Canada’s iLane gets a makeover
You’ve probably heard of iLane from IMS, a Bluetooth-enabled gadget for your vehicle that reads your emails and text messages to you, and lets you record with your voice, too. Here’s the latest on the newest version, the iLane 7100.
Regular Sync readers might recall us covering the iLane on more than one occasion.
To refresh your memory, a company called Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS) out of Waterloo, Ont. created a product that works with your BlackBerry, designed to read emails, texts and PINs to you in a human-like voice. This same device also lets you respond back using your voice and your reply is sent as an audio attachment.
You can also ask the $399 iLane — which consists of a small Bluetooth-enabled black box and matching earpiece – to read calendar appointments and other on-demand information, such as news, weather, sports, stock quotes, and so forth.
The newest iLane, the 7100, is now available, and along with a redesigned look (check out the photo), it boasts some added features including more expansive Bluetooth system connectivity and is now able to play incoming voice notes (as well as emails, text and PIN messages).
The iLane 7100 now translates embedded email addresses to names (if in your address book); supports plain text, HTML and MIME-encoded messages; and will say the real word for common abbreviations and texting phrases and acronyms (e.g. LOL). Manage your BlackBerry using simple voice-commands like “check messages,” “call back” and “reply.”
The iLane 7100 is also smaller (fits into a vehicle’s cup holder), has better in-car Bluetooth operability and has improved voice recognition. You can also upgrade the iLane’s firmware via a USB conenction to a PC, if and when that time comes.
Here’s a video that shows you the product’s key features.
Unfortunately, the iLane only works with Bluetooth-enabled BlackBerrys and not any other smartphones at this time.
Readers, have you used an iLane product in the past?
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Just what we need – more unsafe, distracted drivers on the road. This product should be illegal.
your a freaking idiot, M Dunn, this is is the first good innovation to hit the market for hands free texting. this product should be supported by the government, and all the soccer moms that worry about kids looking down to text. what we REALLY NEED is automated driving systems. that would satisfy everyone, but alas, were all idiots and the countrys broke due to poor spending habits and bleeding hearts. ah well. see u all in h3||
~Me