Following in the footsteps of Ford ’s Sync, BMW has announced the launch of its new Voice Control system. As the name implies, Voice Control allows the driver to use simply voice commands to control the vehicle’s navigation systems and infotainment functions.
Set to launch in BMW vehicles this September, the Voice Control system will work in tandem with BMW’s iDrive. One key function of the new system is a voice activated navigation system. Although BMW has offered such a system since 2006, the new Voice Control does away with computer prompts. The user simply states a destination and the onboard computer determines the place, street and number on its own.
Voice Control will also be fully integrated with the vehicle’s audio functions. Like Ford ’s Sync, Voice Control users will be able to simply say the title and artist of the song they’d like to hear. Starting in spring 2010, the system will also recognize data files stored on music players.
Voice Control will be offered in Germany and Austria, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, and the USA. No pricing has been announced.
