So there's this app that I ran into on the iTunes store called Text’nDrive. For those of us with a habit of checking (or even worse, responding to) email while we drive, this app provides a hands-free solution where new messages are read to you and you can respond by voice.
My main concern with this app is that it promotes cell phone usage while driving when we're working our asses off trying to have less people do it. This argument can go both ways for the following reasons.
Yes, this app promotes dangerous driving circumstances but exactly how many people have stopped driving with their cell phones since the new law came out (in Canada, no idea about elsewhere, but here it's illegal unless you have a blue-tooth device). We've tried scaring people by warning them with a fine when they drive while talking on the phone but not many people have stopped doing it. I know this for a fact because I myself text and make phone calls while I drive.
Having said that, we tried stopping the problem at its roots, by trying to stop cell phone usage while driving altogether but that didn't go so well, from what I'm seeing. Therefore, this app could be viewed as a plus to those who refuse to change their stubborn ways.
Lastly, the benefit of this app is that its unlike any of its predecessors in the sense that the older versions of text and drive simulators used to attempt to convert your voice into text upon sending the message to someone while this app is all voice-based. Pro; hands free, fewer accidents, etc. Con; not so subtle when you're trying to be discrete while texting in class or on the bus.
Who do you guys think?
My main concern with this app is that it promotes cell phone usage while driving when we're working our asses off trying to have less people do it. This argument can go both ways for the following reasons.
Yes, this app promotes dangerous driving circumstances but exactly how many people have stopped driving with their cell phones since the new law came out (in Canada, no idea about elsewhere, but here it's illegal unless you have a blue-tooth device). We've tried scaring people by warning them with a fine when they drive while talking on the phone but not many people have stopped doing it. I know this for a fact because I myself text and make phone calls while I drive.
Having said that, we tried stopping the problem at its roots, by trying to stop cell phone usage while driving altogether but that didn't go so well, from what I'm seeing. Therefore, this app could be viewed as a plus to those who refuse to change their stubborn ways.
Lastly, the benefit of this app is that its unlike any of its predecessors in the sense that the older versions of text and drive simulators used to attempt to convert your voice into text upon sending the message to someone while this app is all voice-based. Pro; hands free, fewer accidents, etc. Con; not so subtle when you're trying to be discrete while texting in class or on the bus.
Who do you guys think?