We’ve all seen those drivers swerving down the road as they frantically try to read or update their Twitter and Facebook accounts (while driving or attempting some semblance thereof). Heck, some of us have been those drivers. But the days of using your phone in a clumsy attempt to manually input information on your social networking conglomerate are coming to a close. In a stroke of pure genius (probably prompted by a desire to idiot-proof our roadways), several companies have begun to offer (or develop) voice-activated, hands-free methods of interacting with social networking outlets. So if you absolutely cannot wait until you’re out of the car to access and update your Facebook and Twitter accounts, there is now a safer way to do it.
Yesterday, the first “internet car” was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The Rinspeed BamBoo, designed by Harman (the audio company), looks rather like the unholy union of a Jeep Wrangler and an electric ride-on kids car (you know, the ones they sell at Toys ‘R’ Us). But it comes with some surprisingly cool features for those of us who can’t seem to say no to 24/7 internet access, even if it does interfere with our driving. For starters, it claims to be compatible with all smart phones, iPads (although other tablets are not mentioned), and Blackberry devices. Good news for anyone who still uses a phone for talking.
More exciting, though, are the talk-to-text features. Now, drivers can access the internet via voice command and have their text messages, Facebook posts, and Twitter feeds read to them instantaneously through software that turns the text into a computer generated audio stream (Good morning, Professor Falken. Would you like to play a game?). Not only that, but you can, of course, relate your own messages in reverse, and it can all be done without ever impairing your driving; as Jim Morrison advises, “Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.” But there’s more: this car will also search radio stations via the infotainment feature, and Wi-Fi is provided for anyone who might want to use their laptop, download a book to their Kindle, or find the nearest food truck via iPhone app.
However, Harman is not alone in their desire to make the road safer. As of October last year, OnStar announced its plan to launch a talk-to-text feature for Facebook users that would allow them to post and receive updates hands-free while driving. Less certain was a voice-texting service, although so far this would only allow drivers to reply with one of four pre-set message (generally in the vein of “I’m driving, I’ll call you back later”). And while Ford’s Sync system has yet to enter the playing field, they have launched MyFord Touch, a system that allows users to sync up their voice-activated in-dash car system with their mobile device in order to control certain apps hands-free. So it looks like it’s only a matter of time before they find a way to apply this feature to social networking sites.
Technology keeps speeding along, faster than an out-of-control car driven by a teen texter, but a few companies seem to be trying to put safety first in the face of this mobile-device mayhem. So think about doing your part to exhibit safe driving practices. Put down the phone and get yourself a talk-to-text program for the car. These days, it appears you can have your cake and eat it, too, especially if you’re willing to put your money where your mouth is (so to speak).
Sarah Danielson writes for Kanetix, where you can shop around and find a great deal on car insurance.
