Delphi Automotive Systems 'One-Step, One-Touch' MPCpro Designed to Keep Drivers Linked and Focused

    DETROIT, March 6 Designed to link busy commuters to
personal and business information while focusing on the road ahead, the Delphi
Automotive Systems Communiport(R) MPCpro (Mobile Productivity Center) is being
showcased at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2001 World Congress.
Delphi's portable communication device was presented as part of the SAE
Strategic Alliance demonstration on technologies that help driver's maintain
their focus on driving.
    (Photo:  NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001019/DELPHIAS
     Photo:  NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010306/DETU001 )
    The MPCpro docks a cell phone with a Palm V or Vx personal hand-held
computer.  The Palm unit and the telephone sit side-by-side in a specially
designed cradle.  The device helps active people save time and increase
productivity by allowing them to use the cell phone and to access information
from the Palm handheld computer in their vehicles, all by voice.
    "Our design team successfully minimized the steps and simplified the
operation of the MPC," said Bob Schumacher, Delphi business line director for
Wireless Products and general director of Mobile MultiMedia.  "We developed a
one-touch, one-step approach that is intuitive to learn.  This unique
interface allows the driver to access the information by simply asking for it
through a verbal request or command."
    The unit uses voice activation to request information and reads
information by text-to-speech through a low-power FM transmitter that plays
back through an available FM channel on the vehicle's audio system.
    After activating the unit by pressing one button, all other functions of
the MPCpro are designed to be performed hands-free, allowing drivers to keep
their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.  The unit features one large
activation button and once the "one-touch" button is activated a computer
voice tells the user that the unit is "ready."
    The user can then ask the MPCpro unit for the information from the Palm
handheld computer's "to do" list or retrieve telephone numbers from the Palm's
address book and dial them automatically by voice command.  The date book,
memo pad and other Palm functions are also operated by voice.
    For example, the user can give the MPCpro a command for the address book
and the machine responds to confirm the command.  The user then says, "John
Doe."  The MPCpro confirms the name by asking the question, "did you say John
Doe?"  The user replies "yes," and the unit automatically dials John Doe's
telephone number from the address book.  The user then talks hands-free to the
person on the receiving end of the call.
    When using the MPC, the display on the Palm unit is designed to be off and
inactive so that the operator cannot attempt to read any information on the
display while driving.  The MPC activates in the vehicle through voice only.
    The Communiport MPCpro is powered by a 12-volt accessory outlet and is
designed to minimize power consumption when left in the vehicle.  The unit can
be installed in any of three installation areas.  Depending on the vehicle
configuration and owner preference, the MPCpro can be installed by a dashboard
mount, windshield mount or cupholder.  The unit is also equipped with charging
circuits to maintain the rechargeable battery in the telephone.
    The MPCpro went on sale earlier this year for a retail price of $499.  The
Palm hand-held computer and cell phone are sold separately.  It is initially
being sold over the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com/communiport .
    For more information about Delphi Automotive Systems, visit Delphi's
Virtual PressRoom at http://www.delphiauto.com/vpr .