Chris Leckness

I have been a cell phone user since 1985 and have used countless different cell phones.* My first cell phone (really a "car phone") was a far cry from the battery-powered, handheld devices of today.* In those days, all a cell phone did was make and receive calls.* The phone itself was mounted on a pedestal attached to the car's console, but the phone's guts were located in the trunk in a box the size of a small suitcase.* The whole system had to be professionally installed at a cost of $250 to $300.* Obviously, I could only use the phone when in my car.

I've also been using a Pocket PC or Windows Mobile device since the days of the HP Jornada 548.* I switching away from a Palm V that I'd used before the Jornada.* About a year ago, I purchased a T-Mobile Dash Windows Mobile v5 Smartphone.* Since that time, I stopped carrying two devices.* As soon as it the Windows Mobile 6 upgrade became available, I made the operating system switch without looking back.* For me, it's darn near the perfect converged device.

For the last few years, I've used several different Bluetooth headsets and hands-free devices to make talking on my phone more comfortable and safe when driving.* My biggest frustration was that the Bluetooth batteries always needing charging.* I lusted for the fully integrated Bluetooth systems in luxury cars!* No more!* I now have what I need in my new 2008 Honda Accord!

My pearl white 2008 Honda Accord V6 EX-L comes with a steering wheel controlled Bluetooth "hands free" capability.* Pairing the system with my Dash was straightforward.* Entire phonebook synchronization with the phone is not supported, but individual phonebook entries are easily accomplished.* As long as my phone is anywhere in the car, including the trunk, I can make and answer phone calls without my hands ever leaving the steering wheel.

The car also includes a auxiliary jack in the armrest that allows the phone's sound output to be connected to my car radio.* Other music and sounds, including the ability of VoiceCommand to announce and/or read arriving e-mail and text messages is easily accomplished.

The Ford Sync from Microsoft has been getting a lot of TV advertising "air time" over the last several weeks.** However, I now have virtually all the same functionality and didn't have to purchase a Ford.

I am still searching for the absolute perfect converged device.* Until someone makes it, I'm more than happy with my T-Mobile Dash WM6 Smartphone and my 2008 Honda Accord.

rabilancia

BTW, I forgot to mention in the article that the current Honda Accord commercials feature the 1981 Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) "Hold on Tight" track from their "Time" album. It's now one of the songs on my Dash that I listen to over the auxiliary input connection on my Accord.

kcmatt

Glad you like your new Accord! I have an '07 Camry with in-dash GPS, voice activation, everything. While I love the car itself and having phone conversations through the car's speakers, the whole voice recognition system is HORRIBLE. Makes me wonder if the guys who designed it ever actually tried to use it in real-world settings. My main gripe is that half of the features (mainly any text input) are disabled as soon as you get up to over 2 mph. Otherwise, it takes about 4-5 steps of pushing the button and speaking commands to call anyone or locate a specific location.

Now that I have a Tilt, with its GPS, Google Maps, & MS Voice Command, all I really need now would be a monitor in my dash for displaying the video from the phone, a button on the steering wheel to launch voice command, and Bluetooth A2DP running through the speakers. I could use the audio jack to HEAR voice command like you mentioned, but then I couldn't listen to anything other than the music on my device.

Anyway, thanks for the report- it's great to see the technology coming together in ways like this.

rabilancia

KCMATT, you are welcome.

I too have the in-dash GPS (Navigation system) in my Accord. It can be controlled by voice or with a BMW-style I-drive. Unlike the Toyota & Lexus versions (with which I am familiar as my neighbors have both), nothing gets disabled when moving. My last car was a 2004 Accord V6 EX with the previous version of the voice controlled navigation system (no Bluetooth). The 2008 system is much improved. After using the touch screen on the 2004, the I-drive knob on the 2008 took some getting used to, but having done so is much more intuitive and easy to use.

Your desire for "a button on the steering wheel to launch voice command" is right on!:approve: I suspect that over the next few years we'll get closer to exactly what we each desire.