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Report: Next Audi A8 to get handwriting recognition

 
6 3,695 views Jul 31, 2009

2011 audi a8 preview rendering 001

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Windows Mobile devices have been doing it for years. Palm devices for even longer. So why haven't high-end luxury cars offered handwriting recognition as a standard feature yet? That question may soon be answered - whether for the good or the bad - with the next-gen Audi A8.

Set for a debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the next Audi A8 is expected to come with handwriting recognition according to a report from Germany's Autobild. The input device will be a center console-mounted touchpad, much like what you'd find on a typical modern laptop.

The device would replace a plethora of switches and buttons on the center console stack, and could even offer effective use without taking the driver's attention from the road, much like Lexus's new haptic Remote Touch input system.


Audi has previously detailed its third-gen MMI system, which is expected to include a joystick-like remote to replace the wheel currently in use. But so far, no mention of a supplementary touchpad has been made. Whether this means the report is a bit too far-fetched to be believed or that the touch interface will be reserved for the flagship A8 for now, it's clear that Audi is playing its cards close for the time being.

Expect to see more of the car (see a preview here) and the technology - if it is indeed coming - as September draws nearer.

2011 Audi A8 renderings

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 audi a8 preview rendering 001




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Comments (6)

  1. ma_m5_dude avatar m5_dude Posted: 8/1/2009 3:11pm PDT

    Why would I need hand writing recognition in my car? Also the center mounted input system would present a problem to people like me who write left-handed. I think I'll go on a head and install a pen and note pad in my car just to make sure I'm keeping up with the times.
     
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  2. ma_SuperSkyline89 avatar SuperSkyline89 Posted: 8/2/2009 10:06am PDT

    I was thinking the same thing. Besides there being no need for this I don't want to be driving beside someone using this feature instead of paying attention to the road.
     
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  3. ma_BulldogCollar avatar BulldogCollar Posted: 8/2/2009 10:03pm PDT

    At first reading using HR in a vehical seems dangerous at best and not gaining you much. And that reaction is probably due to the lack of specificity about how HR (if it is really HR) would be used. There was a link to a Lexus control console that had what looked like a stationary mouse (it had an "Enter" bar on the side) that looked like a simple icon selection device. HR is more complicated and it would seem not applicable in a vehical control system. The article suggested it acts as HR acts in handheld devices (which translate handwritten notes into text). I'm skeptical that this article is relating whatever Audi offers in specific enough terms.
     
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  4. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 8/3/2009 12:45pm PDT

    Great, now I have to deal with drivers eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, trying to use GPS, texting, talking on the phone, and writing while driving.
     
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  5. gifts for her Posted: 11/22/2009 10:10pm PST

    The Problem with voice recognitionis that all around the world not everyone has the same language, and even though there are some aftermarket navi systems that understand spoken words they don't understand Swiss-german and will never do so. Also there are many different dialects of a language and therefore some people will have trouble being understood.
     
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  6. hp coupon codes Posted: 2/9/2010 2:38am PST

    What exactly is the point of handwriting recognition in a car? The reason I use a computer is because my handwriting isn't the best. I agree this would be very distracting.
     
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