How to talk to your GPS

I have recently been trying out some of the latest in car portable navigation systems. Many of these are now voice activated for my convenience of not having to use my hands while driving to configure the device. This is a great idea however current voice technology makes this a poor experience. I can see where this technology is going and how it would be nice in the middle of my route to simply say "find me a Starbucks" and be re-routed to the nearest Starbucks. However this is not quite the experience delivered currently.

I initially thought I would use the voice activation more then I have. And unfortunately more often then not when I do want to use the voice activation it doesn't work. The flip side is that is generally starts working when I don't want it to. An example being that I'm talking on the phone, through my hands free bluetooth device, and in the middle of the call usually with a client or a reporter my GPS will gawk loudly at me "DID YOU SAY CANCEL ROUTE" or my favorite "SAY A COMMAND." Interestingly during a conversation this can happen several times. There have been some times during a less formal conversation when I actually get in an argument with my GPS. It would make a great short video sometime if I have time to have my interns make it this summer.

All that being said the experience still needs to get better and more streamlined. I see where GPS manufacturers are going with the technology but more quality assurance needs to go into these for the price point for the present market.