mnhockeycoach99

Hmm.. interesting. Even if this is a glitch, it proves my theory that they (Onstar) can/should be offering this to all Onstar suscribers.. not just new vehicles. I have asked Onstar as to why they are limiting the coverage and I didn't get a solid answer. I could understand if there was a technology limitation.. but if your older vehicles are working with the Onstar app, there is no reason why they can't/shouldn't open it up to everyone.. (at least people that have cars less than 7 years old).

robhalter

not available for my 9900 in canada

Rootbrian

Said so in the blog entry.

mssca

I think US companies lose money by blocking access to products and services from other countries. They should open up the free market! From online radios with paid services to this type of app... I have no idea what good reason is behind all of it.

rain3man

down loading now. now if COMCAST would finally come out with their app for 9900 all would be awsome in my world

ekafara

Should only get better when BB10 comes out. From what I remember OnStar is QNX.

BB_Bmore

This is gonna be sweet!! although my Cadillac is already pretty darn sweet by itself. :D

a41.8tqm

need a new car, but will wait til it comes with a playbook dock in the near future, QNX has pull ;-)

Fire13man

I have been waiting for the Onstar App for Blackberry since February when I purchased a 2012 Silverad pickup.... I just go so excited to see the app was finally out...... What a let down to find out if not available for the Touch 9850.

The wait continues............

a41.8tqm

never understood why the 9930 and 9900 get all the good stuff. i mean the 9850 is the closest to competitor devices since its a full touch. why not give it the same respect BlackBerry?

BB_Bmore

Because the 9900 is the flagship device.
Also Thorsten does not like the 9850 from what i hear.:P

lang007

Now I want OnStar for my 2005 Equinox

mnhockeycoach99

I have a 2009 Saturn Aura XR so I'm a little annoyed that this app won't work with my car... regardless, I'm glad to see more quality apps coming to the BlackBerry platform.

koool1

It's a good sign that companies like GM and Hyundia are jumping on board with RIM.

tranceboy_johny

Im hoping it would work with my VW Passat \o/

chevalia

I think i'll dl just for the hell of it.. #BMW #01Vette

koool1

Finally. Just need a 9810 upgrade and I'm on. My Malibu will be happy!!!

Bob G

Sweet! I downloaded it, and it works on my 9900 with my 2012 Volt. I was able to remotely lock my doors and get battery / fuel status, so I presume that remote start will work also.

Dekerta

Can someone post the .cod file? It's not available in Canada, which makes no sense

Rootbrian

It said only available in the USA.

slivy58

Once again Canada sucks the hind titty, we're always left out in the cold :-(

npisano

Also in Canada, AND with a 9810. If only RIM was based in Canada.......

Rootbrian

RIM is based in canada.

npisano

Sorry, I was being sarcastic - I live less than an hour from RIM, hence the frustration. I'm sure it will be a matter of time though.

mnhockeycoach99

My guess is that it is Onstar confining access to THEIR app to US residents only. While I don't agree with this philosophy, I still don't see some posters are blaming RIM.

bull_thumper

Works fine with my '11 Silverado. Wished it would allow me up roll up my windows or crack them open and start the fan blowing the hottest air out. The latter would be a nice alternative to remote starting...

Nightfox111

You got to be kidding me!!! not available for Canada? Is there another way to download this without RIM's App world?

rickkel

Now if Ford SYNC will just jump on the bandwagon I'll be happy.

SoCalRedbird

Did anyone immediately think, "HORN + LIGHTS -- Now I can find my car in the parking lot!!!"?

wocampb

Works great with my 2012 Camaro and 9930. Very happy this app finally came out for the BlackBerry.

carey965

I have this on my pb

Converted the android app. Works good with my cruze

mnhockeycoach99

Does it have the same restrictions about year and model car?

ontariopunk

Crazy.. I live 10 minutes from the GM plant, and the OnStar offices. And RIM's head office is about 30 mintues from me. Yet this app is only available for US.

driller35

Onstar reply Thank you for taking the time to e-mail OnStar. I apologize for the delay in response.

RemoteLink for BlackBerry is not available in Canada at this time because we need to localize the app for metric units and have a version that supports French. At this time, we do not have a release date set, however, we are working on these features. In the interest of putting a working RemoteLink app in the hands of BlackBerry users sooner, we launched where we quickly could.

driller35

UPDATE, went to the USA last weekend and downloaded the app to my 9900 no problems, was using a Roam sim card that had a USA number attached to (not sure if that makes a diff) got home and reinstalled telus sim and app stayed with the phone, went to my onstar webpage and enabled and works like a charm, only has imperial measure and i prefer it that way as i grew up with it and understand it
Cheers