Ford Works to Develop Voice-to-Text System

Ford threw its support behind proposed legislation that would tie state highway aid to a ban on texting, and as we said earlier, it has a good reason to do so.

Looking to add to its winning Sync system, Ford is researching a voice-to-text system that would allow drivers to keep the utility of text-messaging without taking their eyes off the road. Ford is so far the only automaker to endorse the national texting ban.

CEO Alan Mulally will deliver the keynote address at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show again this year, where he will focus on how technology companies and the auto industry can work together to bring new gadgets to cars. Voice-to-text will be at the forefront of this.

So far, consumers have made Ford’s Sync system a hit: buyers choose to get the $395 option in 70% of the cars Ford sells. There’s little reason to think that a voice recognition texting system would not also be welcomed by buyers.

Ford Focuses on Voice-to-Text System (Detroit News)

Comments

I think the system would be at least as distracting as talking on a cell phone, since both hinder a driver's concentration.

It might make it a less-risky avenue to text by, but I still probably wouldn't consider SYNCing(?) safe. It's about where your concentration and focus are at.