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It's that time of my life again that I need to get a new car. I've been driving my current SUV for over 10 years... I'm a tech geek like many of you, so the car infotainment system is important to me. All of them has some sort of car monitoring and apps. So I'm going to point out the major differences here. I'll first admit I'm kind of biased toward the Entune/Sync systems due to being able to tether to my phone for connectivity. Driving a Mini is SO MUCH fun, but with their infotainment system being so crappy (for now), I just have to pass; I will explain later. OnStar is great for for leases especially when there is a leasing special on the Volt. Fiat (Chrysler), well, only car I'm interested in is Fiat 500/500L. I didn't check out MB or Audi, etc, mostly because I'm not interested in them. I did check Volkswagen and it's very generic, so generic that there isn't even a special name for it... Volvo has the Sensus system, but I haven't been to the dealership yet. I plan on this being the last car I buy that I have to drive myself in. Next car will drive itself. 
Please add to or correct my following research.
Toyota Entune/Ford Sync:
The two are basically the same thing except with different theming and icon sets... Windows Embedded. Although Ford Sync has more apps, the important ones are available for both. The pro is that they can connect to the internet tethered to your phone or a usb radio from your carrier. If you have a Nexus or rooted Android, it means that you can be connected for free. (Note: MyFord Touch is still Sync.)
GM OnStar:
Let's start with the biggest con in this one. OnStar requires a separate plan for connectivity. Although the first couple of years GM will pay for it for free, you would be paying $20 a month and $30 if you want navigation after the promotion runs out. If you're considering the Chevy Volt, for this reason (and many other reasons), leasing the vehicle makes a lot more sense. Coolest thing about OnStar (at least for the Volt) is remote start and unlock with the app on your phone.
BMW/Mini Connected:
Not meaning to be biased for Entune or Sync, but you can only get the best of Connected if you have an iPhone. This is a killer for me as I do not have an iPhone, however, I would consider an iPhone 6 if it does indeed have a larger screen... but to buy a phone because of a car is kind of stupid. But then to not buy a car because of not having a particular phone is also stupid. Another thing which can be a plus is that no touch screens. I just can't resist touching, so it's a negative for me. UPDATE: Mini salesperson just informed my that the new Mini coming Spring 2014 will have Android support. It will also use the internet connectivity from your phone. Upon some research: this is confirmed.
Fiat UConnect:
Like OnStar, UConnect requires a separate plan for connectivity. It's new and the first year free, so no pricing info yet. The only price we see is if you use the car as a hotspot, which I would never do and I hope you wouldn't either. Personally, I believe that Fiat's previous system Blue&Me is better, because it's another Windows Embedded variant that runs off the the connectivity from your phone.
Alternatives:
Get Automatic Link and a good phone/tablet dock such as the Sony XSP-N1BT (May 2014). Negative about this particular dock is installation; most newer stylish cars do not allow installation of third-party receivers.
Please add to or correct my following research.
Toyota Entune/Ford Sync:
The two are basically the same thing except with different theming and icon sets... Windows Embedded. Although Ford Sync has more apps, the important ones are available for both. The pro is that they can connect to the internet tethered to your phone or a usb radio from your carrier. If you have a Nexus or rooted Android, it means that you can be connected for free. (Note: MyFord Touch is still Sync.)
GM OnStar:
Let's start with the biggest con in this one. OnStar requires a separate plan for connectivity. Although the first couple of years GM will pay for it for free, you would be paying $20 a month and $30 if you want navigation after the promotion runs out. If you're considering the Chevy Volt, for this reason (and many other reasons), leasing the vehicle makes a lot more sense. Coolest thing about OnStar (at least for the Volt) is remote start and unlock with the app on your phone.
BMW/Mini Connected:
Not meaning to be biased for Entune or Sync, but you can only get the best of Connected if you have an iPhone. This is a killer for me as I do not have an iPhone, however, I would consider an iPhone 6 if it does indeed have a larger screen... but to buy a phone because of a car is kind of stupid. But then to not buy a car because of not having a particular phone is also stupid. Another thing which can be a plus is that no touch screens. I just can't resist touching, so it's a negative for me. UPDATE: Mini salesperson just informed my that the new Mini coming Spring 2014 will have Android support. It will also use the internet connectivity from your phone. Upon some research: this is confirmed.
Fiat UConnect:
Like OnStar, UConnect requires a separate plan for connectivity. It's new and the first year free, so no pricing info yet. The only price we see is if you use the car as a hotspot, which I would never do and I hope you wouldn't either. Personally, I believe that Fiat's previous system Blue&Me is better, because it's another Windows Embedded variant that runs off the the connectivity from your phone.
Alternatives:
Get Automatic Link and a good phone/tablet dock such as the Sony XSP-N1BT (May 2014). Negative about this particular dock is installation; most newer stylish cars do not allow installation of third-party receivers.
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