Distracted driving remains a major problem that causes many needless accidents. Dashboard mounts for smartphones don’t really resolve the issue because they still require drivers to take their eyes off the road to look at their devices. Heads-up displays, meanwhile, tend to be costly, typically focus only on driving-specific information, and have raised their own set of safety concerns.
Radiomize is a steering wheel touchpad cover that sends commands to smartphones via patented gesture control technology. In addition to taking control of smartphone functions, it reads aloud text and social messages, as well as news that would be of interest to the driver.
It works in conjunction with a personal music and genre-based news discovery app for Android and iOS mobile devices. Radiomize ships in August at future pricing of about $71, although early bird Indiegogo backers can get one for a pledge starting at $49. Its makers are out to raise $50,000 by March 14.
The device represents the logical next step for drivers after the addition of radio and other car controls to steering wheels in recent years. The campaign video shows how easy it is to slip the cover over a steering wheel, but much will depend on how well it can integrate with other key apps.