e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

[culater33]

GartnerG2 Says Automakers Need to Offer Telematics User Interfaces That Are Voice-Controlled and Allow Passengers to Use the Service
GartnerG2 Analyst to Moderate Keynote Panel During "Telematics Detroit 2002" Conference
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2002-- As automakers try to sell drivers on the benefits of telematics, broad acceptance of telematics will depend on the release of voice-based applications accessible by both drivers and passengers, according to GartnerG2, a research service from Gartner, Inc. (NYSE:IT and NYSE:ITB).

Driver distraction as a consequence of telematics applications is leading to growing safety concerns among consumers, the government and auto manufacturers who fear lawsuits from accident victims. Many people feel that telematics features require the driver to hit too many buttons and pull their attention away from the road.

"The most promising technology for minimizing driver distraction from telematics services is the voice-based user interface. Interacting and controlling a telematics program via voice allows drivers to focus their attention on operating the vehicle," said Thilo Koslowski, lead automotive analyst and research director for GartnerG2. "It will also help the telematics industry build consumer confidence and cultivate support from government regulators and safety advocates."

GartnerG2 analysts said telematics companies are missing an opportunity to make voice-activated services accessible to all vehicle occupants, not just the driver and passenger.

In a recent survey of 1,024 U.S. adults (18 years old and older) GartnerG2 asked vehicle owners who should control and have access to telematics applications. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said everyone should have access, but the driver keeps in control, while 24 percent said the driver only, and 19 percent said everyone should have access without restrictions.

"Passengers have been overlooked as telematics users in providers' marketing initiatives," Koslowski said. "To increase consumer adoption for telematics services, manufacturers should focus on all potential passengers and develop specific applications that are of value to each audience, such as Web-based games for children."

"Allowing all occupants to interact with the telematics service means installing microphones and speakers throughout the vehicle, not just in the vehicle's dashboard," Koslowski said. "This represents an opportunity for audio equipment companies to enter a new market segment, such as directional speakers and microphones."

Koslowski will provide additional insight into the future of telematics while moderating the keynote panel today at this year's "Telematics Detroit 2002" conference at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, May 15-16. Koslowski will be joined by industry leaders in the field of telematics, as they discuss the future for the market.

More information on this conference is available at http://www.telematicsupdate.com/telematics2002/index.shtml

Additional information is also available in the GartnerG2 report, "His Master's Voice: Controlling Access to Telematics Services." This report examines the concerns of consumers with telematics, and it provides recommendations for automotive manufacturers.

GartnerG2 is a research service from Gartner that helps business strategists guide and grow their businesses. For more information on the report visit www.GartnerG2.com.

About Gartner, Inc.

Gartner, Inc. is a research and advisory firm that helps more than 11,000 clients understand technology and drive business growth. Gartner's divisions consist of Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting, Gartner Measurement and Gartner Events. Founded in 1979, Gartner, Inc. is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and consists of 4,300 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants, in more than 90 locations worldwide. The company achieved fiscal 2001 revenue of $952 million. For more infohttp://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020515/152017_1.htmlrmation, visit www.gartner.com.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020515/152017_1.html
culater