Tech Blog

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Every once in a while you hear of a new technology that almost makes you ask why it's taken so long to arrive.  With on screen navigation displays now becoming commonplace, it was just a matter of time before we started syncing more than just handsfree calling and music with our vehicles.  Now for the next stage.  How about displaying your incoming emails from your brand new BlackBerry on your brand new BMW??  Sound intriguing?  Well, its coming.  Starting with some 2011 BMW models with the ConnectedDrive/iDrive system installed, you will soon be able to read incoming emails on your car's display screen, rather than fumbling for your BlackBerry.

The idea here is that an incoming email will come in to your BlackBerry, then appear on your car's display screen.  Of course, it might not be all that safe for you to be looking at your car's display screen either while driving, so don't worry, text-to-speech software will read you the email.  You won't be able to respond to the email, but this will allow you to keep up with what's coming in and if you get an email that does need your immediate response, you can pull over safely to take care of that.

Of course this sort of service isn't for everyone.  But for those who like to drive BMWs and who always want to stay connected with what's coming into their email inbox, this is a safer (and more legal) option than picking up your BlackBerry to look at it.  And pairing BMW with BlackBerry makes sense as many successful business men and women do tend to want to drive a BMW and many do use a BlackBerry for their work devices.

Now then... here are my questions for you all.  What do you all think?  Is this a feature you'd like to see in your car (with limited features of course to ensure you keep your eyes on the road), or do you think this is yet another distraction we can and should do without?  I'll be honest, I really like the idea, but I do worry that we really don't need any extra distractions.  And do we really need to be this connected?  Or should we just learn to sit back and relax and enjoy our nice drive in our nice BMWs?

(Ok, yeah, I know it's only a partial shot of the car, but... Great group of friends that went though! )