BMW talks the talk

Prestige car maker BMW will launch a new generation voice-control system in Germany later this year, allowing drivers to deliver simple voice commands to activate numerous car functions.

The new vocal recognition system is scheduled to be rolled out in Germany later this year and allows drivers to activate satellite navigation directions in one fell swoop, instead of the several steps usually involved.

BMW claims that "For the first time, one single voice command is sufficient to completely transmit the driver's destination into the navigation system."

According to the German car maker, the driver's verbal statement need only include the place and street and number. It is then deciphered by the system and the navigation unit works it out from there.

BMW's example is of a female driver wanting to find here way to an address in Berlin. She simply states "Berlin, Willy-Brandt-Strasse 1" and her BMW calculates the route.

The new voice-activated system's functionality will also extend to entertainment features such as the stereo.

For instance, the driver can choose the audio source -- whether CD, radio or MP3 players -- but also specific tracks or music titles by following the automatic prompts.

The upshot of the new system is an improvement in safety, as drivers will be able to concentrate on the road while manipulating satnav and stereo functions, rather than having to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road to do so. BMW can't say at this stage when the new system is likely to reach Australia.

"It's still to be determined," says local PR & Corporate Communications Manager, Toni Andreevski. "We're not sure at this stage. It's just been announced for a couple of European markets and the US, so we're waiting for some advice."

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