[ # ] Ford and Microsoft, in Sync
/* Posted March 11th, 2008 at 10:39pm *//* Filed under Automotive, Microsoft */
If you’ve been watching TV lately you’ve probably seen one of Ford’s new Sync commercials, especially if you’ve been watching American Idol (note time/date of post and you’ll know what I was just doing) as Ford is one of the show’s main sponsors. But in case you haven’t heard, Sync is Microsoft’s foray into in-car communication and entertainment, and they happen to be exclusively partnered with Ford. This means only Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles come equipped with this convenient new technology. With Microsoft Sync, you can enjoy voice-activated control your cell phone and iPod while you are in your car. Want to dial a number? Speak the name of the person you want to call or just say the numbers. Want to play a specific song? Just say the artist or track name.The controls for your phone and iPod are also integrated into the vehicle controls like the steering wheel. Cell phones are synchronized through an always-on Bluetooth connection while most MP3 players can be connected via the USB port or stereo jack. Some other features:
- Audible text messages (text-to-speech)
- Voice-activated music
- Find similar music
- Instant voice recognition
- Ring tone support
- Automatic phonebook transfer
- Voice-controlled phonebook lookup
- Multilingual intelligence
- Upgradeable software
- A $395 Option (cheaper than a Nav)
With Sync technology, Ford is definitely broadening its appeal to the “Internet generation” of always-connected-to-your-friends-and-music crowd on the go. For me, Sync is very reasonably priced for all the great features you get out of it and would definitely make me reconsider getting a Ford the next time I’m in the market. I’m not joking, I think Sync would be the reason to get a Ford. Have you considered a Ford lately?
Check out the YouTube video below for a slick demo in a Ford Edge:
For more information about Sync, visit the Sync website at www.syncmyride.com.
One final thing, I hear Microsoft is working hard to get Sync into other automakers’ vehicles. Shhh.
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