A new hands-free, voice activated system will allow drivers to send and receive emails and gather online information via a handheld device or Smartphone. The company that created iLane, Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (IMS), will launch the product at this years IFA consumer electronics trade show in Berlin.

iLane works by automatically detecting a portable device when the driver enters the car. Using voice activated commands, the driver can check if he/she has any new messages and can have them read out aloud. They can then send a reply, compose a new message and add attachments, all without looking at or touching the device. Other functions include setting up the calendar and operating the mobile phone.

IMS will be running public demonstrations at the IFA tradeshow where hopefully representatives from the car industry will get first hand experiences of the system in action.