We constantly hear this debate. Are hands free devices safer for drivers or not. The distraction is in the mind of the driver not the format of the device. On and on the debate goes. Here's the latest from the NYT:

Some states endorse the trend. Florida, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C., have passed laws banning hand-held cellphones, requiring drivers to use headsets, speaker phones or phones built into their car. But federal regulators, consumer advocates and some independent safety researchers are concerned that hands-free technology may give a false sense of security.

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that drivers who use hands-free cellphone adapters are actually no safer behind the wheel than drivers who hold the phone with one hand and steer with the other.

The convergence of more and more mobile computational and communications power, productivity gains and shifting employment patterns is leading to the resurgence of personal assistants.

Cell phone technologies and wireless internet connectivity are leading to a world where car commuting could more easily be productive/billable time for more and more people.

Low wage jobs are disappearing as retailers and fast food outlets automate and even outsource their jobs. A lot of young and immigrant populations will be looking for alternative low skill jobs in the near future.

Add to that the huge coming need for healthcare aids for the aging population and I think we are going to see the return of the PHA - The Personal Human Assistant People who assist other people to be more productive and/or have more time/ability to enjoy their lives.

Yes, I think we are going back to the days where the middle class can have servants. Technology will augment and streamline the roles but the potential gains for the common man will outweigh their costs. Working time riding in the back of the car using a phone and computer will become so profitable that the cost of a driver to do the driving on the daily commute will become acceptable. Cooking and housekeeping will increasingly be done by assistants while homeowners enjoy valuable family or leisure time.

We're already seeing a lot of this as the double income family engage childcare workers and daycare centers to manage the needs of their children. I think the supply and availability of low skill workers and productivity gains in management through technology will drive the costs of hiring servants down to the reach of the middle class.

Services that can most effectively manage workers and provide them to hiring individuals will be the big winners. Technology can help in huge ways. Cell phones, mobile email, on-line training even foldable scooters can all aid in the successful management of personal human assistants.

Long live the new Service Economy....at least until the robots shake everything up again.

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