Ford chose the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to introduce an upgraded version of its Microsoft Sync system that will be available on new Fords later in 2009. The new Sync system will give drivers the option to access traffic alerts, directions and news free for the first three years after a new car purchase.
Ford upgraded its Sync system just as Toyota improved and expanded ability of its telematics system across its lineup.
Users who go between Sync-equipped Ford vehicles can keep their settings stored in their phone. Ford says the new system works on any Bluetooth-capable smartphone, even Apple’s iPhone.
The traffic detection system can alert drivers of road conditions ahead, Ford says, and the system can send users an alert via text message before they leave their home. Sync will also read text messages sent to phones in order to further update drivers.
The upgraded navigation feature from Sync will read turn-by-turn directions from navigation-equipped mobile phones. The data is downloaded into Sync and then the system speaks directions aloud via the audio system’s speakers.
Ford says to expect availability almost line-wide for North American buyers in 2010, with some models getting the upgraded system late in 2009.
01/08, 12:31 PM
posted by:
Tritonpower5.4
Pretty Sweet!!!!!!
01/08, 12:47 PM
posted by:
bigjimid
I don’t have any experience with the current SYNC system, but this sounds like it would be pretty nice as long as you have a nice smartphone to use it with.
01/08, 12:48 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Ford’s actually the industry leader in something?
I’m happy for Ford, this is progress people.
01/08, 1:42 PM
posted by:
Borat
Have anyone experienced blue screen with this?
01/08, 2:00 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
I don’t have Sync in any of my personal cars, but I have used the system in on some Ford trucks out on dealer trades, and it bad @ss, just to bad it cost to mush to have it installed, better getting it with a vehicle that come’s equipped with it…
01/08, 3:07 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
why make this so complicated?? why go through phones and what not? make it simple!
01/08, 3:39 PM
posted by:
hummah
I never thought I would like another Ford again (yeah I’ve owned a couple), but I have to say that they are moving in the right direction with regard to technology, style, and quality.
01/08, 3:51 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Yep put all the money into a bluetooth system and skip the mechanics of the car Typical D3
01/08, 4:34 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I’d feel a lot better about this stuff without Microsoft involved.
01/08, 4:38 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Spam/bots in-car, awesome!
01/08, 5:53 PM
posted by:
Struggle
Which service pack was this again?
01/08, 6:10 PM
posted by:
andy
Microsoft has done great with the Sync/ Zune, the zune is better than its comparable ipod in everyway
01/08, 8:31 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
every way?? no way! not even close
01/08, 8:48 PM
posted by:
beemermeup
Yea,
The Zune is far superior to the iPod… unless you want to use it in a leap-year.
don’t be surprised Ford owners if your car stops working one day and you have to wait for M$ to patch the car before it will drive.
01/08, 10:08 PM
posted by:
wideopenthrottle
idrinorbarsaku:
I drove a 2007 (?) Edge over the summer, and I will say I was impressed. It rode pretty well over my local bumpy roads even with the 20″ rims and low-profile Pirellis. Sync is really easy to use and the nav system works pretty well. It sounds to me like the part about gps nav. from a phone is in addition to the existing (and hopefully updated) gps nav system.
01/08, 10:35 PM
posted by:
jdasch1
I use it everyday and I love the Sync system. It is very easy to use and it flat out suprises everybody that rides in my MKX. They want to Sync their phone and try it . It takes just a few minutes, and soon they are talking and playing their songs on my audio system…pretty cool.
01/08, 10:45 PM
posted by:
bimmer_mann_18
I wonder if you could run Windows 7 on it? I feel bad for everyone who has a Zune. Every person I know who’s had one completly locks up and takes months to get a “new” one.
01/09, 11:27 AM
posted by:
Sabon
Industry leader and technical leader do NOT mean the same thing. Microsoft is not a technical leader despite what their great PR teams tell you. They are at least three to four years behind the curve. Just look at their products and do some research.
01/09, 12:56 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
Sabon Shut up. This is good technology. I sold computers for Years MS is not behind anything. If your a Mac/Apple person then its offical your a Wierdo! Lol
I just want a Sync system that can eventually ask me how my day went, ask me where I want to go and then take me their if I decide I don’t want to drive, because I am working on the ITER project to bring Fusion (Sun) Power to the Mass to produce Green Electricity and save mother earth. Ok I am not that Green or geeke but would like a Sync that can do it all plus a Prostate exam! LOL
01/09, 1:38 PM
posted by:
ricky_b
How does CTRL+ALT+DEL work in a car? Did MicroSoft develop a Blue Oval Screen of Death just for Ford, too? — I’m just teasing. Everyone teases MicroSoft. It’s probably a good product, too bad the Ford line up currently isn’t as cool. (That part I’m being serious about)