BMW releases new full-phrase voice control system

Are you tired of inputting a series of painfully long and intricate menus to choose songs, whiling driving? Well, things are going to change. BMW is releasing a new voice control system allowing drivers better control over their cars' infotainment and navigation tools. It’s said that "the driver hardly having to take his eyes off the road" with the new system.

The German automaker claims the system is a first, where drivers only need "one single voice command ... to completely transmit the driver's destination into the navigation system." The driver’s verbal statement specifying the place, street and number is processed immediately by the system, all data going directly into the navigation unit. For example, the driver can state "Chicago, 1060 West Addison" to immediately get directions to Wrigley Field, eliminating the step-by-step process previously used.

The system also interfaces with the music system, allowing the user to access not just the audio source but also to choose individual music titles with voice alone. Of course, as with all voice recognition systems, accuracy and speed will be the key to making it more useful than touch-entry.

BMW thinks it has gotten the package right on these accounts, saying in a statement, "The BMW system monitors and interprets the user’s voice commands regarding the type of music, the name of the artist, an album or an individual title, ensuring precise access to the audio program desired."
Music functionality will be upgraded further in early 2010, when BMW will add the ability to interface not just with the car's built-in media library, but external media players as well.

Those who already have BMWs may be wondering how this is an advance over the "full word destination" control system introduced in 2006, which allows full word destinations to be spoken. The primary difference is the removal of computer-guided steps in destination entry; instead, the car just listens to the full destination and sorts out place, street and number on its own. That speeds things up and makes it easier to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

In the end, this is really just a further complication of the already frightfully complex iDrive system. In a way, however, it is also a simplification - the input process is streamlined and dealing with the guided menus is no longer a must. So on the whole, iDrive fans should appreciate the extra functionality, while those not so impressed with the complex system will welcome the improved ease of use.

The new voice control system will be available on new cars beginning in September 2009 in Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States. It is unclear if the system may be retrofitted on previous cars.