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Motorists continue to clamor for GPS-based navigation services, as sales of in-car and portable devices soar. GM’s OnStar telematics division has been competing in this space with a “ turn-by-turn ” service, allowing drivers to request directions from a human advisor that are then downloaded to the vehicle and read aloud automatically along the route. OnStar bills it as “the simplest navigation system.” Well, now OnStar is moving to compete more directly with traditional touch-screen systems with two new services. The first is OnStar Destination Download, which enables OnStar subscribers with screen-based infotainment systems to input their destination while on the go at the press of a button. The second service, OnStar eNav, allows subscribers with a “turn-by-turn” capable vehicle to find and save destinations on MapQuest.com and have those destinations sent to their vehicle. Subscribers simply press their vehicle's OnStar phone button to access voice-guided commands through which they can select their route. OnStar eNav will be available retroactively on 2.7 million current “turn-by-turn” capable GM vehicles. Later this year eNav will also combine with OnStar Destination Download...
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