Wake-up call: Technology is a game changer for how we live

I listen to talk radio … yes, talk radio. Most of the information that I get is either from talk radio, Twitter, Fox News, Manchester Ink Link, Boston.com, GoLocal Providence, and any other source that can be accessed – and easily browsed and read – via Smart Phone or Tablet. I guess it’s only natural that technological platforms such as these provide discussions and information about new and innovative products.

While driving in Manchester a couple weeks ago, I heard about some products that help keep us safe and wake us. The first product is a hands-free, voice-command accessory that is now standard on some automobiles. (I know a few people who have steering wheel-controlled accessories such as radios, but the product I’m speaking of is operated totally by voice command).

The product that was discussed is Android Auto, which is a voice-activated option available on select models of vehicles, including those manufactured by Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi. In short, Android Auto allows the user to use their Android Smart Phone, (version Lollipop or higher), to broadcast onto the vehicle’s touchscreen once it is plugged into the USB port. This allows the vehicle to respond to voice commands given by the driver via their headset. (Some manufacturers configure their vehicles to allow operation without a headset). This allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road while still being able to control many of the vehicles features.

If one’s vehicle does not have a voice-activated accessory system, they could still utilize voice-command technology via their phone. Most phones are equipped with either Blue Tooth technology, which allows a user to access features on their device via voice command, (hands-free), or a jack that allows the user to connect headphones with a two-way microphone thus allowing commands with the push of a button, (not totally hands-free but single-button).

Officials are hoping that having more hands-free options will reduce injuries and deaths associated with distracted driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2013 there were 3,154 people killed and an estimated 424,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, which is 10 percent of fatal crashes, (18% of injury crashes and 16 percent of all police-reported crashes).

Another product that was discussed – and has nothing to do with automobile safety but can get someone out of bed without disturbing their sleeping partner, is called Wakē. This alarm clock, created by Lucera Labs, wakes a person by intelligently finding their location in the bed and rotating into position so that it can direct a tight burst of light and sound at their face, waking them but not their sleeping partner. Wakē does this by using a set of parametric speakers capable of focusing sound into a narrow beam. (Think of it as a spotlight for noise). If Wakē is pointed straight at the user’s head they’ll hear it loud and clear, but if one is outside of the beam’s small radius, the sound will be extremely faint.

The Wakē clock is one of the coolest innovations that I have heard of recently and is definitely something on my “to purchase” list. Right now, Wakē is in the Kickstarter stage, and as of March 8th production began. There is also a Wakē app for Smart Phones that works like a regular alarm but has some features of the wall mounted clock.

If you have seen or heard about innovation or products that may be something that could be featured in a future article, please send me an email at brian.chicoine1636@gmail.com.

You’re one click away! Sign up for our free eNewsletter and never miss another thing

Brian Chicoine was born in Nashua and raised in Manchester, graduating from West High School. After earning his undergraduate degree from Rhode Island College in Providence, Brian and his family lived in Manchester for about five years before returning to the Ocean State. Brian has merged his passion for entrepreneurship and innovation with his love of new and bold ideas to bring fresh perspectives on the way things are done. Brian, his wife Jackie and their two boys live in Rhode Island, but their hearts are in New Hampshire.