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.
posted Jan 7th 2007 11:26AM
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
Ford owns Mazda, so I'm guessing you'll see your Mazda 3 with Sync.
Good call, I'm surprised I didn't think about that.
http://techtone.blogspot.com
Ford has a 33% share in Mazda but they don't own the company.
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.
Microsoft ipod? interesting
http://www.google.com
Just want to point out Ford only owns 33% of Mazda
I want to install this in a new 2007 Jeep Wrangler.
Does anyone know if there will be a kit available?
Nice job Microsoft on the interoperability. Who would have thunk it. Not iSteve.
Yes, they "only" own 33% but its effectively a controlling interest.
Oh dear, yet enough reason for thieves to break into/steal cars...
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.
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!
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
The quality of Ford plus the quality of Microsoft. Sounds like a winning proposition. *cough*
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.
The Ford Focus will feature the Sync system, and it looks a lot nicer with the new redesign.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/Cars/2008focus/
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!!!!