LAS VEGAS ? When state after state seeks to ban cell phone and texting in cars, several automakers at the Consumer Electronic Show demonstrated augmented reality windshields and other in-car technologies that undoubtedly will distract drivers.
Take Mercedes-Benz? DICE, which Laptop magazine describes as ?essentially an augmented reality-based interface that allows users to control various aspects of their vehicle?s infotainment system through simple hand movements.?
Other technological enhancements are in the works, too. A representative from Ford told CNN: ?It’s our job to take those computing services people are used to at zero mph and make them available at 70 mph.? That doesn?t just mean email and text messaging; Ford is also hoping to build in ways to help diabetics monitor their insulin and allergy sufferers avoid pollen-infested places.
Automakers emphasize that these new features are primarily voice-activated, making them safer. However, voice activation wouldn?t compensate for the ?inattentional blindness? created by engaging in a conversation or other activities. Even if your hands are on the wheel, your mind can wander.
?Here?s an app I want: one that warns me when a Ford, Mercedes, Audi, or Kia?or one of those autonomous cars?is approaching so I can swerve the hell out of the way,? Amara D. Angelica writes sensibly on the Kurzweil AI blog.
This article was published in Slate.
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