Microsoft, Ford bringing "Sync" to cars this year

As expected, it's been announced today that the Blue&Me system originally debuted with Fiat in Europe is finally coming to the States by way of Ford, but not without a name change: "Sync." The setup offers integration with Bluetooth-enabled phones (read: virtually all phones these days) and music players via both A2DP / AVRCP and USB 2.0 connections -- and yes, the iPod's right there at the top of the compatibility list, despite Microsoft's involvement. Other nifty (and potentially driver-distracting) features include the ability to have text messages read aloud, voice recognition for control of both phone and music functions, and phonebook transfer. Best of all, the system's upgradeable -- primarily for compatibility with future players, but it also leaves the door open for additional functionality down the road. Look for the Sync to get synced on twelve model year 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with availability starting later this year.

[eric @ Jan 7th 2007 11:36AM]

Can this come to other cars, please? Short of the mustang, I don't find any of
Fords cars that appealing.

Now, put it in a Mazda 3, Pontiac Solstice, Corvette, etc.


http://techtone.blogspot.com

[Play one @ Jan 7th 2007 11:38AM]

Ford owns Mazda, so I'm guessing you'll see your Mazda 3 with Sync.

[eric @ Jan 7th 2007 11:42AM]

Good call, I'm surprised I didn't think about that.


http://techtone.blogspot.com

[Shaun Braley @ Aug 10th 2007 4:36AM]

Ford has a 33% share in Mazda but they don't own the company.

[Buck Jones III @ Jan 7th 2007 11:46AM]

It's great to see this tech has finally come around. I wanted this a few years ago, but I guess they needed time for development. I wonder if this is based on the MOST system that was in development with CEA.

[Robert @ Jan 7th 2007 11:46AM]

Microsoft ipod? interesting
http://www.google.com

[Kenban @ Jan 7th 2007 12:13PM]

Just want to point out Ford only owns 33% of Mazda

[john @ Jan 7th 2007 12:24PM]

Nice job Microsoft on the interoperability. Who would have thunk it. Not iSteve.

[Rickland @ Jan 7th 2007 12:35PM]

Yes, they "only" own 33% but its effectively a controlling interest.

[Monkey Chief @ Jan 7th 2007 2:06PM]

Oh dear, yet enough reason for thieves to break into/steal cars...

[Dave H @ Jan 7th 2007 6:49PM]

It is fully integrated into the given vehicle. You can try to steal it, but trust me, you won't get it working in another vehicle

[Hawk @ Jan 7th 2007 7:09PM]

The xbox 360 already interoperates with an ipod quite well, and it's made by microsoft. Why would it be a surprise that a car sy stem would ignore the ipod? The ipod's the market leader. they'd be shooting themselves in the foot if they only supported the zune or PFS.

[Scott @ Jan 7th 2007 9:05PM]

So does this mean since M$ is part of it, that if the software fails, the vehicle will lock up and cause you to wreck/die?

bluescreenofdeathohnoes!

[Gary Russo @ Jan 7th 2007 11:35PM]

I want to install this in a new 2007 Jeep Wrangler.

Does anyone know if there will be a kit available?

[mathew @ Jan 8th 2007 10:40AM]

The quality of Ford plus the quality of Microsoft. Sounds like a winning proposition. *cough*

[AG @ Jan 9th 2007 5:22AM]

Egad, its too bad that Java wasn't GPL'd 7yrs prior, as it would clearly be a better alternative to WinCE. Heck, embedded Linux offerings would also be far better. This one should prove interesting.

[Todd @ Jan 13th 2007 1:39PM]

The Ford Focus will feature the Sync system, and it looks a lot nicer with the new redesign.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/Cars/2008focus/

[Lisa @ Oct 28th 2007 11:47PM]

I couldn't understand the female with the coffee, does she say STORE OPEN or DOOR OPEN. Husband says DOOR OPEN but I say it sounds like STORE OPEN.
Can someone help us and settle this little bet of ours? Thank you!!!!