Researchers Working on Talking Cars

Knight Rider fans, rejoice.  Your talking car is closer to reality.

Jalopnik reports that "scientists and researchers at Stanford" University are working on developing cars that can hold a decent conversation.  "The lead on this team, Clifford Nass, says that a more intelligent car that knows about the driver and communicates with the driver can help provide a safer and more engaging driving experience."  Among the team's findings: "Depressed drivers drive better when their car reacts as if it too is depressed," and "Cars that speak in complex sentences tend to make you pay attention, rather than zoning out."

However, as Physorg notes, "As cars become entertainment centers and data-gathering devices, the amount of information they're collecting about you is rapidly growing."  A car sophisticated enough to engage you in conversation would probably also know a great deal about you.  "And guess who might be interested? Insurance companies, advertisers, government agencies, your boss and perhaps your spouse."

Gizomodo notes that your car could gather information about "where you go, what speed you drive, what music you listen to. And, of course, companies will pay for that info."

We’re betting that those Knight Rider fans all listen to the Hoff's German rock albums.  Someday, we'll know.  We'll just ask your car.

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