In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
#1
01-07-2010, 11:12 AM
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,051
In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
I wonder how many people are going to be killed (or just maimed) as a result of these innovations.
Right now, people eat, send and receive text messages, change their clothing, read newspapers, smoke, drink and talk on hand held phones while driving...imagine the new level of distraction when full computing (including a keyboard) is available to the driver?
You'll be able to check out YouTube or **** videos; play Mafia Wars, FreeCell or Solitaire; review an Excel spreadsheet or maybe edit your photo album...while you're supposed to be driving a full sized SUV at 70 MPH.
Pretty scary, no?
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/09/c...ers/index.html
Right now, people eat, send and receive text messages, change their clothing, read newspapers, smoke, drink and talk on hand held phones while driving...imagine the new level of distraction when full computing (including a keyboard) is available to the driver?
You'll be able to check out YouTube or **** videos; play Mafia Wars, FreeCell or Solitaire; review an Excel spreadsheet or maybe edit your photo album...while you're supposed to be driving a full sized SUV at 70 MPH.
Pretty scary, no?
Technology's next frontier: In-car computing
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Cell phones and TVs converging with the Internet? That's so 2008. The next big tech trend may be the marriage of computer technology to your car or truck.
This spring, Ford will offer a dashboard computing system on its full-size pickups and E-series vans.
This month, Hyundai is launching a system that warns motorists when they drift out of the lane they're traveling in. Another manufacturer has developed pedestrian-detection software that works with heat-seeking cameras to alert drivers when someone is in their path.
In March, Ford will release a fully functional, dashboard computer -- complete with keyboard -- geared to contractors and other business folks who want to access the Web, review documents and log inventory while on the go. In the spring, AT&T will launch an in-car entertainment service with 22 satellite TV channels...
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Cell phones and TVs converging with the Internet? That's so 2008. The next big tech trend may be the marriage of computer technology to your car or truck.
This spring, Ford will offer a dashboard computing system on its full-size pickups and E-series vans.
This month, Hyundai is launching a system that warns motorists when they drift out of the lane they're traveling in. Another manufacturer has developed pedestrian-detection software that works with heat-seeking cameras to alert drivers when someone is in their path.
In March, Ford will release a fully functional, dashboard computer -- complete with keyboard -- geared to contractors and other business folks who want to access the Web, review documents and log inventory while on the go. In the spring, AT&T will launch an in-car entertainment service with 22 satellite TV channels...
#3
01-07-2010, 02:58 PM
Re: In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
I take it you won't be purchasing one of these? Check out the user comments and user photos!
http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Office-.../dp/B000IZGIA8
http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Office-.../dp/B000IZGIA8
#4
01-07-2010, 03:38 PM
Re: In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
As we know, If... IF Toyota ever decides to offer something like that, it will be completely useless unless you are at a complete stop.
BigTuna, ROFL! Thanks made my day!
BigTuna, ROFL! Thanks made my day!
Last edited by jbollt; 01-07-2010 at 03:44 PM.
#6
01-09-2010, 11:03 AM
Re: In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
We've been there for a while - with the 'smart phones' and 'netbooks'. For field-service folks, that sort of integration is handy - sort of like the cop car computers. Although the cost, non-interchangeability, and lack of upgrade/custom software integration is likely to keep take rate low in the prime target market.
#7
01-09-2010, 12:07 PM
Re: In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
I read that Ford has done everything they can to renove the distraction element. Virtually everything can be done by voice command or steering wheel button. It can read your messages to you. Certainly safer than the acts of dealing with dialing a phone, reading a message, texting, etc.
#8
01-11-2010, 06:35 AM
Re: In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
There seems to be considerable evidence that the distraction in using a cell phone while driving is the conversation itself, not whether the device used is hand-held, hands-free or voice activated.
#9
01-11-2010, 07:07 AM
Re: In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
The distraction is taking eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel. You are not going to stop people talking, singing, conversing with passengers, etc. If it is a minor distraction, it's here to stay.
Alan Mulally did a great job of addressing this issue on the Morning show today.(from the North American Auto Show in Detroit.)
Alan Mulally did a great job of addressing this issue on the Morning show today.(from the North American Auto Show in Detroit.)
#10
01-11-2010, 07:52 AM
Re: In car computing...the future is here...and it's scary!
>>The distraction is taking eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel.
Not according to several studies. It is the mental distraction that counts the most.
As to conversing with passengers, that seems to be different, although a distraction of a kind for sure. Passengers accept a pause in the driver's response when entering a busy intersection, for example.
As far as not changing the unsafe driving habits of people, that's probably true.
Not according to several studies. It is the mental distraction that counts the most.
As to conversing with passengers, that seems to be different, although a distraction of a kind for sure. Passengers accept a pause in the driver's response when entering a busy intersection, for example.
As far as not changing the unsafe driving habits of people, that's probably true.
