Hands free email, what will the authorities say?

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 25 July 2006 15:43

Your IT - Home IT

The debate is already raging about the dangers of using hands free mobile telephones in cars. Soon the debate may shift to drivers using hands free emails.

Canadian company Intelligent Mechatronic Systems has already started marketing a hands-free Blue Tooth e-mail device, which enables drivers to check and respond to their emails by voice while driving.

The system, called iLane, alerts drivers by sound that there are incoming e-mails and other messages, which drivers can then have listen to and respond to by voice.

Drivers can also do pretty much the same sort of thing they do on a computer to respond to messages, including forwarding or composing a response using verbal instructions.

The iLane system interfaces with existing Bluetooth-enabled handheld devices, vehicle audio systems or headsets to communicate messages by voice to the driver as well as take verbal instructions.

The system is compatible with both Palm and Balckberry devices and can be used to manage voice and SMS messages as well as email.

We can already hear universities clamouring for funds to do another study proving that this is system is less safe for drivers than downing three double scotches before getting behind the wheel.