Associated Press
TORONTO — It's like having Alfred, Batman's trusty multi-skilled butler, in the car with you - he'll dial phone numbers for you, tell you where the closest Tim Hortons is and give you a heads-up if traffic is snarled around the next corner.
Cars are turning more into batmobiles every day thanks to telematics - an evolving technology that improves driver safety while incorporating the comforts of modern communication.
The trendy word for automotive communications technologies, telematics means the fusing of wireless voice and data systems. It means drivers get seamless hands-free access to cellphones, map information, radio stations and air-conditioning systems.
It was only a matter of time before computers took control of our vehicles given the world's congested roadways, says Gavin Conway, a London-based motoring expert, who has tested the novel technologies for the BBC and The Sunday Times.
"We're spending much more time in our cars," said Conway, who's behind the U.K.-Canada production of Ultimate Cars, a Discovery Channel series that profiles the most powerful, state-of-the-art automobiles of all time.
"Things like hands-free systems, e-mail access and digital radio are making the experience of being in the car much less stressful, less of a hassle."
Advances also mean 24-7 access to a call service centre where phone operators can dispatch ambulances or tow trucks, give real-time traffic updates, tell you what's wrong with your engine or unlock the vehicle when the keys are locked inside.
It became a necessity after some European countries outlawed cellphone use in cars. Many jurisdictions in North America are following the example, including Newfoundland.
The change of law forced industries to find new ways for drivers to chat while making left-hand turns.
In North America the trend has given way to services like On Star, Mercedes's Tele-Aid and BMW's Assist although most systems are only compatible with new, higher-end cars.
But prices are dropping quickly.
"Initially these systems, the integrated cellphone especially, was restricted to the higher priced cars. It was standard equipment," explains Christopher Willenberg, automotive account manager for Motorola Canada, which has a partnership with Mercedes and BMW.
"One of our challenges over the years has been taking the benefits of this system and putting it into the more readily available vehicles on the road."
They've reached that stage thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology which uses a global radio frequency to communicate rather than cables and wires.
At a demonstration with the Mercedes system, Willenberg was able to keep his eyes on the road while making calls after simply plugging his cellphone into a slot built inside the centre console.
"Dial name," he requested after hitting his phone button on the steering wheel.
"The name please," replies a female operator, who automatically lowers the radio volume.
"Mom and Dad," replies Willenberg.
The car replies "Calling Mom and Dad" and away it goes.
Other car tricks coming soon to dealerships:
-Radar control: combines with cruise control to brake the car for you when it detects an obstacle in front. Will speed up again when obstacle is cleared away.
-Off-site engine diagnostics: a technician in a far away phone centre can pre-service your car without being physically next to the vehicle.
-Heads-up display: Inspired by technology used by fighter planes, it works using a reflector built into the top of the dashboard to display crucial information like speed and fuel levels.
-Rain-sensing windshield wipers: the wipers adjust speed depending on the intensity of rainfall.
-Two-way communication: Japanese developers are developing systems which would allow cars to speak to each other to warn of traffic snarls 100 kilometres ahead.
-Lane departure warning: a small camera mounted on the rearview mirror scans the road for lane markings. If the car wanders out of its lane without a turn signal, a warning buzzer sounds or the driver's seat vibrates. - Smart headlights: Automatically adjust the brightness based on oncoming traffic.
Conway says there are no limits to what conveniences telematics will bring for drivers.
"The ultimate expression of (telematics) would be being able to service the car without coming in (to a mechanic)," said Conway. "Of course they'd have to figure out how to get the fresh oil in."
Source: CTV