Intelligent Mechatronic Systems, Inc. (IMS) has unveiled a new device called the iLane that enables a driver to access his/her email in a hands-and-eyes free way. The iLane is designed to handle all incoming information, including emails, phone calls and even text messages. The voice-based interface means that one can listen to, compose and forward emails just as if they were accessing an email account on a computer. The small device works by interacting with your Bluetooth-enabled phone or email device and can also route the audio into a vehicle's audio system or Bluetooth headset. Though IMS bills the iLane as a way to safely access and manage emails on the go, undoubtedly people will question the safety of a device that encourages such activity while driving in the first place. Vehicles today, however, are moving ever closer to becoming fully functioning mobile offices, and how long will it be before Windows or Mac OSX are factory installed options? While we can personally wait until we're parked to check our email, the iLane might be helpful for that white-collar up-and-comer on the go. Though not yet available, the iLane is currently being shopped around by IMS to distributors and even automotive OEMs.
(Check out a full press release on the iLane after the jump and the iLane website here)
[Source: iLane]
Press release:
IMS Introduces "World's First Hands-and-Eyes Free Email Solution for In-Vehicle Use"
iLane™ Combines Data Connectivity and Driver Safety
Waterloo, ON – July 24, 2006 – Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (IMS), a world leader in telematics and automotive safety devices, announces the latest addition to its telematics line: iLane™, the "world's first hands-free and eyes-free email solution for in-vehicle use."
Based on patent-pending technology, iLane™ provides drivers with a safe and convenient voice-based interface to fully access their email messages while in transit. iLane™ automatically notifies the driver of incoming emails and other important information by reading a brief summary in a natural sounding voice, in the driver's 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 using this intelligent hands-free and eyes-free interface.
Intelligent information management allows email messages to be filtered and prioritized based on personal preferences and notification settings. Communications 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 keeping their eyes on the road, and their hands on the steering wheel.
iLane™ consists of a powerful and small device that interacts directly with existing Bluetoothâ -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 (e.g., BlackBerryâ ). 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 email or phone call.
"iLane™ is the first and only solution to provide users with complete mobile data connectivity in a manner that focuses on driver safety", says Dr. Otman Basir, President and CEO of IMS. "In this regard, iLane™ is truly a 'world first' and we are extremely excited to offer this innovative solution to mobile professionals."
iLane™ operates independently of the wireless networks used by supported wireless devices, and has been tested with a number of industry leading wireless email devices, including the BlackBerryâ and Palmâ Treoâ . IMS is already in discussions with several automotive OEMs and international network carriers to offer iLane™ to their customers.
About IMS
IMS specializes in the creation, development and marketing of leading edge proprietary technology that blends mechanical engineering, electronic control and information systems into technologically advanced products. IMS has three divisions: Safety Devices for use in automotive applications; Telematics which include iPAID™ for use in Usage Based Insurance applications and DriveSync™ GPS for use in personal and fleet Vehicle Tracking; and Automedia, delivering consumer products into the automotive aftermarket. IMS is based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. For more information on iLane™, please visit www.ilane.com
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jay @ Jul 24th 2006 6:46PM
Why can't people just freakin' drive? Do you absolutely need to spend every moment of your life wired to your email or your phone? Is it too much to ask that during that 15-minute drive that maybe you pay attention to the road and wait those few minutes until you get to your destination before swapping IMs? Ridiculous.
Speed42 @ Jul 24th 2006 6:52PM
Just as long as the iLane users stay out of My lane.
Fabulo @ Jul 24th 2006 7:05PM
Well, if people are going to do it anyway, I think this solution is better than staring at your phone to dial it while steering (your 7 tons suburcusion) with your knee.
I welcome any use of technology that help people keep their eye on the road.
However, I have no illusion regarding the penetration of such products, as I see that much simpler solution (hello, $10 headset, no hands talking) are almost never used)
Finally, I'll keep doing what I do: open my eyes and spot the idiot while they drift on to my lane while I am passing them. They look so pissed when I apply the horn full blast: "Quiet! Don't you see I'm on the phone?"
JW @ Jul 24th 2006 7:19PM
Can people not wait until they get home to check their email?
PJ @ Jul 24th 2006 8:06PM
This makes me wish we could get a federal mandate for manual transmissions, crank windows, and nonpower steering to be installed in every new vehicle.
As Fabulo said, people are going to do this anyway, so advancing the technology past post-its and laptops does seem like progress.
But Christ... if people spent their half-hour commutes savoring the man-machine interaction, taking in the scenery, and feeling the wind in their hair, their overall productivity would probably be better than if they'd managed to catch a call and three IMs en route.
epp_b @ Jul 24th 2006 9:06PM
["This makes me wish we could get a federal mandate for manual transmissions, crank windows, and nonpower steering to be installed in every new vehicle."]
That should be mandated regardless! And, hey, you could probably get the manual transmission thing by selling it as something for better fuel economy!
["if people spent their half-hour commutes savoring the man-machine interaction, taking in the scenery, and feeling the wind in their hair, their overall productivity would probably be better than if they'd managed to catch a call and three IMs en route."]
Good point. People need to relax.
Doc Lucas @ Jul 24th 2006 10:16PM
Perhaps the future evolution of mankind will give us a second pair of arms, a third eye, and Zen-like concentration. May as well throw in a 3rd nipple for good measure. We will all look like Hindu Gods/Goddesses, for the sole purpose of performing a multitude of tasks simultaneously.
"Manual-Tramsmission", "Crank-Windows" - Word UP!
chuck goolsbee @ Jul 24th 2006 10:58PM
Sigh. Perhaps it is time we seek Divine Intervention?
I suggest we create some system that disables airbags and places a razor blade onto your seatbelt as soon as you start yacking on a cell phone. Let's just accelerate the whole concept of "survival of the fittest"... as for email while driving. Just shoot them. Now.
chuck goolsbee @ Jul 24th 2006 11:00PM
D'oh! Live link feature ate my URL:
http://www.redmeat.com/redmeat/1999-02-01/index-1.gif
what I meant by "Divine Intervention"
Clarence @ Jul 24th 2006 11:23PM
It's not the gun that shoots people; it's the people that shoot people.
Judicious use of iLane makes sense to me. What if you get stuck in traffic for two hours while they clean up the mess from two truckers who were using iLane at 80 mph? My iLane would come in pretty handy then. :)
Shoaib @ Jul 25th 2006 12:15AM
I think the Onstar in my 02 Escalade had this sort of thing, it was with virtual advisor, sadly it's not in the 07 Escalade (I think GM discontinued Virtual Adviser, I used it for stock qoutes)
mavRick @ Jul 25th 2006 8:37AM
seriously. does every new technology product that comes out have to be iSomething?
Clarence @ Jul 25th 2006 10:04AM
iThinkso.
fizzandpop @ Jul 25th 2006 3:43PM
STOP THE MADNESS! Seriously, when is someone going to ban everything non-essential to driving. If you get stuck in traffic for two hours, you don't get your email, period. Who gives a fuck? What are you doing that is so important that you have to be constantly in contact? Are you saving lives? Try this. For 24 hours don't open your mail or answer your phone. Guess what. Nothing will happen. Email is just an extremely efficient buck-passing application. You know what pal, I didn't get your email, the problem is still yours. I hope this comes with a handy window sticker, because you know the twats that buy this will want to advertise the fact to the world. When I see it, I'll just aim for the blue light on your handsfree headset. I sent you an email, it said "Duck".
Tim C @ Jul 25th 2006 4:38PM
I quite agree. To imagine that you need to e-mail while driving is hubris of the worst kind. If you were that important you could e-mail while your chauffeur drives. Actually, it'd probably while your pilot flies. Fifteen years ago you'd have been looking for a phone box.
Lea R. @ Jul 26th 2006 9:03PM
"Type and drive" is just one of the many stupid (risky!) things I see people do when they should be paying attention to the road: putting on makeup, eating, shaving!! Are people (especially the "crackberry" addicts) going to stop that type of behavior any time soon? Not likely... if iLane keeps somebody from rear-ending me, swerving into my lane or cutting me off, how can that be bad?