This is just a friendly reminder from BlackBerry Cool that the California text messaging ban while driving we told you about in September is now law, so watch out – violators can expect to face up to a $50 fine. If you desperately need to communicate to loved ones/colleagues while driving, we suggest using Vlingo, one of our favorite (and free) voice-enabled BlackBerry applications.
Vlingo 1.1 for BlackBerry Reviewed
interesting question… are we actually allowed to use Vlingo, Jott or MyCaption while driving?
Under the law, writing, sending or reading any text-based messages on a cell phone or any type of wireless communications device, like a Blackberry or laptop computer, by a driver will be a violation.
The use of Vlingo while driving is a violation as they are text based messages. This is a common misconception along with holding the phone in your hand with it on speaker phone which is also a violation.
The key is “handsfree.”
@srleadjb: You’re rght, the key is “handsfree” but I see sooooo many people still using the phone while driving in San Francisco. The cops aren’t reinforcing the new mandated law. I doubt there will be many tickets given with the new “non-texting” law. It’s unfortunate though
However, I did try Vlingo while driving. My 2 nits are: 1) voice to text isn’t 100% (then again which tech. is?) and I found myself using my phone more to change my translated text to something intelligible. 2) Vlingo didn’t support bluetooth. I still had to talk into my handset instead of my earpiece..major thumbs down.
If they improve their voice2text technology and add bluetooth accessibility, I’d give it another try.
I love vlingo but it doesn’t run on the latest Bold OS (4.6.0.217). The guys a vlingo no the problem but no solution is available yet so I guess I’ll stick to bluetooth voice activated dialing and just talk to folks
Check this service out. Hot of the BusinessWire. A hands free solution that works from any phone!
Hands Free Texting, E-mail, and Internet Search Services – License Plate Messaging
SayType Is the Most Effective and Complete Alternative to Touch Texting Available, Connecting All Drivers Hand Free.
Innovative Driving Solutions That Work Instantly From Any Phone Using a Bluetooth with Standard Voice Service.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SayType.com is giving everyone with phone service something to talk about; an innovative service that uses voicemail to instantly turn talk into text and send accurately converted messages to any phone, e-mail address or license plate. SayType also searches the internet and translates messages into selected languages. Call or text 916-947-7325
or visit http://www.saytype.com for details.
“Our solutions are easy to use – leave a voicemail up to 2 minutes –
receive or send a text message – arrive faster and safer every time.” John
Kent, SayType inventor.
Hands free driving solutions:
touchfree texting
voiceto e-mail
text-to-voice
internet search
turn-by-turn directions
traffic conditions
current drive times
find locations – 411
connecting drivers with license plate messaging
SayType connects your phone with powerful technology using services you
already know how to use – voicemail and/or texting.
According to the CHP, drivers who get caught one handed will now pay $76 for first time violations and $190 for additional offenses. English and Spanish speaking drivers now have an alternative to touch typing while driving. Call 1-877-SayType.