Home Forums Articles How To's FAQ Register
Go Back   Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E70) Forum
Arnott
User Name
Password
Member List Premier Membership Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring....
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-12-2011, 07:54 PM
LeMansX5's Avatar
Admin
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: X5world
Posts: 20,270
LeMansX5 has a spectacular aura aboutLeMansX5 has a spectacular aura aboutLeMansX5 has a spectacular aura about
Arrow BMW Aims For Cars to Take E-mail Dictation

BMW Aims For Cars to Take E-mail Dictation



BMW has developed a prototype system that allows drivers to compose full-text e-mails and text messages using voice commands. Unlike voice-activation options in existing BMWs, the technology relies on speech-recognition algorithms that offer drivers, as well as passengers, freedom to dictate original messages from over a million recognized words in the database.

The main novelty is that you can compose e-mails with the same ease of use that you would have with a PC in an office setting--without taking your eyes off of the road or using your hands. You respond to e-mail by dictating out loud what you want to say while using voice commands for editing functions, such as deleting, moving, or replacing text. For millions of workers who otherwise waste a large percentage of their time driving every day, being able to send and receive e-mails safely while commuting would represent an obvious boost in productivity.

The system, which BMW said in February could be sold as an option in production models within three years, is part of the company's plans to develop voice-activated commands to operate any function that drivers must otherwise activate today by hand. For example, the German luxury carmaker expects eventually to allow drivers to enter search queries on the Internet and to hear search results read out loud by using voice commands as well.

MW's voice-to-text e-mail technology complements options that BMW already offers. With BMW's ConnectedDrive, for example, you can connect your Blackberry to the dashboard console with a Bluetooth connection and the audio system reads e-mail or text messages out loud as you drive. When the car is not in motion, it is possible read the full texts of the e-mails from a Blackberry inbox on the car's dashboard screen. For the iPhone, BMW will offer an app with which drivers can open and lock their car remotely.

Other carmakers are seeking to widen their in-car communications options as well, of course. In the mainstream car sector, Ford's Sync infotainment system allows for selected smartphone applications to run on a dashboard console. With Ford's MyFord Touch for Sync, drivers can select routes for GPS-guided navigation and music. Ford also plans for Sync to read e-mail and text messages out loud and to allow drivers to dictate messages in three to five years time, although it has not yet demonstrated a prototype that does this like BMW has.

GM says it is developing a voice communications app for Android mobile phones that will let drivers send and receive text messages and Facebook updates using only their voices. GM said it plans to offer the system with its OnStar in-car system and service during the first half of the year and will offer the compatible smart phone apps through Android Market.

A main issue with any of these technologies is safety, of course. In theory, anybody can type and receive e-mails in their car with an Android, Blackberry, iPhone, or other smartphone while driving.

But in case it is not already apparent; texting, e-mailing, or even talking on the phone while holding the device to your ear is extremely dangerous, distracted-driving behavior. Distracted driving was involved in the deaths of 5474 people and 448,000 injuries in car or motorcycle crashes on U.S. roads and streets, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis.

In the best-case scenario, technology that allows for hands-free e-mailing and using other office applications in the car may save lives while allowing you to continue to work while driving. It is also likely that driver distractions may one day become irrelevant in the not-so-distant future, when and if cars drive themselves as many futurists expect them to.

However, in the meantime, I remain cautiously skeptical that even voice-to-text e-mailing and texting is totally safe, so I look forward to in-depth studies to clarify just how safe or unsafe it is.
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links

  #2  
Old 03-14-2011, 01:54 AM
rh71's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: LI | NY
Posts: 3,924
rh71 is on a distinguished road
My opinion - it's not so much the hands away from the wheel that's the biggest safety issue - if your mind is somewhere else... that's all it takes. Have you ever had a conversation with someone - even your passenger - and not realize how you got to where you were the past 2 minutes? Mind wasn't on the road much was it...

I'm all for innovation - and perhaps this will lead to better things - but this right here is just more distraction. I can see twitter and status updates along with a screenshot of the road coming next...
__________________
'08 X5 3.0si - Alpine White / Saddle Brown interior
Specs: Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg, Tech Pkg, Comfort Access, Aero Kit, Style 433 staggered 20s on Conti DWS
Mods: Carbon 35 tint, LED angel eyes, GP Thunder 7500k fogs, H&R 20mm/25mm spacers, clear reflectors, gunsmoke-tinted taillights
Coded: Digital speedo, windows/sunroof/tailgate close via keyfob

X5 pics at Flickr
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-15-2011, 07:20 AM
alexmish's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Garden State
Posts: 1,005
alexmish is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by rh71 View Post
My opinion - it's not so much the hands away from the wheel that's the biggest safety issue - if your mind is somewhere else... that's all it takes. Have you ever had a conversation with someone - even your passenger - and not realize how you got to where you were the past 2 minutes? Mind wasn't on the road much was it...

I'm all for innovation - and perhaps this will lead to better things - but this right here is just more distraction. I can see twitter and status updates along with a screenshot of the road coming next...
I TOTALLY... It is bad already here in NY/NJ, no need for more distractions. Last thing I want is some busy exec speeding up on NJ turnpike dictating his "urgent" e-mail, not paying attention to the road because his mind is elsewhere, and ending up killing others.

Sorry BMW, I am NOT supporting you on this innovation!
__________________
His : 2013 X5 3.5d Deep Sea Blue/Black/Aluminum with ALL packages, 20" 214"s, running boards, Adaptive Drive, Spare Tire, BMW Apps
On Order : 2016 X3 3.5 MSport Silver/Mocha with DHP, CW, Prem, Tech, DA, Lighting

Hers : 2015 328xi MSport Silver/Red

Prior:
2008 X5 4.8
2011 X5 3.5d
2010 335 xDrive
2013 335 xDrive
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-15-2011, 02:03 PM
JCL's Avatar
JCL JCL is offline
Premier Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 11,853
JCL will become famous soon enoughJCL will become famous soon enough
totally with rh71 and alexmish. Last thing we need is more distractions.
__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver

2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-15-2011, 02:15 PM
motordavid's Avatar
RetiredBum & Semi-RenaissanceMan
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Mtns of Western NC, & SW FLA
Posts: 16,816
motordavid will become famous soon enoughmotordavid will become famous soon enough
This 'descriptive' lead in phrase says it all, imo:
"The main novelty is..."

Even the 'better/best' of us drivers don't need more 'novelty items' in the cockpit; for most of the driving public, they don't have the skill set or clue,
even with their current menu of cell phones, texting, staring at a sun splashed NAV screen, screaming at the kids, etc.

BMW has seemingly gotten caught up in the 'wired cockpit'/gizmo race, imo.
BR, mD
__________________
Ol'UncleMotor
From the Home Base of Pro Bono Punditry
and 50 Cent Opins...

Our Mtn Scenes, Car Pics, and Road Trip Pics on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4527537...7627297418250/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4527537...7627332480833/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45275375@N00/

My X Page




Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-15-2011, 06:33 PM
blktoptrvl's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Various
Posts: 1,232
blktoptrvl is on a distinguished road
I'd be curious to see how their efforts pan out. Microsoft and other software companies have been trying for years to create dictation apps that are accurate enough to appeal to buyers - so far most have failed - so I expect a car company to fail too.
__________________
2006 X5 Sport 4.4i
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:57 PM.
vBulletin, Copyright 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved. Xoutpost.com is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG.
The BMW name, marks, M stripe logo, and Roundel logo as well as X3, X5 and X6 designations used in the pages of this Web Site are the property of BMW AG.
This web site is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with BMW AG or any of its subsidiaries.