AGREE! Car is a tool to move you safely from A to B and NOT TO ENTERTAIN you. I am not in favor of mammoth stereo systems, huge displays and all other bs manufacturer put in.
NO matter what your manager or scientist tell you, humans are not designed to multitask.
I am not impressed with this HondaLink stuff. I agree too, I don't need more distraction or distracted drivers on the road. Facebook and Tweeter while driving, yeah that sounds safe.
When behind the wheel, the HondaLink system displays preset Internet radio stations and other apps in a list on the vehicle's display. The driver operates the system by using controls mounted on the center stack audio head or steering wheel or by voice command, without using the smartphone itself.
From Autonews-
The idea is for customers to select the content they want before getting into the car. Once behind the wheel, drivers can access Internet content using HondaLink without touching their smartphones.
"Smartphones have become so integral to people's lives that they are using them in vehicles," said Charles Koch, manager of new business development for American Honda. "The challenge is to enable the benefits of these devices without contributing to visual or manual driver distraction."
Unlike subscription-based services, such as GM's OnStar and Hyundai's BlueLink, HondaLink is free. Also unlike those systems, which rely on telematics and connectivity hardware installed in the car, HondaLink relies on the cellular connections of a driver's smartphone to access the infotainment content.
Let's face it, MANY people will use their smartphone/iPhone while driving regardless of whether it's a good idea or even if there are laws against it. So, the focus of this system appears to TRY limiting the drivers need to interact directly with the device and instead use steering wheel/console mounted controls and/or voice recognition that are LESS likely to take the drivers focus off the road any more or any longer than need be.
I agree most people aren't proficient enough at driving to spare even a little of their attention for other things, but there have always been driver distractions, and this is not likely to get better in the foreseeable future.
Case in point, in my new TSX Wagon, I can place a call over my Bluetooth enabled phone by pressing just a few buttons. In the Civic, when not moving, I can do it even faster because the touchscreen is right at my fingertips.
This is minimum distraction and I barely look at the screen because I know the menus and I can quickly make the commands.
HOWEVER, in my new '12 Civic Si, once moving I can't do that. I am forced to use voice commands (even the passenger!!).
So, I have to
(1) Press the voice command button
(2) LOOK at the screen to see which commands are available
(3) Say the command
(4) Hope it got understood
(5) If not, repeat 1..4 above.
..and so on...
It actually is FAR more distracting, takes a lot more time and its' a royal pain.
Or... I can take pick the damn phone and make the call.
Now, which is best.. to let the old way, as in the TSX or Civic when not moving or the new "voice only" way? As in the lawyered type in the Si.
I understand your frustration Tony, but keep in mind, if manufacturers don't take steps to improve driver distraction issues, the government probably will, and I don't think we'll like what the government(s) will impose.
Also, once you are as familiar with the new system as you are with the old one, I'm sure it will get easier to use.
Agreed.
But it's a selling point.
If Honda doesn't have some sort of infotainment or something, people will look at the Accord as "outdated, old, behind the times" and whatnot.
Kinda like how everyone's turning to touchscreens, despite their lack of tactile feedback (for the most part), and menu based systems, both of which demand more attention from the road than buttons and knobs.
HONDA AFVM wrote: So that means you mine as well not have any passengers in the car and talk to them.........This is the MOST ridiculous thread YET!
Andrew you must consider that the human mind uses different parts of the brain to perform different functions. Talking to your passengers is a relatively minor function, but trying to decipher a screen message [using your eyes and mind] is far more involving.
I remember reading a study that claimed using a mobile phone is very distracting to a driver, mainly because listening to the disembodied voice uses a lot more of your brain than listening to a person next to you?
Driving is a very information rich process, and the problem is that many of us do not put in the effort required to drive safely. We get away with it 99.99% of the time until.........
IMO The most promising thing about HondaLink is what the "next step" might be. Why pay thousands for in-car technology if the car can integrate your smart phone? You tether your smart phone to the car and you have instant up to date Navigation (no more $200 annual updates), weather, traffic reports, unlimited up to date POIs, access to emergency resources, etc. . . all things that cost upwards of $2,000 or more in some vehicles. The technology has to be finessed but it's getting there. It won't be anymore of a distraction than a car fuil of passengers or putting on make up or unwrapping your Wendy's Baconator Cheese Burger. In the end, it's the sh!tty driver's ed programs and people's lack of real driving skills that cause accidents.
Neal wrote: I think that awful "HondaLink" logo is the most dangerous thing in the car.
;-)
Well I hope the graphics look better than what's on that video, what's there is straight out the Aha app as if they were using the NAV screen as a extended monitor.
Trip wrote: You tether your smart phone to the car and you have instant up to date Navigation (no more $200 annual updates), weather, traffic reports, unlimited up to date POIs, access to emergency resources, etc. . .
Yeah, for sure. My map DVD is still from the 2007 (my Accord is 2003). I only could afford updating one time after major re-construction of the freeway exits that screwed it up for me every time I'm on the freeway around my house.
Hopefully they'll have a smart hybrid system where it takes the new information and downloads it to the hard drive, for the places that does not have cell phone reception.
Whatever it is, it's sure to be years ahead of my 03 Navi. Not a bad system at the time, just inflexible, and slightly outdated. I don't need every new toy that comes out of the factory, but I sure would like a new one.
HONDA AFVM wrote: So that means you mine as well not have any passengers in the car and talk to them.........This is the MOST ridiculous thread YET!
Andrew you must consider that the human mind uses different parts of the brain to perform different functions. Talking to your passengers is a relatively minor function, but trying to decipher a screen message [using your eyes and mind] is far more involving.
I remember reading a study that claimed using a mobile phone is very distracting to a driver, mainly because listening to the disembodied voice uses a lot more of your brain than listening to a person next to you?
Driving is a very information rich process, and the problem is that many of us do not put in the effort required to drive safely. We get away with it 99.99% of the time until.........
HONDA AFVM wrote: So that means you mine as well not have any passengers in the car and talk to them.........This is the MOST ridiculous thread YET!
Andrew you must consider that the human mind uses different parts of the brain to perform different functions. Talking to your passengers is a relatively minor function, but trying to decipher a screen message [using your eyes and mind] is far more involving.
I remember reading a study that claimed using a mobile phone is very distracting to a driver, mainly because listening to the disembodied voice uses a lot more of your brain than listening to a person next to you?
Driving is a very information rich process, and the problem is that many of us do not put in the effort required to drive safely. We get away with it 99.99% of the time until.........
LOL... are you married? Do you have kids?
But you dont need to take your eyes off the road to have a conversation.
HONDA AFVM wrote: So that means you mine as well not have any passengers in the car and talk to them.........This is the MOST ridiculous thread YET!
Andrew you must consider that the human mind uses different parts of the brain to perform different functions. Talking to your passengers is a relatively minor function, but trying to decipher a screen message [using your eyes and mind] is far more involving.
I remember reading a study that claimed using a mobile phone is very distracting to a driver, mainly because listening to the disembodied voice uses a lot more of your brain than listening to a person next to you?
Driving is a very information rich process, and the problem is that many of us do not put in the effort required to drive safely. We get away with it 99.99% of the time until.........
Try driving in my car with my kids some time........I'll take a phone with some static any day........LOL! It's all in the person, THEY have to know their limitations and a system like this will allow people with lower perception to function better once familiar. JMO..........
HONDA AFVM wrote: So that means you mine as well not have any passengers in the car and talk to them.........This is the MOST ridiculous thread YET!
Andrew you must consider that the human mind uses different parts of the brain to perform different functions. Talking to your passengers is a relatively minor function, but trying to decipher a screen message [using your eyes and mind] is far more involving.
I remember reading a study that claimed using a mobile phone is very distracting to a driver, mainly because listening to the disembodied voice uses a lot more of your brain than listening to a person next to you?
Driving is a very information rich process, and the problem is that many of us do not put in the effort required to drive safely. We get away with it 99.99% of the time until.........
LOL... are you married? Do you have kids?
Exactly Tony........some people......what did Bugs Bunny used to say......."What a nin-COW-poop........LOL!!!!! JK Sadlerau........but the distractions while driving are minimum as a phone goes when my kids are kicking the seats, yelling and throwing stuff.......
TonyE wrote: I find the audio only features to be worse...
Case in point, in my new TSX Wagon, I can place a call over my Bluetooth enabled phone by pressing just a few buttons. In the Civic, when not moving, I can do it even faster because the touchscreen is right at my fingertips.
This is minimum distraction and I barely look at the screen because I know the menus and I can quickly make the commands.
HOWEVER, in my new '12 Civic Si, once moving I can't do that. I am forced to use voice commands (even the passenger!!).
So, I have to
(1) Press the voice command button
(2) LOOK at the screen to see which commands are available
(3) Say the command
(4) Hope it got understood
(5) If not, repeat 1..4 above.
..and so on...
It actually is FAR more distracting, takes a lot more time and its' a royal pain.
Or... I can take pick the damn phone and make the call.
Now, which is best.. to let the old way, as in the TSX or Civic when not moving or the new "voice only" way? As in the lawyered type in the Si.
Bollocks.
You don't have to LOOK at the screen to see what commands are available. You can learn and memorize the few commands you actually need to use regularly.
Looking to verify that it is going to dial the correct contact or phone number before confirming is faster and less distracting than typing out the entire phone number on a touch screen while driving.
HONDA AFVM wrote: So that means you mine as well not have any passengers in the car and talk to them.........This is the MOST ridiculous thread YET!
Andrew you must consider that the human mind uses different parts of the brain to perform different functions. Talking to your passengers is a relatively minor function, but trying to decipher a screen message [using your eyes and mind] is far more involving.
I remember reading a study that claimed using a mobile phone is very distracting to a driver, mainly because listening to the disembodied voice uses a lot more of your brain than listening to a person next to you?
Driving is a very information rich process, and the problem is that many of us do not put in the effort required to drive safely. We get away with it 99.99% of the time until.........
LOL... are you married? Do you have kids?
Exactly Tony........some people......what did Bugs Bunny used to say......."What a nin-COW-poop........LOL!!!!! JK Sadlerau........but the distractions while driving are minimum as a phone goes when my kids are kicking the seats, yelling and throwing stuff.......
Come on guys LOL I'm a 58 year old who helped to bring up 4 children. And they never kicked the seats, or yelled ect. Weren't allowed to - their mother took care of that [red haired school teach you just never messed with - especially me!].
I know all too well about all that goes on - and it is a distraction but it doesn't make it right! And then add in the vid display on the dash and what do you have?
Just saying the less visual distractions the better, because it is our visual sense that is most important when driving the car. If the new system works well and lessens distractions all the better, but visual distractions while the car is in motion are not a good thing IMHO. :)
Unfortunately what it boils down to is which is the lesser of two evils. Integrating media into a car definitely is a distraction but if executed properly, it should be less of a distraction than using a phone while driving (texting, musics, googling directions, etc....).
IMO the only thing that should be allowed to integrate into a car is anything that actually has to do with driving: Navi, points of interest, weather, traffic reports, music (for entertainment). Texting, email, and especially things like Facebook should be kept out of a car unless you're a bored @$$ passenger using your own phone. Come on people, really... you can't make the 30 minute drive to work without checking FB or texting someone? This is a pet peeve of mine the same as general cell phone usage is. I hate when people walk thru Wallymart or are sitting at the booth next you at a restaurant talking incessantly...
I was just thinking about the first car I bought after moving to the USA. A 1987 Chevrolet Nova aka Toyota Corolla. I've long since graduated from Corolla to Pilot University.
My wife and I made a deal. She could have an auto box if I could have Air Conditioning. The luxury item that came with that option package was a radio with FM and presets.
Wind up windows.....
Sometimes simpler is better. I rarely listen to the radio these days.....
I don't see how this is a bad thing. I also don't see how this is a potential lawsuit. If ALL you can do is keep your hands at 10 and 2 and gas and break, then YOU'RE probably the one who needs to get off the road.
I was able to learn (new) iDrive for the first time on the fly in a Manual 1-Series in a foreign country. Was it the easiest thing in the world? No. But I'm a competent adult, proven by my ability to multitask safely.
Well Honda has to do something to entertain their drivers now that they've gotten rid of the "UmmmmmBaaaaaaa!" soundtrack that put a smile on my face everyday I'd take it to redline.
You need to find yourself HONDA, cause I'm getting very impatient waiting to be taken to that next level!
Once again, the reason that I hardly ever read the comments on this board......if it didn't have all this stuff you'd be whining and complaining even more about that.
How about everybody just be happy that Honda has realized that they need to step up their game to get/keep customers, and this is a good example of them doing just that.
![[home]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/home.gif){kind=small}
![[rumors and news]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/rumors.gif){kind=small}
![[model release matrix]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/newmodelreleasematrix.gif){kind=small}
![[dealer network]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/dealernet.gif){kind=small}
![[desktop calendar]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/calendar.gif){kind=small}
![[exhaust notes]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/exhaust.gif){kind=small}
![[tov forums]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/forums.gif){kind=small}
![[links]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/links.gif){kind=small}
![[search]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/search.gif){kind=small}
![[sponsors]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/sponsors.gif){kind=small}
![[garage]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/garage.gif){kind=small}
![[login]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/login.gif){kind=small}
