As a sign of their growing popularity and demand, experts project that hands-free systems for cars will increase by five-fold by the year 2018.
One example of an automaker jumping onto the handsfree boat is the American car industry giant - Ford. Ford revealed the voice activated Sync system as a standard feature for most of its 2012 line of cars.
Using a Bluetooth wireless connection, the vehicles can send/receive text messages, and even read them aloud, among many other features. Future plans for the app include Twitter integration as well, with Ford users being able to have posts read to them via the application. As a safeguard though, users will not be able to compose tweets or reply, to reduce possible driving distractions.
General Motors’ company OnStar revealed a similar system to Sync, but added the option of connecting to a user’s Facebook account. Using this connection, OnStar’s system can read messages, add statuses, or even post comments, by using voice transcription.
Chevrolet also is joining in - launching a new line of cars integrated with Apple’s personal assistant program - Siri. Originally tested in two cars, the Chevrolet Spark and the Sonic, the feature was so well-received, that six more cars are being added with this design.
By wirelessly connecting via Bluetooth to the Chevy MyLink system, customers can implement Siri-related tasks by activating voice commands with a button on their steering wheel. By activating Siri, they can make phone calls, play music from iTunes, send/receive text messages, and even access and modify their calendars. To avoid possible distraction issues though, the screen’s light-up feature is disabled while being used in this manner.
 |
| Image Licensed Under Attribution |
Not to be left out, Honda announced that Siri “Eyes Free” integration would be an option for its 2013 Honda Acura, and the 2013 Acura RDX and ILX. Using Honda’s new HandsFreeLink service, the automaker plans to add it to more cars after reviewing how it is received. Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Audi, and Toyota have also announced plans to add Siri integration in future lines.
One of the most popular uses for hands free applications however, is in navigation. The best-selling GPS system TomTom introduced a hands-free car kit for both the iPhone and Android smartphones. To allay battery worries, each kit option comes with either an iPhone dock, or a micro USB, to charge your phone and reduce the distraction of worrying about your phone’s battery life.
The car mount included in the kit is adjustable, and has a special grip so that the phone will not slip or fall away, and an extendable mic that can be attached to a sun visor, or elsewhere. The car kit has been overwhelmingly popular with customers, reaching sales that caught the eyes of automakers.
Not to be outdone, Toyota launched the Entune hands free navigation and calling app for cars, and Volvo has also released their own version. In a similar route to TomTom though, car GPS company Nuvi has also released a car kit system as well, with voice activated warnings for speed, fuel efficiency, and more.
Chris TurbervilleAbout the Author:
Chris Turberville-Tully, who writes for HR Owen Maserati, enjoys driving through the English countryside with his family or traveling abroad. In the near future, Chris looks forward to technology making traveling more entertaining and safer. Circle Chris on G+ to follow his travels.