Have you ever been stuck at a red light behind the driver who is busy typing away on the diminutive keyboard of his Blackberry?  Or have you watched a vehicle drift uncomfortably close to yours from the next lane because that driver is more concerned with answering an email on her Treo?  Of course… we all have, but is it possible to keep the eyes of these email-addicted commuters on the road and their hands on the wheel?

Now, there is, indeed.  Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS), a developer of telematics and automotive safety devices, has introduced the latest member of its telematics line: iLane, “the world’s first hands-free and eyes-free email solution for in-vehicle use.”

 

This patent pending technology enables a safe and convenient voice-based alternative for accessing email messages while in transit.  Rather than taking his eyes off the road to scan a message or answer a call, iLane automatically notifies the user of incoming emails and other important information by reading a brief summary in a natural sounding voice in the language of choice.  The driver can then listen to the entire email message, forward or compose a response, and manage meeting requests using verbal instructions. Phone calls, SMS messages, and a number of email attachment types can also be managed via the interface.

 

 

Intelligent information management in iLane allows a user’s personal preferences to be specified for filtering, prioritization, and notification settings.  For instance, emails not requiring an immediate response can be automatically managed with a preset user preference. This ensures the driver can manage time-critical information in transit, while safely navigating his route.

              

iLane consists of a small — yet powerful — device that interacts directly with existing Bluetooth-enabled handheld devices and vehicle audio systems or headsets to read messages out loud and to listen to driver instructions. The presence of the driver is automatically detected by iLane, which then assumes control to intelligently capture and manage inbound information as soon as it arrives on the driver’s wireless email device. The driver does not need to remember to do anything differently to start taking advantage of benefits provided by iLane.

 

Instead of a marginally useful ring or vibration, iLane provides drivers with a content-rich, voice notification, including essential information about the incoming message or call.  Incoming information is sent directly and seamlessly from the handheld device to iLane. From there, the information is broadcast through a Bluetooth headset, vehicle audio system, or the device’s ear-bud.  Responses and voice commands are communicated back to the handheld device through iLane. The entire process is automatic, instantaneous, and seamless, with no buttons to push and no manual operation required.

 

So, while the only way to truly stop an email addict is to shut down his email server, iLane at least will at least keep him from becoming a hazard while on the road.