Doug Friske, 40
Consultant
More Top Picks Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome Vs Meares Irlen Syndrome
Towers Perrin
Chicago
Talk about mobile technology.
Doug Friske’s 2005 Acura RL sedan is so high tech that he doesn’t have to check the tires to determine air pressure. The tires tell him.
A futuristic system called AccuraLink monitors the car’s maintenance indicators and automatically sends service reminders and diagnostic information to the driver.
“Acura will send you stuff based on what the car’s computer is saying,” Friske said. “The computer knows everything. If the tire pressure is low, it tells me.”
Indeed, the car and Friske do a lot of talking. With its voice-recognition system, buttons are rarely needed. Take, for example, the car’s Bluetooth-enabled phone system:
“I say `Call,’ and it asks me, `What number would you like to dial?'” Friske said. “I say `Work,’ and it asks, `Would you like me to dial your work number?’ and I say, `Yes.'”
He has programmed the system with his work extension and voice-mail password, so when he says “extension” and “password,” the messages are played in his car.
And whether it’s phone calls or compact discs, the audio is played over more speakers than most people have connected to their home entertainment system. Friske’s Acura uses a high-end Bose 10-speaker system that plays in 5.1 surround-sound.
“I’m not a car guy or a tech guy, but the sound system is great,” Friske said.
The car also comes equipped with XM satellite radio (www.xmradio.com). (He pays a monthly fee to maintain the service.) Friske enjoys the sports programming. In addition to two ESPN stations, a Fox Sports station and two NASCAR stations, XM broadcasts every major league baseball game.
Programming information is displayed on the navigation system screen.
“So if I’m listening to baseball, the screen says the next game that’s coming up on that channel,” Friske said. “If I’m listening to music, the song name, artist, and genre are displayed.”
In addition to offering driving directions and maps, the navigation system also delivers real-time graphical traffic reports, including accident and road construction information.
“It shows the Kennedy Expressway, for example, with red, yellow or blue traffic lines. If it’s red, it’s bumper to bumper. If it’s yellow, it’s not bad. Blue is wide open.”
In Chicago, Friske said, the traffic system covers the major expressways and larger roads like Lake Shore Drive and North Avenue.
“It’s quite good, but it has the same limitations as radio. If the accident happened 10 minutes ago, it hasn’t gotten the update yet. From what I understand, this system gets the same information feed as the radio stations.”
The cost for such a high-tech automobile: about $48,000. And all the high-tech goodies come standard.
———-
More Top Picks Best Solid State Headphone Amps For Professionals