REPORT: Next-generation Audi A8 to get handwriting recognition?
by Sam Abuelsamid on Jul 31st 2009 at 4:02PM 
As automakers continue to pile on the features to their high-end offerings, the connection between human and machine gets increasingly complicated. BMW was one of the first automakers to tackle the issue of button/switch overload with iDrive, only to enrage and alienate reviewers and owners alike. Despite the difficulties with using a control knob, Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, Honda and others have adopted the interface with varying degrees of success. Now Audi is reportedly trying a different approach for the next generation A8 which may or may not debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. AutoBild reports that the A8 may add a touchpad to the mix with handwriting recognition. Presumably drivers will be able to write out the letters for an address on the touch pad rather than using a rotary dial to pick them out. While using the dial can be a clunky process, handwriting recognition could increase driver distraction even more than wart-manipulation.
[Source: Autobild]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
VW GTi 4:09PM (7/31/2009)
What exactly is the point of handwriting recognition in a car? The reason I use a computer is because my handwriting isn't the best. I agree this would be very distracting.
Reply
fmwso 4:16PM (7/31/2009)
i second you... that's just useless
BoxerFanatic 12:59AM (8/01/2009)
Agreed; what is this for?
Also, I thought the government was going to BAN texting in cars...
Now cars are going to supplant cell phones, by texting directly from the dash, or something?
Honestly... writing a letter with your finger is more ergonomic than a button to press for a car function?
This has FAIL written all over it... by finger writing... I wonder if Audi can parse that?
DJ_Swammi 4:12PM (7/31/2009)
The point is that Audi will have this, and other makes won't.
Exclusivity appears to be a virtue unto itself.
Reply
audi_arena 6:14PM (7/31/2009)
Unfortunately, you are correct. I doubt this will be a hit though.
Polarstar 4:15PM (7/31/2009)
Why not use speech recognition?
Reply
chconline 4:19PM (7/31/2009)
Because Honda, Ford etc all has it and does not make it special.
Tony 4:25PM (7/31/2009)
The wacko that thought this one up should be restrained in a chair while Yoko Ono albums are played at top volume in an endless loop. Kidney stones should be surgically implanted and upon release of these stones, replaced forever more. I could keep going but I'm sure I have been restrained with my response.
Thank you for reading this post
Reply
waiownsyou 6:15PM (7/31/2009)
You REALLY don't like writing out letters...
Purplewon 4:55PM (7/31/2009)
assuming the screen is in the center of the dashboard, this is going to be a pain for lefties.
Reply
Lemon 4:58PM (7/31/2009)
Tell me about it! Us southpaws get screwed hahha
YouDummy 5:09PM (7/31/2009)
This is a really bad idea. I mean, really bad.
Reply
James 5:11PM (7/31/2009)
Is it just me... or is an "M" being typing, while the system is recognizing an "A"?
Looks like the system might need a little work!
Reply
Aloysius Vampa 6:51PM (7/31/2009)
Hahahaha.
P.V. 9:38PM (7/31/2009)
Very true.
Though it seems like a nice feature, what exactly is the point versus speech recognition and what will the input be for the handwriting?
hoov23 9:47AM (8/01/2009)
I think the driver is searching for Ham. Drive-thru ham joints are probably common in Ingolstadt, I don't know, I've never been there.
Protzenegger 3:52PM (8/01/2009)
Or Hamburg, seeing as it is in Germany, after all :)
Kaveh 9:02PM (7/31/2009)
Interesting, but the palm pilots already do that, and I would rather people use voice instead of writing and driving.
Reply
Edsel 9:25PM (7/31/2009)
This is a classic case of, "an answer in search of a question" .
Reply
iMacDaddy 12:32AM (8/01/2009)
I have a better idea! Why not just include a small bluetooth keyboard that would neatly slide into a slot in the dash board when not in use> The slot would also charge the batteries in the small keyboard so the driver would never have to worry about the batteries draining. Also, why not also create applications for both Blackberry and iPhone devices that would allow the driver to use their handheld as a wireless keyboard, and also be able to transfer addresses and contacts to the MMI without having to type them in individually. Hand writing recognition was cool back in the day of the Palm Pilot, but now technology has progressed so much. Audi needs to utilize tech that is actually beneficial and efficient for the driver, and not just a gimmick.
Reply