The new trend in dashboard electronics is "Telematics"

The New Trend in Dashboard Electronics is "Telematics"

Would you like a car with heated cup holders, an air conditioned glove compartment, and keys that unlock the door when they’re still in your pocket? You may just get your wish! According to the Associated Press, there’s a new trend in dashboard electronics called “telematics.” Basically, electronic gadgets that transform your car into the cockpit of tomorrow.

Up until now, automakers have introduced cutting-edge perks only in luxury models, like rear-facing cameras that display the view behind you on your dashboard navigation screen. But these days, companies like Honda and General Motors are factory-installing jacks for portable music players, and Bluetooth wireless systems for hands-free cell phones.

And Ford Motor Company is introducing a system that synchronizes your phone and music system with your car’s voice-controlled communications system. It’s called “Sync” – and it lets you play music, reads cell-phone text messages aloud, and has 20 preset text-message responses so you can reply while you drive. And unlike some hands-free setups, it automatically switches your cell phone to hands-free mode without making you hang up and call back. It’ll be available later this year in a dozen 2008 models – for about $1,000 dollars.

Y Ford Motor Company está introduciendo un sistema que sincroniza su teléfono y equipo de música con voz controlada por el sistema de su vehículo de comunicación. Se llama "Sync" - y que le permite reproducir música, lee teléfonos celulares mensajes de texto en voz alta, y cuenta con 20 mensajes de texto predefinidos respuestas para que pueda responder mientras conduce. Y a diferencia de algunas configuraciones de manos libres, el equipo selecciona automáticamente el teléfono celular a modo de manos libres sin hacer que se cuelgue y vuelva a llamar. Estará disponible a finales de este año en una docena de modelos de 2008 - por alrededor de $ 1.000 dólares.

And as gadget prices keep falling, there are more “after-market add-ons” in less-expensive cars. Meaning you can install the cool gizmos after you buy the car. Like $150 dollar iPod integration kits so you can pop the player in your console, and control the music with your steering-wheel buttons.

But safety officials are concerned about the explosion of dashboard gadgetry. A 2-year study by Transport Canada warned that telematics increase driver inattention and cause more distraction-related crashes. So, enjoy all your futuristic car gizmos - but don’t forget what your grandpa always told you: The most important thing about driving is driving – so, keep your eye on the road!

1- Explain the meaning of the following Word

- Gadget - Dashboard - Cockpit -Switch - Available - Gizmos

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