Originally coined to mean the convergence of telecommunications and information processing, the term later evolved to refer to automation in automobiles. GPS navigation, integrated hands-free cellphones, wireless communications and automatic driving assistance systems all come under the telematics umbrella. General Motor's OnStar was the first to combine GPS with roadside assistance and remote diagnostics (see GPS).
Bluetooth wireless is used to interface a driver's cellphone and PDA into the vehicle's audio system, and a wireless standard for all vehicles is expected (see DSRC).
Hands-Free Telematics
Voice recognition plays an important role in telematics to provide hands-free operation for GPS navigation and cellphones. Although initial systems in both areas are a great help to the driver, voice recognition is expected to improve dramatically over the years. See automotive systems.
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