C/D/H Talks Tech

As some of you already know, Windows Mobile 6.1 has built-in voice command technology and text-to-speech. This allows you to open applications and dial phone numbers via voice control without voice training, and it works quite well. Additionally, new text messages, email senders and subjects, and reminders can be read to you via the speaker and/or a Bluetooth headset. Although these features are “cool” I found that they had limited practical usage, until recently that is.

A few weeks ago I purchased a used motorcycle (a Honda PC800). Along with this new cycle I purchased a Bluetooth headset which mounts inside my (new) helmet and is also an intercom system for the bike. I paired this headset to my phone and now when I’m riding on the motorcycle and I get new emails or texts, they are read to me over my headset. Additionally I can ask for the current time, my schedule for today and tomorrow, and make calls all hands-free! This is definitely one area where an otherwise novel feature has real-world applicability.

I’m using this motorcycle as my daily commuter and these features allow me to stay connected during travel times without having to fiddle with my phone, a dangerous practice on a motorcycle. I’m looking forward to Windows Mobile 6.5 which will have voice-to-text capabilities so I will be able to send/reply to SMS and emails all hands-free (although I’ll have to get a new phone to do it)!

Can the iPhone do that? ;-)