James Delahunty
5 Jan 2011 18:27
OnStar announced on Wednesday the launch of a public pilot test of an Android voice communication app aimed at drivers.
The application enables drivers to send and receive text messages and Facebook updates using only their voices, using a Bluetooth connection between drivers' phones and their cars.
Texting while driving emerged as a major safety concern in recent years. The 2009 Pew Internet & American Life Project showed that 42 percent of drivers have texted while driving at some point.
"With the OnStar Voice Communications App, there is no need to look away from the road or take hands off the wheel to receive or send messages," a release from OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, reads.
"As more and more drivers pair their Bluetooth phones with their vehicles, OnStar wants to add value to the mobile connection and offer a safer and easy alternative for staying connected while driving."