Guidepoint Connect Bluetooth Car Kit First-Ever Bluetooth With Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance Built-In, Hands-Free Cell Phone, Integrated Music Control

Back in the day, it used to be a pretty cool selling feature for GM that
their cars came with OnStar, an integrated roadside assistance feature.
The technology advanced and car makers died and just about everyone got
a cell phone. I'm not sure if OnStar can really compete with a cell
phone and AAA plus the addition of multi-function GPS devices
complicates things even more. Sheesh, how many things do we need in our
cars? Most people can't drive as it is. Well, GuidePoint Systems
announced today that it has launched a new Bluetooth kit for vehicles
that is supposedly the only one that offers free emergency dispatch and
roadside assistance as part of the package.
The Pontiac, Michigan-based company has begun shipping their new
Guidepoint Connect, an in-vehicle Bluetooth system that offers such
ground-breaking features as hands-free cell phone, integrated music
control and emergency services/roadside help. The unit, designed to be
mounted on the steering column, sports an oversimplified four-button
control interface and has to be paired with a subscription to the
Guidepoint roudside assistance service. It's like the Jitterbug of
Bluetooth car kits. Grammy will love it.
According to Guidepoint here's how it works: In addition to the standard
dial and hang-up buttons, the Guidepoint Connect unit includes two
additional buttons: a phone button that connects callers directly to
Guidepoint's 24/7/365 response centers, and a white-cross button that
can be integrated with Guidepoint's GPS tracking device (sold
separately) for pinpoint location-based services and one-touch emergency
dispatch. There is even a feature that lets you channel your PMP through
the device so you can hear your music through your car stereo.
Now, I'm as skeptical as the next guy when it comes to the necessity of
yet another device in my car. From what I can gather, the Guidepoint
Connect is a Bluetooth hands-free car kit (already got one), a wireless
PMP connector (got one), and a roadside assistance program (already got
one of those, too). As for the white-cross button that offers pinpoint
location services…my cell phone has a GPS in it and I'm pretty
sure if I have to call 911 they'll be able to triangulate my signal.
The Guidepoint Connect is being launched at new-car dealerships and
through retailers of mobile electronics. The MSRP of the unit is a
pretty shocking $399 and this doesn't include installation fees.
Included in the cost of the unit is free E-Call service for emergency
dispatch, plus one year of complimentary Guidepoint Silver service
that includes roadside assistance, directory assistance and unlimited
concierge service.
If I were you, I would keep your existing Bluetooth headset and AAA
membership. I spent some time at www.guidepointsystems.com and I
couldn't for the life of me locate pricing info on the membership plans.
The site is also riddled with programming errors and a graphic on the
front page of a decapitated operator, who I'm sure is standing by to
take your order. Caveat emptor.