Abstract: A user uploads content such as files containing audio, video, graphical, data, points of interest, and other information from a user device such as a personal computer to a central server over the internet. Upon determining that a trigger event has occurred, communication and processing circuitry in a vehicle device automatically download the previously uploaded content over the interne and a short-range wireless network and store the content for use by a device such as an audio/visual/navigation unit. Examples of a trigger event include proximity to a short-range wireless communication network coupled to the internet, presence within a geofence, turning off a vehicle's engine, or detecting an SMS wake-up message while the vehicle device's main processor, transceivers not used for SMS, and auxiliary circuitry are in sleep mode. The short-range wireless network can be a vehicle owner's home network, or a commercial wi-fi hot spot, or subscription wireless service.

Abstract: A user uploads content such as files containing audio, video, graphical, data, points of interest, and other information from a user device such as a personal computer to a central server over the interne. Upon determining that a trigger event has occurred, communication and processing circuitry in a vehicle device automatically download the previously uploaded content over the interne and a short-range wireless network and store the content for use by a device such as an audio/visual/navigation unit. Examples of a trigger event include proximity to a short-range wireless communication network coupled to the internet, presence within a geofence, turning off a vehicle's engine, or detecting an SMS wake-up message while the vehicle device's main processor, transceivers not used for SMS, and auxiliary circuitry are in sleep mode. The short-range wireless network can be a vehicle owner's home network, or a commercial wi-fi hot spot, or subscription wireless service.

Abstract: A telematics method and system facilitates customizing a plurality of vehicle content files, parameters, and features based on edits and selections from a user interface. A telematics provider maintains a database comprising a table, or tables that associate(s) user identification information with a vehicle VIN and equipment/features/content installed in/on vehicle devices associated with the VIN. Database updates may occur automatically, or upon a user instruction, when a TCU wirelessly transmits current equipment, content, and feature configuration information to a TOC coupled with the database. The telematics provider's server may provide the interface that facilitates the user logging in and editing features, content, and operational and performance parameters currently configured/installed in/on the vehicle' equipment and devices.

Abstract: A telematics unit monitors location information and a vehicle information bus for diagnostic and other vehicle information and a request for services command initiated with hardware coupled to the telematics unit, remotely from another device, or automatically upon the occurrence of a vehicle trigger. The telematics unit composes a request message that includes vehicle location information and an indicator of a type of services requested, and transmits the message to a telematics server. The server performs a table lookup to find entries containing information of requested services available within a predetermined range of the vehicle. The server transmits a response message to the telematics unit, or other device, for presentation of the requested information. The response message may include a file containing promotional information relative to the service provider(s). The TCU may transmit a message that includes metrics relative to how a user played the promotional information file.

Abstract: A triggering event causes a telematics device to transmit information to a user device. Or, the telematics device may perform a task in response to determining that a trigger even occurred. The user device generates an alert in response to the transmitted information producing the alert, for example, graphically, audibly, textually, or using a combination thereof. A triggering event may be the attaining of a certain location of the TCU along a predetermined commute route. Or, the detection of force exerted on a vehicle, possibly indicating attempted theft of the vehicle. Upon the triggering event occurring, the TCU can formulate a message, for example calculate time of arrival based on the traffic conditions and speed limits along the commute route. The TCU may also transmit its location information to another device, such as the user device, or a device coupled thereto, and the other device formulates the message.