The Bluestar
Onstar really is a neat service. Anytime I drive a GM vehicle, I always find myself pushing the blue button to ask for directions. Also knowing that if an emergency occurs, I can press the red button and help is on the way. To get the full package though, you will be shelling out about $30 per month to Onstar if you decide to pay month to month. I fully understand all of the benefits of this great service, but personally I do not have it activated in my Trailblazer. One of the other unique features of the TBSS is the fact that if I use Onstar for directions, Chevrolet didn't setup a connection between that and the factory navigation system. So basically, I could run two navigation systems in tandem... Weird I know.
Either way though, the hardware that is installed from the factory for Onstar is very nice. Solid microphones, buttons on the mirror and it is all neatly and seamlessly installed. So why let that go to waste? Costar Technologies has come to the rescue with their Bluestar. This unique product takes full advantage of the factory installed Onstar system, but ends up being totally free. Here is how it works in a few simple steps:
- Locate your vehicles Onstar module - On the Trailblazer I found it to be under the passenger side rear seat.
- Unplug the OEM Onstar module, rendering Onstar useless and unavailable. Keep in mind, this will eliminate ALL of your Onstar features including automatic crash response.
- Plug in the Bluestar, which is pre-wired and setup to accept the OEM plugs. No cutting or splicing needed whatsoever.
- Pair your phone via Bluetooth to the Bluestar and then follow the directions on how your mirror buttons will now work.
Sounds too good to be true and way too easy right? Well I thought the same thing before the Bluestar arrived in the garage. This thing actually works though! My Trailblazer now has a fully installed, hands free phone system with no ugly wires or lame aftermarket items hanging from the 12 volt outlet.
Finding out if you can or would use this neat little product is something I would consider before dropping the near $300 bill to Costar. First off, if your vehicle has factory Bluetooth, you don't need it. My Trailblazer does not have Bluetooth, so eliminate that from the equation. Second, your vehicle must have Onstar. For example if you have a C5 Corvette, this would not work for you as nothing is factory installed like he microphones or mirror controls. Finally, you have to not be using Onstar anymore. Like I said before, this will TOTALLY DISABLE all Onstar features and functions. No hands free minutes, no crash alerts and no red button functionality if you have a major emergency. For some that could make you nervous, but then again, I would gamble to say most of you don't have your Onstar activated right now...
The system is pretty basic unless you start messing with the mirror buttons, which do different things now that the Bluestar is hooked up. When I start the car up, my phone links up and the green light on the mirror is solid. This means we are good to go. I can use voice activation, which isn't too bad. The main way I've been using the Bluestar though is I use my phone to find the number I need, hit call, and it will automatically bounce over to the speakers and microphone built into the vehicle. This mutes the radio and you are now hearing your call ringing through. The iPhone allows you to change audio sources back to itself if you don't want to use speakerphone. When calling people, they rate my audio quality at around a 7/10 - They could tell I was using a speakerphone, but at the same time didn't complain of not being able to hear me. Think of a factory system that has hands free and Bluetooth already installed - I get the same comments when I call people doing normal vehicle road testing.
This product is tough to rate and also tell somebody to go buy right away. There is a pretty specific market of people out there who can use this, but at the same time if you explain what the Bluestar can do, they would almost certainly want one. The $279 price tag is the one hurdle when I bring this up with people. You have to break it down and decide if you will really use your phone that much in a hands free way. Some people are seriously on their phone every single time they drive. For a person like that I would highly recommend the Bluestar and expect them to wear it out (which isn't really possible). For somebody who just drives, doesn't talk while driving, or just doesn't have a lot of people they call - it would be a stretch. Based solely on the product, quality, ease of use, and practicality - I would highly recommend this. Costar has something that is super clever and makes use of something in the vehicle that is otherwise wasted if you are like me not paying for Onstar. It isn't the neatest looking product, but it does exactly what you expect it to.
Below is a quick video on how I installed the Bluestar on our 2007 Trailblazer SS. Each vehicle will be slightly different when it comes to locating your Onstar Unit, but hooking up the Bluestar will be very similar.
For more information, please Visit Costar Technologies - http://www.costartech.com
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