Slowly but surely Facebook has poked, updated and friended their way into nearly every facet of our lives. We've seen company after company integrate with the social networking giant, but the latest one should raise a few eyebrows: OnStar.
That's right; the in-car communication system is branching out from its typical only-use-this-in-an-emergency routine with the addition of entertainment features like this Facebook integration.
General Motors, the company behind OnStar, is trying to compete with Ford's Sync system. Obviously Ford beat GM to the punch when it comes to in-car social media integration, but Sync was a whole new system created with social media in mind. OnStar, on the other hand, had already established itself as a practical emergency service, with a pragmatic and utilitarian focus.
I don't think it's the best move for OnStar, because it's broadening their focus too much. OnStar has branded itself as practical, and is now trying to reposition itself as social. I'm sorry, but those are largely conflicting ideas from a brand perspective.
Maybe I'm wrong with my take on this, but I think GM and OnStar worked too hard to position itself as safety-minded (which I think they succeeded in) to now promote a service that neglects safety and driving focus to worry about your Facebook status instead.
I think I've stated my case here, but let me know what you think in the comment section below.
