Western Star adds AutoPC to options list

KELOWNA, B.C. (March 22) — Want to write a memo? Ask directions? Turn up the tunes? Just say the word. Western Star Trucks said it will add to its option sheet Clarion Corp.’s AutoPC, an in-cab computer that can dictate a letter, track your route, read your e-mail to you — literally, it’ll do almost whatever you tell it to do.

Running Microsoft’s Windows CE operating system, AutoPC fills the same spot traditionally reserved for an AM/FM radio and uses CUE Network Corp.’s AutoFM Receiver and FM subcarrier wireless network to integrate computing functions, navigation, and wireless communications. That means you can get access to real-time traffic and weather information, pages, and short e-mail messages, all while you’re on the move and your hands are at 10 and two on the wheel.

Western Star is the first heavy-truck builder to offer AutoPC; several automakers are offering the computer as a factory option starting with the 2000-model year.

The computer will recognize about 200 simple voice commands and reply in kind using text-to-speech software, said Western Star marketing manager Doug Shand. Tell the computer to call dispatch, and it does the dialing for you. Ask for directions, and its optional GPS navigation system software can tell you — in a spoken voice — turn by turn how to reach your destination.

“The idea that you can be driving down the road, have a brilliant thought, and say, ‘AutoPC, memo,’ and then let fly is really neat,” says Shand. “Imagine dictating a message into the computer and e-mailing it to someone without interrupting your driving. It’s Star Trek kind of stuff.”

AutoPC will be available both as a factory-installed option and on the aftermarket, Shand says, and will cost about $2500. “The auto manufacturers are offering AutoPC, which should help drive volumes up and prices down,” says Shand.

He adds that the cost will be easier to justify as more software is developed. “We’ve been brainstorming ideas like mad,” Shand says. “One of the first things we did was burn our entire dealer directory to a chip, so if you’re driving down the road and need to find your nearest Western Star dealer, you say, ‘AutoPC, Western Star dealer,’ and AutoPC will figure out where you are and then tell you, in an audible voice, ‘Take this exit, turn right, turn left,’ until you get there. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.”