OnStar has announced it will now sell its car communications network service as a retail product that can be attached to any car. 

OnStar, which has more than 6 million customers using its emergency service in General Motors (News - Alert) cars, plans to dramatically increase those numbers with this product. OnStar, not only plans to follow today’s growing desire in turning cars into hotbeds for internet-connected technology but into gadgets.

.

To help with this feat, the car communications service is embedded in a cool-looking rear-view mirror with a blue button. The blue button is to initiate a call with OnStar, which allows people to ask its operators for information or driving directions.  Another button on the mirror can initiate a 911 call. The mirror can be attached to just about any car and will be sold in Best Buy (News - Alert) stores.

OnStar calls the new strategy OnStar Anywhere, which takes the service beyond General Motors vehicles. Chris Preuss, chief executive of OnStar expressed his feelings on its product by saying, “Now we will be talking to a much bigger audience”.

Although, the system is known for its anti-theft and emergency response capability, Preuss stated OnStar is broadening its service by offering new services such as a Chevy Volt app as well as a Facebook (News - Alert) app.

Also on the horizon, OnStar plans to have a connectivity app that works via Bluetooth short-range communications with your phone. You can send and receive text messages via voice commands. These features can’t be used unless your Android (News - Alert) Smartphone is operating version 2.2 or higher. OnStar will also have a relationship with Verizon Wireless on its 4G network.

Charles West is a Web Editor for TMCnet. A self described music snob, realist and wreck-loose, Charles enjoys great Mexican food and even better technology. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Charles worked with many gadget oriented sites that included running his own blog (TheTrendaholic.com) and Smartphone column for examiner.com. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.