Next Big Thing: Hands-Free E-Mail

Canada’s Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. has begun selling a hands-free e-mail service device.

Known as iLane, it provides vehicle operators with a voice-based interface to access their e-mail messages while in transit, IMS said Monday. Drivers are alerted automatically and audibly of incoming e-mails and other important information. The driver can then listen to the entire e-mail message, forward or compose a response and and manage meeting requests using verbal instructions.

It interacts directly with existing Bluetooth-enabled handheld devices and vehicle audio systems or headsets to read messages out loud and to listen to driver instructions.

Phone calls, SMS messages and various e-mail attachments can also be managed using this device, which works on BlackBerry and Palm products.

The presence of the driver is automatically detected by iLane, which then assumes control to intelligently capture and manage inbound information as soon as it arrives on the driver’s wireless e-mail device, IMS said in a statement.