Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Giving new meaning to hard drive

Technology is turning vehicles into rolling computers

By: Bruce Owen

Posted: 03/21/2010 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Keep your eyes on the road and not on your iPhone.

The newest cars hitting the road in Manitoba come Internet-ready, adding another twist to concerns too many drivers are already too busy yakking on cellphones or sending texts to pay attention to traffic lights and stop signs.

It also comes as police in Manitoba gear up to enforce the province's new ban on cellphone use and texting while driving.

A provincial spokesman says the ban is expected to become law in June with enforcement starting immediately. The proposed fines are $191 for talking or texting on a handheld device.

RCMP have already started handing out written warnings.

"The guys find when you hand out a piece of paper it has a greater impact," Sgt. Line Karpish says.

The latest in in-car gadgetry is sold as putting safety first so drivers don't fumble around answering a cellphone call when they're in traffic, and keep both hands on the steering wheel.

"There isn't anybody that hasn't seen an issue with somebody driving a car that's on a cell and driving stupidly," Mid-Town Ford sales manager Lance Fridfinnson says, showing off his company's voice-activated SYNC system, which is developed by Microsoft.

SYNC and Bluetooth technology, and dashboard USB ports, are turning new cars into rolling computers, allowing drivers and passengers to talk hands-free on the phone. Depending on technology, some can receive texts, but read aloud by the car's built-in voice.

"It allows you to keep your attention on the road where it should be," Fridfinnson say, adding Ford recommends drivers, "should still stop and take the phone call while not driving.

"But if you do, like most of us do, drive while you're talking on the phone, then this will allow you to devote your attention to the task at hand, which really matters, not bashing into the car in front of you."

During this week's South By Southwest Interactive festival in Austin, Texas, Ford unveiled plans to take it to another level. It plans to launch an application store for drivers to download programs they can use on the road, much like Apple's 'app store' for iPhones and iTouches. It means drivers can access their mobile applications while in the car, such as checking their Twitter profile.

Fridfinnson says consumers shopping for a new car want and expect this kind of technology, and for drivers, they can only get on the Internet when they've parked the car.

Police say they see no difference whether you're on a cellphone call or Twittering while driving -- being distracted is being distracted.

"We can charge you with driving imprudently without due care and attention," Karpish says, adding you could face the same charge if police catch you shaving or putting on lipstick while driving.

"It's a public safety issue," she says.

bruce.owen@freepress.mb.ca

Wi-fi in your car?

Yep, It's coming

UPDATE your Facebook profile or throw out a pithy comment on Twitter from your car?

It's not that far off -- but if you're the driver, only when you're parked.

That's what Ford has planned in the coming months as it puts more Wi-Fi-ready vehicles on the road.

Other vehicle manufacturers are doing the same thing as mobile wireless technology expands. Some analysts predict the mobile device will become the No. 1 source for Internet access by 2020, surpassing the home computer.

It's as simple as plugging in a USB broadband modem -- an air card -- into your car's USB port. It requires a password so other drivers can't steal your bandwidth.

That creates a secure wireless connection inside the vehicle. Passengers with Wi-Fi-enabled devices can then get on the Net as long as the broadband modem picks up a signal.

While marketed as a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot, the driver is expected to keep his hands on the wheel.

Ford says drivers of their vehicles can only access the Internet, via an in-car, eight-inch touch screen, only when the gearshift is in 'park'.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 21, 2010 A7

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

WFP Hockey

Download our new hockey app for the iPhone for Winnipeg Jets updates
Editor's Bulletin

Sign up for daily bulletins from editor Margo Goodhand
Winnipeg Jets

All things NHL on our Jets landing page
Twitter

Follow our reporters and our news feeds on Twitter
News Cafe

Check out the menu, read our blog posts or get info on coming events
Facebook Fanpage

Follow our Facebook Fanpage for story links, contests and special events