Studies show that the cognitive distraction that comes from multi-tasking is the real issue.
OnStar is looking for new in-vehicle voice-enabled applications through a contest at five U.S. universities. The growing telematics subsidiary of General Motors is a leader in the controversial area of in-vehicle electronics. OnStar is interested in working with students who are studying voice application development to provide more “connectivity” to subscribers.
This also might enable more distracted driving accidents, currently responsible for 6,000 deaths and more than 500,000 serious injuries each year, according to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics. A total of 33,808 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2009. Another 2.22 million people were injured.
In spite of well publicized concerns by safety advocates about the growing distracted driving problem that they describe as an ”epidemic,” well-financed auto, consumer electronics and cell phone lobbies, whose companies’ make billions from an ever increasing array of in car devices and programs, continue to successfully oppose regulation in the area.
The latest industry ploy is an emphasis on “hands-free” communication and web access, which allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road. However, studies show that the cognitive distraction that comes from multi-tasking is the real issue. Statistics indicate that using a cell phone will driving results in accident rates roughly equivalent to drunk driving and that applies equally to hand-held and hands free phones.
Through what OnStar call its “QuickFuse” voice application development platform, OnStar will provide its vehicle data model to students who accept the challenge. Students at Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Michigan, University of Texas and University of Toledo can compete for an opportunity to bring their ideas to the road.
Through March 11, students can submit voice applications that provide solutions in one or more of the following ways as described by OnStar:
• Responsible Connectivity: Keeping drivers safely connected to infotainment options.
• Informed Driving: Using vehicle information to improve the driving experience.
• Location: Using location-based information to enhance the driver’s lifestyle, increase productivity or plan travel.
“We’re confident that participating students will leverage their creative problem solving and application development skills that they’ve learned at their respective institutions,” said OnStar Chief Information Officer Jeff Liedel
Student entries will be judged by OnStar IT and Engineering executives as well as API and technology thought leaders including Robert Scoble, Scobleizer; Daniel Jacobson, director of engineering for the API, Netflix; David Pogue, technology columnist, New York Times; and Valerie Casey, founder, Designer’s Accord.
The Grand Prize Winner will be announced at Where 2.0 in April and awarded a Developer Dream Package of various technology tools valued at $10,000.
During 2011 International CES, OnStar announced a public pilot of the OnStar Voice Communications App for Android mobile phones. Via a Bluetooth connection, drivers can send and receive text messages and Facebook updates using only their voices – “keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.” The 2011 OnStar Student Developer Challenge provides an opportunity to explore additional audio-based innovations in the future.
For more information about the 2011 OnStar Student Developer Challenge, visit www.onstardeveloperchallenge.com (See also OnStar Expands Beyond GM Cars. Will offer Aftermarket Mirror)
