Text Message Reader Apps? Do you use them??

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by rvmiller, Feb 12, 2018.

  1. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    I been using a Sena since 2014, started with an SMH5 and now I have a 20S. Originally my main purpose was so my son & I could talk during our rides, and then enjoyed "Hands Free" music.

    My wife is a Texter, so I found an App that worked but I had to remember to turn it on, and at times it was difficult to understand with the music playing at the same time....

    I just found this new -to me (finally back Riding again since VFR Repaired) app that pauses Music before reading, then resumes your song. It also auto-connects to the Bluetooth; It doesn't let you pick a specific device but for a Free App, I am really liking this one out of the six-or-so other "Readers" that I have tried[​IMG][​IMG]

    Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
     
  2. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I don't use the phone while riding, so texting, even voice texting isn't very likely. I simply don't need the distraction.
     
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  3. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    I mostly have my phone connected when commuting for work and it would come in handy sometimes when clients text me rather than call me to let me know something has changed, like they cancelled my meeting! I find that sometimes I have to pull over to read a text, particularly if it's relative to where I am headed or dealing with that day. Of course I never text while riding but I witness it in traffic daily by cagers who don't care whether I live or die.
     
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  4. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    That's exactly one of the reasons that I got a Reader App. I have found it especially helpful when waiting to an address via Text. This particular app tells you caller/ texter name ( if listed/ contacts) or will Tell you the phone number prior to Reading the Message.

    It has been very seemless; I am actually planning on upgrading to the Higher feature version so I can specify which Bluetooth device, and it also has an automatic reply feature that should become available.

    Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
     
  5. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    So it's okay for motorcyclists to use a cell phone while riding, but heaven forbid that automobile
    drivers do the same. We must be some kind of special people.
     
  6. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    Where I live (Floriduh) it is Legal to use your cell, as long as it is "Handsfree" which is what this is.

    I have never been actively riding and had my phone in my hand(s).

    I always have music on though, or Navigation talking to me, or Intercom on a group ride.

    P.S. Earbuds are illegal though. Go Figure

    Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
     
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  7. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Hands-on, hands-free, doesn't really seem to matter. The issue is the distraction caused by trying to carry on a conversation on a cell phone while
    operating a motor vehicle. Several studies have stated that the "cell phone conversation" is the issue, not whether you have it in your hand, on the
    dash, or up yer butt. Which gives rise to the old saying "Talking out of your ass". :D

    I just hate cell phone usage in a vehicle, any vehicle. I've had too many close calls due to people paying more attention to their phone than to attending
    to the operation of their vehicle.
     
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  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I agree with your position on this. Using your hands on these devices is really a small part of the problem. Even talking on a cell phone, even hands free mounted on your dash, or blue toothed through your helmet, is distracting. I find talking on the phone either method to be far more distracting than when I spoke on a police radio. That was far more distracting to talking to a passenger in the car with you. I just don't understand why these different methods of communication while operating a vehicle have different distractions.

    To add to the confusion here, a radio conversation and a phone conversation is usually far shorter than the constant conversation with a longer term passenger in your car. Maybe it has something to do with a phone call or radio transmission had more in depth message and requires more concentration on the conversation than idle chit chat experienced with a passenger in you car. Just don't know.

    More on topic though, I receive very few phone calls on my cell. The few people who call are more likely to text. I hate texting. For shits sake phone me and I can answer your question in more depth and more accurate detail far faster speaking with you than texting you. My wife does not text. She does not have a cell phone. Has refused my offer to get her one, and would have a real hard time making or even answering even my flip phone.

    So considering all the drivel I just said, maybe I should get an app that reads out my incoming text along with an app that converts my voice to text. I fack!. I am getting a headache.
     
  9. Lint

    Lint Member

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    Since I just use SkullCandy earbuds, the mic is in the winds, so I can't use it while riding. But, my Android based Samsung S7 uses Google Assistant, which operates the various parts of the phone she will read text messages etc. I suppose if I ever get a Sena or another brand, I'll be able to access it.
    I just use the earbuds to block wind and play music and nav.
     
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  10. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    I am thinking it's an "Age" thing....

    While I am no yougster, I am and have been in the Technology field my entire adult life beginning as a Radio Operator in the US Army. I was the driver for my Commo platoon of our M577 Ratt Rig wearing a CVC, able to talk to the other crew (& other vehicles) while driving...

    My Sena and this App is literally the same damn stuff, plus a few upgrades...

    Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
     
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  11. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    This is what I don't get, it seems that the people who are texting while driving feel an obligation to respond using the same method as they receieved the message, rather than call the other person on the phone and have a quick conversation, like, "Hey, I'm driving I'll talk you when I get to where I'm going.", they continue to text back and forth. To me, this is truly a HUGE distraction, way more than if someone is talking on the phone, as it usually requires them to look away from the road to read or enter in their message. I have a big problem with this, be it a driver or rider, although I have yet to see a rider doing this...I've seen video though!

    If I get a phone call while riding, I do a quick look at who's calling and if it is relative to where I am heading, I may answer the call and let them know what is gong on or I might let it go to voicemail and pull over and listen to the message. This is usually dependent on traffic. If I'm on the open road with nearly no one around me, I am more likely to answer the call. If I'm in the midst of LA/OC traffic, voicemail it goes!
     
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  12. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    I did Purchase the upgrade $1.65 (or something like that) and it has unlocked more features, such as the ability to specify only turning on with my Sena Bluetooth devices. It will also now Auto-reply a Text response which you can customize.

    When I commute on my bike, I typically have my cell in my jacket's Napoleon pocket so I don't/can't see it anyways...
    On a long personal ride I do use my Ram Mount and am able to see the screen, but I don't touch it while moving.

    All of my friends text. The only phone conversations I usually have is with my Parents- and I call them.

    The best part though is we get to choose... and it's great that more & more options are available.

    Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2018
  13. stigger

    stigger New Member

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  14. unie01

    unie01 New Member

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    subscribed, this seems like a very interesting thread[​IMG]
     
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