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March 21st, 2011, 08:45 GMT · By

OnStar FMV Aftermarket Rear-View Mirror Packs GPS, Bluetooth

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The OnStar FMV rear-view mirror
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The idea of incorporating a GPS navigation system/Bluetooth speakerphone right within a vehicle's rear-view mirror is not exactly a major novelty, but it seems that OnStar has taken things to a whole new level with their brand-new OnStar FMV device.

It's interesting to note that OnStar, the company manufacturing this interesting all-in-one car accessory, has already entered a very lucrative partnership with General Motors, following which these systems will be integrated in the latest Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles to make their way onto the market.

Although it might look like a slightly teched-up rear-view mirror at a first sight, the truth of the matter is that the FMV offers plenty of interesting features, including here an external microphone, as well as a built-in GPS receiver.

Moreover, the device also offers a comprehensive navigation solution, providing fast and easy turn-by-turn spoken driving instructions that will allow drivers to reach their desired destination by simply speaking the address.

Plus, a built-in Bluetooth module will allow users to easily pair the mirror with their own smartphones, in order to take calls.

Additional features provided by the OnStar FMV solution include access to the OnStar Automatic Crash Response system, triggered by an accelerometer in the OnStar FMV mirror, that will dispatch a distress call should the vehicle be involved in some sort of incident, as well as Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance and Roadside assistance, both of which might really come in handy, at some point.

Last, but certainly not least, we'll also have to mention that the OnStar FMV is not exactly cheap, but not particularly affordable, either, given the fact that it sells for somewhere in the vicinity of 299 US dollars, to which users will have to add an extra 100 US dollars for the installation, plus the cost of the service plan, ranging from 18.95 a month to $199 a year.  

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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: NH on 09 May 2011, 20:47 UTC reply to this comment

My current rearview mirror is auto dimming for night time driving. It also include a compass and temp. Hate to loose those, does the onStar mirror have those features as well?

Comment #1.1 by: Imtrevonte on 29 Jun 2011, 18:45 GMT

You will lose those features in your current mirror unfortunately. But on the plus side, those features can't help save your life.


Comment #2 by: Imtrevonte on 29 Jun 2011, 18:44 UTC reply to this comment

Best Buy's bundling the Onstar FMV with installation for $379 when it launches on July 10th. It should take less than an hour to install. Most insurance companies will give you a discount on your insurance if you have Onstar FMV in your vehicle, so that will drastically reduce the annual fee. Besides, for what it offers, is it really that expensive? Nope.


Comment #3 by: lee on 18 Aug 2011, 00:12 UTC reply to this comment

my vehicle just has the autodimming feature I do wish they would come out with that model.


Comment #4 by: Agrestal on 04 Oct 2011, 15:01 UTC reply to this comment

This is awesome. I'm thinking about getting it as a gift for my 80yr old dad since I worry about him driving.


Comment #5 by: connie on 18 Oct 2011, 18:16 UTC reply to this comment

Will KIA ever come out with a rear view mirror with onstar/blue tooth for a 2007 sorento
I am a 62 year old and would feel safer if I had contact with satilite to speak to some one in the event of a crash. I drive a lot and I love my KIA, but if the technology isn't there will have to trade my KIA in on a vehicle that does...

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