Mobile communications and solutions provider Aether Systems Inc., Owings Mills, Md., has announced a series of enhancements to Aether MobileMax, its flagship wireless communications and tracking solution.

According to Aether, MobileMax will now feature text-to-voice technology, handheld access via a PDA, wireless driver e-mail, and an entirely web-based host.
Aether's text-to-voice option enables MobileMax-onboard consoles to translate text messages into a human voice -- allowing drivers to have their messages read to them in the cab, while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
The application, which requires only the purchase and installation of a small Windows CE-based module, can easily be used for dispatch or text messages, and can be configured to read only certain messages or portions of a message. Even the driver's personal e-mail can be read aloud in the cab. There is no additional wireless or messaging cost.
Wireless driver e-mail is an optional feature available to drivers equipped with Aether's MobileMax or Pro2000 mobile equipment. Drivers obtain a prepaid card through Aether partner Transcommunications that enables them to send and receive personal e-mails without fleet management involvement. Transcommunications, Chattanooga, Tenn., formerly administered the a similar system called CabCard for Qualcomm.
Finally, Aether has completed development and released Web-host platforms for each of its transportation products. Aether MobileMax, GeoLogic, TrailerMax, and 20/20V can all be implemented in an exclusive Web-host environment.
In support of this critical effort, Aether manages its own web-hosting facility in Joplin, Mo. The data center includes a network of secure, protected, and scalable components, and is based on the highly reliable IBM iSeries servers.