Since the invention of the microchip, man has been
dreaming of ways to combine it with their favorite
toys to make them do the unimaginable. There is one
toy in particular that has fascinated man in the last
century - the automobile. With longer commutes and
the increased need to remain in touch, it was only a
matter of time before engineers decided to make cars
do things that were impossible mere years ago.

There are three key components which were developed
to achieve this success: wireless communications, the
internet and speech recognition software. While the
former two technologies have been around for a seemingly
long time in the fast paced technology field, speech
recognition software was too complicated to be used in
modern embedded computers until the recent boom in the
computer sector.

For those whom can't tell east from up or figure out
how to drive from Tulsa to Oklahoma City by reading
a map, the solution may be an on-board navigation
system. These computers provide a GPS, or Global 
Positioning System, located to find exactly where
the car is located and then cross reference that
position on a display so the passengers in the car
can see exactly where they are. Some navigation
computers will also allow users to select a destination
and then provide directions along the way.

Some manufacturers have been using computing
power to develop new safety technologies. Cadillac has
developed a system which uses infrared to monitor
the road ahead of a car to alert the driver to dangers
at night. Mercedes-Benz and Honda are developing
separate means of monitoring the status of the driver
and road conditions to alert other drivers of
possible problems and to determine whether airbags or
other safety features should be activated.

Entertainment is another area which isn't neglected in
the modern vehicle. Several manufacturers offer a
built in entertainment system complete with television
to keep the kids and other passengers occupied. Whether
it is needed to keep the kids occupied or to dictate
an intraoffice memo on the way home, some vehicles even
boast a complete internet package which allows voice 
activated web-browsing, email and video conferencing.

Perhaps the most well known system which combines many 
of these technologies into one package is GM's OnStar.
It combines navigation technology with stolen vehicle
tracking, accident assistance and several other
services to offer a well rounded capability to aid
most of the needs of a driver. It is available as on
option on nearly three dozen models and works at
the push of a single button.

While helpful to a number of drivers, many of these
technological options are still only available on
a limited number of models and at a premium price 
until their adoption becomes more widespread. However,
for the business executive always on the go, that
premium may be a small investment on a large return in
comfort, safety and productivity.

Ken Witherow

This article is Copyright 2000, Ken Witherow. All rights reserved.
For questions or comments, email phantoml@rochester.rr.com