• Cathode Ray Dude's Observation: Sophisticated computer users tend to ignore worthless things. He mentioned the second power button on many Windows Vista era laptops.
• Car Buttons and Their Story: Husband pointed to a "information" button in the car. It started in 1996 at General Motors (GM) with the launch of OnStar. GM owned Hughes Electronics (a subsidiary) and Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Hughes was originally Howard Hughes' business under the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. After GM stripped it, Hughes Electronics is now DirecTV. EDS was run by Ross Perot and was later part of Hewlett Packard.
• OnStar's Development: It was a straightforward evolution of the carphone with a concierge-like service center. GM's goals were to differentiate from other automakers and focus on safety and security. OnStar was more than a carphone, a telematics system with GPS, and continuous location tracking. It provided various services like roadside assistance and navigation.
• Technology Evolution: Telematics became more common but struggled with communications networks. OnStar used AMPS initially, which was later replaced by digital standards. The obsolescence of AMPS left many OnStar-equipped vehicles unable to communicate.
• Competitors and Licensing: Ford also had a similar offering called RESCU. In 2002, GM licensed OnStar to other automakers. The concept of Automated Collision Notification (ACN) was investigated by NHTSA before OnStar. GM was involved in building ACN prototypes and later pushed for it to be mandatory.
• Current Status: GM's efforts to mandate OnStar have not been successful. OnStar's aftermarket product was given up. Modern Subarus no longer license OnStar. GM discontinued the OnStar telephone service in 2022 as everyone uses apps on their phones.