MobileAria to Start with PCs Not Palms

Exactly a year ago, MobileAria announced that it would create an in-car voice-activated system based around a Palm handheld that would allow to driver to access the info on the handheld and the Internet while keeping their eyes on the road. The system was first supposed to roll out the second quarter of this year. They apparently ran into problems because the second quarter is long gone and MobileAria first product is coming out later this year and will be based around a laptop instead of a Palm. A version that works with a Palm handheld is still planned for the future.

In the current plan, a user will need a Bluetooth cell phone, a Windows laptop, and MobileAria's hardware kit, which includes a microphone and a speaker. The basic service will cost between $20 and $40 a month.

Palm Inc. is one of the major investors in MobileAria, along with Delphi Automotive Systems and the Mayfield Fund.

Related Information:

• VentureWire: Car Internet Firm MobileAria to Launch Service, Raise Round
• PIC: MobileAria to Bring Hands-free Internet to the Car