Yap: Hands-Free Texting for Everyone

Texting and driving has lead to countless accidents around the world prompting laws that restrict cellphone use behind the wheel. Statistics show teenage drivers are the most dangerous since they're easily distracted, have higher crash rates than older drivers, and are usually involved in cellphone related accidents. All reasons why California passed a law that will fine teens under 18 for using cellphones, laptops or other electronic devices while driving. The law goes into effect next year, but I doubt it will completely deter texting and driving.

On the bright side, an upcoming mobile application may help teens keep their eyes on the road while they yap on the phone. Yap will soon release a mobile application that turns voice into text, making it easier to text, IM, or blog without typing. The cellphone application also reads your text messages so you don't have to look down at the screen if you're driving, and turns your voice response into a text message. Those who need to query mobile web services like Google, Yahoo, Facebook, and YouTube can do so with their voice, instead of typing on those tiny keyboards. It seems the possibilities will be endless with this application.

According to The Tech Chronicles, Yap plans to add contextual ads to generate revenue which means the service will be free to use. The text-to-speech beta service was unveiled today at Tech Crunch 40, and will soon be available to the public. I'll keep you posted.

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