Intelligent Mechatronic Systems' (IMS) iLane is the first in-car gadget that reads out e-mails and answers to the voice to draft a reply.

iLane, a portable smartphone-compatible device, features a synthesised female voice that aware users when they receive a new email, and reads out the message.

The compact device, which can be mounted on a dashboard, sun visor or air vent, gives drivers the ability to manage their smartphones without using their hands.

The users can also connect the device wirelessly to their BlackBerry smartphones, and users wear a Bluetooth headset to issue voice commands and read, erase or respond to e-mails.

Powered through the car's cigarette lighter, the gadget gives users the option to send from two stock email responses including "I am in transit and will respond shortly" or "Call me if it's important" or they can also record a 15 minute voice note that the device will send as an email attachment to the correspondent.

Moreover, the iLane lets users to make phone calls just by calling the name from their address book. iLane also provides on-demand access to news and weather content from The Associated Press and The Weather Network. It can remind users of meetings, anniversaries and other events put in their phone's calendar.

The new gadget is available now through the iLane website at an initial installation cost of 400 pounds plus a monthly subscription.

Presently, the gadget is only available in the US and Canada, but the makers said they hope to introduce it to Europe by the end of the year.