Developers will receive access to Manufacturer General Motor's OnStar API which is called ATOMS (advanced telematics operating system) sometime in the first half of 2012. OnStar president Linda Marshall described the consumer benefits in terms of functionality comparable to computers, smartphones and tablets as a response to the growth in the mobile applications market for Android and iOS platforms.
Vice President Nick Pudar has alluded to the potential for features such as web browsing and skype calling from the back seat of vehicles equiped with OnStar using 4G LTE networks (partner Verizon Wireless).
GM's OnStar FMV (For my vehicle) system released in 2011 supports the install of OnStar in non-GM vehicles with over 20,000 installs to date, primarily led by Ford and Toyota according to Marshall.
We will be keeping an eye on OnStar as well as Rival Ford's Sync feature set closely over the coming months with particular interest to see what comes of the third party API program. If you are a developer in the automotive space with interest in the OnStar API program - weigh in with your thoughts and discoveries as you find out more!
