New Multi-Task-Enabling Voice Recognition Apps

(CBS)  Multi-tasking is a great thing in theory, but isn't easy.

Keeping up with your hectic schedule has been made a little simpler by smart phones and other wireless devices.

But with the restrictions on phones and other handhelds behind the wheel, there are now new ways to keep your favorite electronics on and running, without the touch of a finger.

Paul Hochman, contributing writer with Fast Money magazine visited"The Early Show" with some of the latest and most buzz-worthy apps available for your phone and car -- to help you stay safe while driving and doing other things.

Ford has developed a technology called "MyFord Touch." The built-in computer, which comes standard in the 2011 Ford Edge, listens to your commands right from the dashboard. From finding destinations, getting GPS directions, and even changing your music, the "My Touch" does everything you'd like it to without your ever using your hands.

"Voice is what they would call as the new touch," said Hochman. "Huge numbers of states are now creating legislation. It's been proven that you're six times more likely than a drunk driver to get in an accident if you are texting while driving."

But if you're not looking to buy a new car, there are other ways to bring this type of technology into your life.

If you're a Blackberry user, new software called "Dragon Software," created by Nuance Technology, enables you to send hands-free e-mail responses. When you get an e-mail, simply hit respond as you always do, then, using this software, speak into your phone with the exact words you would like to have typed.

Hochman gave an example: "Hi, comma, Erica, thanks for having me, period. Best, Paul."

In a matter of seconds, text came up exactly as Hochman had voiced.

iPhone users can download voice control for their music on the go. This software comes standard in the iPhone 4. If you're listening to an artist playing while you're on the go, even if you are on a bike, simply hold down the home button, and speak right into your headphones to switch artists.

There is also a button on the headphones so you don't actually have to reach for your phone to activate the voice command software.

For many of us, we type and walk. But that can cause injuries. You can avoid that if you have an iPhone by downloading the new software "Type and Walk." It allows you to see what you are going towards while typing.

If you are into constant connection and love your social networking, there is technology that can be added on to your phone that allows you to send text, Twitter, or Facebook messages without ever using your hands.

The "Jawbone Icon" connects easily to your phone, and can be bought as Amazon.
For a lower cost version of the Jawbone, there is a $9 version from Plantronics.

[bobnjersey]

[Multi-tasking is a great thing in theory, but isn't easy. ]

that's because multi-tasking is a myth.

studies have shown that using a phone while driving ... or flying a plane ... or driving a train ... or operating a tractor ... regardless of it's hands free status or not ... is more distracting and dangerous than being above the legal drinking limit.

[Paul Hochman, contributing writer with Fast Money magazine visited"The Early Show" with some of the latest and most buzz-worthy apps available for your phone and car -- to help you stay safe while driving and doing other things.]

these spots on these types of shows are simply modified (masked) forms of advertising of a product. of course he's going to pitch it as the answer to you being safe ... and those who fail to accept the dangers of attempting the alleged 'multi-tasking' while driving are just waiting for someone to make this type of claim ... so they can justify their continued ignorant behavior.