Hands-free

Hi everyone. Starting this week, I will be answering reader questions about all things GPS right here on Miss Direction and Crave. If you need product recommendations, have questions about the technology, or ever wondered if a GPS can actually tell you to drive into water, this is the place to be. I'll be posting these Ask the Editor blogs every other week so don't be shy, send in those questions, and I'll do my best to answer them all. So without further ado, on with the show.

Q: Can you help me? I am looking for … Read more

Beginning July 1 of this year, new laws in California and Washington will require drivers to use a hands-free device when using a cell phone. California goes a step further for drivers under 18; they will be prohibited outright from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Washington does not make any age distinctions, but since January 1, the Evergreen State has prohibited composing or sending text messages while driving. After the laws go into effect, Washington and California will join the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut in enacting statewide hands-free calling legislation. In … Read more

In about six weeks, Dial2Do will launch its mobile phone platform for dictating commands to various Web services. (we have a limited supply of early beta invites; read to the end). It's an interesting play to make users more productive during their commutes.

When you sign up for Dial2Do, you'll be able to immediately use it to dictate yourself reminders. After a brief address book set-up you can also speak SMS and e-mail messages to others. The service transcribes your speech for its messages.

You can also use the service to control various Web 2.0 sites. On … Read more

There are plenty of Bluetooth hands-free speakerphones for the car out there, but the Gold Lantern VisorTalk distinguishes itself with a caller ID display--all the better to screen calls while you're on the road. Otherwise, the VisorTalk--so named because it clips to the sun visor--has all the standard features covered: It sports Bluetooth 2.0 (for pairing with any compatible cell phone) and a full duplex speakerphone, and the rechargeable battery is rated at 8 hours talk time and 200 hours standby (a car charger is included). And that "H" button centered below the display is a &… Read more

With less than three months to go before the State of California outlaws using a cell phone while driving, nearly half of California drivers are unaware of when the ban kicks in, according to a recent survey. Polling of 400 licensed drivers by Plantronics (a maker of Bluetooth headsets, as it happens) and market research firm TNS found that 44 percent did not know when the legislation comes into effect and that 72 percent did not have "strong familiarity" with what the ban encompasses.

To strengthen your familiarity, here is what to expect:

California recently joined a growing number of states that require drivers to use hands-free devices while driving. In other words, if you want to use your cell phone in the car, it better not be pressed against your ear. You've got two options for avoiding tickets: a Bluetooth headset or a Bluetooth speakerphone.

eCost has the Kyocera K323 Bluetooth speakerphone on sale for $15. It's powered by your cigarette lighter and offers voice dialing (if your phone/carrier supports it), last-number redial, and volume-control buttons. How's the sound quality? I have no idea, but in my experience, … Read more

More good news for those of us who have been forced to divide our attention between the road and what seems like an ever-increasing number of gadgets and other in-car distractions: automotive voice-activation technology is becoming more widespread.

On Thursday, U.S.-based company Nuance announced that it will be putting its text-to-speech technology in select new Ford models in Europe. The system powers Ford's "Human Machine Interface" (HMI), which allows drivers to make calls, enter destinations into the navigation system, control the audio system, and change the inside temperature using simple voice commands.

For example, a … Read more

A survey released today says the 2008 model year will yield the highest percentage of gadget-filled cars in history.

The study, conducted by Telematics Research Group (TRG) and based on 100 cars announced for the 2008 model year, says almost 70 percent of cars for sale in North America will offer voice-activated, hands-free Bluetooth phone support. Navigation systems will come standard in 80 percent of announced MY08 models.

Portable music player support will also be at an all-time high. According to TRG's Technology Availability Index, 50 percent of cars will have direct iPod connectivity, and 90 percent will have … Read more

Iqua has made a Bluetooth bar (for lack of a better word) phone that attaches to the back of your car's headrest.

The L-shaped device allows users to be hands-free, and free of an ear piece in their ear, while driving and talking on a cell phone. As Gearfuse points out, the headset does offer stereo speakers. The $179 phone has a battery worth 10 hours of talk time, 650 hours of standby and comes in black or silver.

Sorry, but we just don't see Iqua's reasoning behind the Iqua Snake2 HHF-601. Wouldn't a device like … Read more