The digital car: mobile productivity or dangerous device?

Your hearing more and more about the growing trend to turn your car into a digital power house. The hardware is available to connect bluetooth capable phones and laptops plus an incredible variety of entertainment devices.

The car manufacturers are doing an amazing job helping consumers with their new found digital motoring lifestyles. Many auto makers are now building Bluetooth capability into their cars. For example, do you have a cell phone that has Bluetooth? By simply “pairing” it with your car, you can answer calls hands-free, hearing your caller over your car’s stereo speakers. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s explain some of the technical details first.

I may have thrown you for a loop with the mention of Bluetooth and “pairing.” You’ve finally got WiFi and hands-free down, but now you’ve got other gizmo terms to learn. Well, conveniently enough, here’s the definition of Bluetooth straight from Bluetooth.com.

“Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. The key features of Bluetooth technology are robustness, low power, and low cost. The Bluetooth specification defines a uniform structure for a wide range of devices to connect and communicate with each other.”

“…Bluetooth enabled device(s), almost everywhere in the world, can connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices in proximity. Bluetooth enabled electronic devices connect and communicate wirelessly through short-range, ad hoc networks known as piconets.”

So, in a nutshell, Bluetooth devices can talk to eachother, wirelessly, when placed a short distance away. Now, on to “pairing.”

Again, I’ll borrow a definition from the experts at Bluetooth.com. According to them, “Pairing is the process of establishing a new relationship between two Bluetooth enabled devices. During this process a link key is exchanged (either before connection establishment was requested or during connecting phase).” So think of it as two people introducing themselves with a firm friendly handshake.

Ford’s new Sync feature in their cars offers Bluetooth connectivity to your phone as well as voice activated dialing. Definitely a hands-free system. Based on technology from Microsoft, Sync debuted last fall and is available on twelve 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models: Edge, Explorer, Five Hundred, Focus, Freestyle, Fusion, Milan, MKX, MKZ, Montego, Mountaineer and Sport-Trac. Ford promises more Sync-equipped vehicles in the future.

But back to our cell phone example. Your car and your phone have Bluetooth. You’d like to make and answer calls, hands-free. Just enable Bluetooth on each, pair your phone and cars audio system and simply talk, freeing your hands for the task at hand, driving the car. It’s worth mentioning the legal implications briefly here. Many citites and states are enacting laws controlling whether or not you can use your phone while driving. Talking hands-free while driving will help you be productive without breaking any laws. I’ll get into this in more detail later.

But what if your car doesn’t have Bluetooth? As long as your cell phone does, the simple solution is to purchase a Bluetooth-capable ear piece or headset. Many are available at different price ranges. Shop around online and you can find some great deals. Also take the time to research the best models. User reviews are a great source here. Business people as well as everyday folk use the various devices on a daily basis and share their experiences. See what they have to say and consider buying with their recommendations in mind.

Not only is Bluetooth connectivity possible between your car and mobile phone, but you can also turn your vehicle into a mobile WiFi hot spot. Trendhunter talks about WAAV’s AirBox, a cool gadget you can slide under a seat in your car.

The AirBox is a broadband cellular router that gives you a high speed connection while on the move. With the AirBox installed, devices such as PDA’s, laptops and game consoles will have access to a broadband connection, wherever you may be. Surfing and gaming is merely a cell tower away.

All this talk though about digitizing your car might make you wonder. How important is it? Many of us talk on our cell phones while driving. A distraction, definitely. Safe, probably not. The ramifications have already proven to be deadly. As cars become more like digital devices, the potential for driver distraction climbs rapidly. Phones, PDAs, and laptops being the primary distraction to the driver, but DVD players and gaming consoles, used by passengers, contribute to the danger as well.

City and state laws are changing nation-wide to reflect or deflect the trend. It’s never a good thing when the government noses into your business but, in this case, safety on our roads trumps it. Many cities have passed laws outlawing talking on the phone or text messaging while driving. Phoenix is a perfect example. A recent accident involving a teen text messaging while driving prompted the city to enact a law banning text messaging while driving. We’re not sure how you enforce it but it’s in the books. Phoenix is just one example. Many other cities have already passed laws banner cell phone use while driving with others considering it.

The best way to approach all of this new vehicle technology is to first check with your local or state government and see if any laws exist regarding driver distraction while the vehicle is moving. Laws may cover cell phone usage, text messaging, even laptop or entertainment devices near the driver. If laws do exist, consider purchasing what you need for hands-free driving. Laws usually assume your driving safely as long as both of your hands are on the wheel. You are considered distracted holding a phone to your ear or sending a text message.

If your car shopping, look to the various car review sites for information about the availability of Bluetooth in cars by the various manufacturers. Not only will you have a new car but a car considered on the cutting edge. Being safe and technologically hip is a good thing. Not to mention you’ll be better prepared and knowledgeable about what the future might bring in the automotive world.