Subaru revealed how their new STARLINK infotainment and safety system will work on new 2016 models. The the new infotainment system and apps are being shown at the New York Auto Show. Subaru also released a demonstration video on YouTube (video follows). In January, Subaru announced that it partnered with SiriusXM for Subaru STARLINK in-vehicle infotainment connectivity and services including 4G LTE connectivity.
STARLINK is the Subaru infotainment system with hands-free connectivity, safety services and media connections.
Emergency Services from STARLINK
Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services will be using the AT&T 4G LTE network. Services offered include stolen vehicle recovery, automatic collision notifications, vehicle diagnostics and remote lock/unlock through a smartphone app.
There are interior roof-mounted buttons similar to OnStar buttons where a STARLINK advisor can give help in an emergency or call for roadside assistance.
When an airbag is deployed, the system will connect the driver to a STARLINK advisor. The advisor will ask if the driver is okay. If the driver does not respond the advisor will send emergency responders. Drivers can call for assistance in a non-crash emergency such as a medical condition by pressing the SOS button.
The driver can press a roadside assistance button then the STARLINK’s GPS system locates the vehicle and sends a tow truck.
STARLINK automatically checks critical vehicle systems and sends an email alert in the event of an issue. The driver is notified of the nearest Subaru dealership and receives a monthly vehicle health report via email.
Entertainment Services
STARLINK allows the user to connect to unlimited entertainment apps such as Pandora, iHeartRadio and Aha.
STARLINK can be activated with voice commands for music and navigation. The navigation system can deliver live traffic alerts. The touchscreen displays text messages and can turn them into audio.
Via an app or web connection STARLINK will show the driver exactly where the car is located. (This is like the OnStar vehicle locator app we reviewed earlier).
The driver through the app can turn on the horn and lights to help find the car in a parking lot or dark location. The app can also remotely lock and unlock the Subaru.
According to Subaru’s website, the current version of STARLINK works through a USB port for iPhones or a Bluetooth connection for Android smartphones. Music streaming apps use the data on the connected smartphone or iPhone. We suspect that 2016 system may use the smartphone data plans, also.
Continental’s LTE capable Telematics Module provides the connectivity services for Subaru’s STARLINK. SiriusXM also provides the new NissanConnect services.
Typically automakers include a free trial period of vehicle services from six months to a year. OnStar basic service with remote start is free for 5 years with the purchase of a new GM or Chevy vehicle. We would expect a similar deal from Subaru. There is no announcement yet for pricing of 4G LTE connections, however we think there might be be an additional fee on shared data AT&T data plans or data may be purchased through the STARLINK infotainment system.
