Apparently the next generation MMI set for debut in the next generation Audi A8 will feature a system to use handwriting to input addresses for the GPS navigation function.
Currently most manufacturers implement text entry via either spinning a knob to choose letters from an on-screen alphabet list, or for those with touch screen interfaces, just touching the letters from an on-screen virtual keyboard.
One problem pops into my mind – while turning a knob is quite simple for both our hands to do, I would think that if the handwriting pad is located on the center console area that runs through the two front seats, a right-handed person writing in a right hand drive car would be a challenge as he would have to use his left hand, since the pad would be on his left. The same problem goes for left handed people writing in a left hand drive car.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
Big letter, letter by letter, I think should be fine even if you writing with your other hand. You don't need to get star for your handwriting for the software to recognize it, do you?
Acccident rates may increase (?) as the driver would be trying hard to see what he/she is writing on the pad (whether the shape makes sense to the processor or not)… duhhh… Imagine writing Chinese characters, or Arabic, or Tamil, or Japanese??? Hmmm.. challenge!!!
Nice, but complicated. Like you mentioned. Maybe there will be a way to type on air or something. If not its back to voice command
i think its a better idea, for the car to come along with a foldable bluetooth wireless keyboard , since most of the car player system supports bluetooth, and i am pretty sure that this does support bluetooth too.
3 possibilities to deduce.
1) the writing pad is on the door frame area, where the power window buttons usually is.
2) the writing pad is on the steering wheel, so you write with your thumb.
3) utilising a laser keyboard, the device projects a laser guided image of a keyboard onto any flat surface withnin the car, and type away.
personally, i am fine with touch screen since that for me is the most versatile and fastest way of input.
As if there's not enough distraction from the road already. What's next – a Wii controller on the steering wheel?
Picture this in your mind.
The driver is speeding at say 130kmh then starts to scribble something on the display with the stylus. Because of that he needs to watch the road and the display while controlling his inept hand to the correct alphabet curves. Then all of a sudden to avoid the obstacle on the road he breaks….hard and his hand holding the stylus up against the display punches through it!
Enuff said.
Do your hear that perodua car exploted?
Do your hear that perodua viva exploited ?
i'm left handed….. haha….
I'm sure the manual did ask the driver to stops the car before operating the touch screen, right?
so how if my handwriting so buruk… can the system read my handwriting?