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News
Issue #2002 - 30
(August 2002)
(Updated Aug.
7, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
Honda Accord Voice Navigation Service Let’s Your Car Do the
Talking
Selected 2003 Honda Accords will be equipped with an enhanced voice
navigation system, which will make it easier to find those
out-of-the-way addresses or the nearest ATM, thanks to a partnership
between the Japanese carmaker and IBM.
The navigation system, called Touch by Voice, is powered by IBM’s
Embedded ViaVoice technology and software developed jointly by IBM
and Honda. The Touch by Voice system debuts on the 2003 Accord with
such new features as a larger touch screen display and an expanded
database that covers virtually all U.S. roads, as well as seven
million points of interest.
The Accord's satellite-linked navigation system uses GPS (global
positioning system) technology in combination with information from
a DVD-based mapping system to pinpoint the vehicle's location and to
provide mapping and route-guidance features.
By simply pressing the talk button located on the steering wheel
and saying, "find the nearest gas station," "find the
closest McDonald’s," or "124 Old Oak Road," a
driver can listen to detailed driving directions over the car radio.
According to IBM, the new system understands about 150 commands
spoken in English, even with an accent.
Robert Bienenfeld, senior manager of product planning for
American Honda, boasts of the system’s key safety feature:
"With this new system, drivers can now gain access to a range
of services without taking their hands off the wheel."
However, some may beg to differ: listening intently to driving
directions is enough of a distraction, is it not?
For more information: http://www.wirelessnewsfactor.com
MobileInfo Advisory & Comments: Honda's entry
into Telematics is not too early - it is just about in time. It does take
a while to design the soft and
hard components for the car and debug various interfaces to keep the
recalls to a manageable level. Choice of a voice-based interface
instead of a keyboard and
IBM as a systems partner are wise decisions by Honda. Telematics
should be a
serious safety-focused initiative. It is not about downloading ring
tones while driving. In a sense, Honda can learn from
the mistakes of other auto manufacturers who spent a lot of time, money
and energy during the first euphoria of Telematics. Soberness
has returned to even Telematics world that has a definite value
proposition for travelers. But long-term outlook for Telematics is still very
bright, in our view.
Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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