This is the first in a continuing series of columns that will cover the European Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphone scene. We'd like to welcome Becky Benfield to Pocket PC magazine. Becky is a co-owner of and contributor to Pocket PC Life (http://www.pocketpclife.co.uk), a leading European PDA review site. If you have questions about this or future columns, Becky can be contacted at becky@pocketpclife.co.uk.
Editor, Pocket PC magazine.
On December 1st 2003 in the UK, the government introduced a law that made it illegal to hold a mobile phone or use a PDA while driving. The only way you can answer and make calls is through some hands-free arrangement. Breaking this law carries an on-the-spot £30 fine. In some cases this can rise to £1,000 if you are found to be using your phone in a way that makes you not in control of your vehicle. Not nice if you have to answer that very important call.
Ahhh, but what if you had a car that solved those mobile communication problems?
Bluetooth-enabled Smart cars
Daimler Chrysler/Mercedes and mobile phone manufacturer Orange have teamed together to create a new version of the popular Smart car—the Orange City Coupe Special Edition. This small 2-seater, available only in Europe, has Bluetooth hands-free technology integrated into it. With a length of only 2.5 meters (8 1/4 feet), a Mercedes Benz 74bhp/600cc engine that gets 95 kilometers (59 miles) to the gallon, and a top speed of 90 mph, you wouldn't think that the car would be worth driving… but I can tell you it is! I own one of these amazing cars and I love it to bits! It is so unusual yet so safe.
The Bluetooth-enabled Smart car.
The Smart car is a small, economical car ideal for driving around big cities and squeezing into the smallest parking space imaginable. It is equipped with a "dual gearbox," meaning you can drive it in automatic OR manual. Its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has an advanced safety program which uses onboard sensors to recognize certain dangerous situations and react to them in a timely manner. For example, when it spins or loses road contact, ESP is able to moderate the engine power and selectively brake individual wheels to stabilize the car and bring it back on track.
The technology doesn't stop there. Hidden in the car's body is Bluetooth wireless technology. When you receive a call on a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or Smartphone, the call is directed through the microphone and speakers in the car. Using voice-recognition capability built into your PDA or your mobile phone, you can answer calls and make new ones while keeping your hands on the wheel.
Bluetooth works by using a wide range of radio frequencies, allowing it to transmit different types of data (text, sound, graphics, etc.) to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Since the technology has worldwide compatibility, many global manufactures are integrating it into their everyday products, from mobile phones (Sony, Motorola) to computers (Apple, HP) and even cars (Smart).
Hands-free phones with Voice Command
Microsoft has unveiled a brand-new application for Windows Mobile 2003 and Pocket PC Phone Edition devices. Voice Command offers hands-free voice interaction with applications on your Windows Mobile device such as Contacts, Calendar, and Windows Media Player.
VoiceCommand
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