Car manufacturers are planning to emphasize their tools to minimize the dangers of distracted driving at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Auto companies will focus on hands-free technologies that let drivers pay attention to the road rather than their phones.
Kia Motors America and Microsoft are partnering to create a way to allow drivers and passengers to make calls and control car radio and audio systems through voice commands. The system is called UVO and will be available in cars by the end of this year.
Kia's UVO will be a direct competitor to Ford Motor Co.'s Sync system, also using Microsoft technology. Ford's Sync has been on the market but new features—like wireless Internet access—are expected to be introduced at the trade show. (SB)
photo: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.
