IMS Dictates E-mails for You in the Car-UPDATED!

A neat new Bluetooth device called iLane takes chatting on a mobile phone wirelessly a step further by audibly reading your e-mails, text messages, and calendar entries to you, then allowing you to respond in kind.

With bans popping up across Canada that prohibit the use of handheld cell phones while driving, consumers (and especially business persons!) are scrambling for ways to still be able to remain in touch while on the road. Many opt for a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone that lets them talk, and even make, phone calls wirelessly. But this still doesn't tackle the issue of those who are vigorously thumbing away at e-mails or text messages while on the road.

 iLane, made by Waterloo, ON-based Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (IMS), a telematics, automotive safety, and mobile media company, is a plug-and-play unit that doesn't require any complex installation in the car. It powers up via the cigarette lighter adapter, and communicates with any BlackBerry 8000 Series phone (running BlackBerry OS 4.1 and newer; the company plans to add compatibility for additional operating systems in 2009). Software needs to be installed on the phone prior to connection, after which the device will begin communicating with your phone instantly.

When a message, either e-mail or text, is received, the iLane emits an audible notification, at which point you can dictate one of a number of recognized commands, like "read", "reply", "compose", or "delete".  If you ask the system to read the message, it will do so, interpreting words as best as possible. A representative from the company even tells me that the system will chuckle when it detects a smiley face! If you choose to reply, however, your message will not be converted into text: it will be sent to the person as a .wav audio file e-mail attachment (approx. 50 kb in size).

Audible communication occurs through an included Bluetooth headset, or through a compatible in-car Bluetooth system. While the system can be placed anywhere in the car, it's advisable to mount it on the dashboard, the vent, or atop your visor for easy access if needed. Upgrades to the system are available over-the-air, or via USB connection to a PC. 

Additionally, the system can supply news, sports, and weather updates on-demand from The Associated Press and The Weather Network.

 I have to admit: I'm skeptical of the product, having not tried one out just yet. How accurate is the system in terms of reading e-mails (especially with industry-specific words)? While the iLane probably works great in getting across the gist of important messages, replying with an audio file makes me wonder why you wouldn't just call the person back. What's more, would you trust an electronic system to read a message accurately from an important client without actually seeing the text? What if a word was read incorrectly, or important parts of the message accidentally omitted?  

Either way, the system is a clever idea. With practice, it can probably come in very handy for business persons who are constantly on-the-road and don't want to get dinged with a $100 ticket for driving with a phone to his ear or his thumb working overtime at a red light!

Keep in mind, however, that the iLane system isn't cheap: it runs for $599 plus a $7.99/mo. subscription cost. 

Article Tags:  mobile phone, wireless, cellular, bluetooth, speakerphone