OnStar has been on a technology tear to keep up with the demands of the always-connected car consumer as well as its crosstown rival Ford. OnStar's latest tech update may be to add a Facebook feature that lets subscribers use voice commands to update their status.

Certain smartphone-addicted drivers want to keep up with every tweet and Facebook position update from behind the wheel, and automakers are trying to figure out how to offer them these features, without incurring the wrath of Oprah and other auto-safety advocates or causing carnage on our roadways.

Bloomberg reports that an OnStar spokesperson wrote in an email this morning that the company may allow users to verbally update their Facebook position via the system and also receive "news feed" updates from Facebook. Bloomberg also said OnStar is working on a way to allow drivers to receive text messages and have them read aloud as well as respond with canned replies a la Sync.

Ford's Sync system offers some of the same features as OnStar, including 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports, except for free. But Sync relies on a Bluetooth-connected cell phone rather than electronics embedded in the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz and Lexus have also recently debuted new telematics systems and services, and OnStar has been keeping up by offering apps and other enhancements.

Expect more news from OnStar in the next week or so: In a recent CNET interview, company president Chris Preuss said the telematics service will undergo a "relaunch" on September 15 so that it's "better all around."

Bloomberg