Hands-on with the Ford Sync infotainment platform

With Microsoft having injected itself into almost all aspects of our daily lives -- from work to play to communication -- it only makes sense that the software giant would try to own those rare stretches of time when we're not using a Windows product or playing on our Xbox. The most obvious contender for the firm's next conquest are those automobiles we tend to spend so much time in, and so Microsoft decided to team up with Ford last year to develop a standardized in-car infotainment platform called Sync. As with most of the company's products, there's not a ton of innovation here -- except for maybe the Zune compatibility -- but what it will probably succeed in doing is bringing higher-end features like navigation and Bluetooth calling to a more mainstream audience. We got to spend a little time with a (non-moving) Sync-equipped Ford Edge at last night's DigitalLife kick-off event, and what surprised us most was not the functionality, but rather the complete lack of Microsoft-branding on any of the screens. No Start menu, no Windows logo, no Clippy -- no nothing. Not that we're complaining: we just would have liked to be at that meeting where Detroit reminded Redmond whose name was on the vehicle. Check out the gallery below for some more pics, and then head over to Autoblog for even more in-depth Sync action along with a video walkthrough....

Gallery: Hands-on with the Ford Sync infotainment platform

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[Hoag @ Sep 26th 2007 11:21AM]

Leave it to Ford to make a lovely techie gadget utilitarian and ugly.

[Jaylati @ Sep 26th 2007 11:29AM]

Yeah I'm not even gonna lie, that UI looks ugly.

Sure, it might work fine, but damn I would at least WANT to look at it whenever I get the chance to!

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Sep 26th 2007 1:19PM]

I'd don't care how pretty the UI is, just as long as it functions properly, is easy to use, does not crash (pun not intended), and is better than the crummy BMW iDRIVE (Almost caused me to wreck a 760).

[Tony @ Sep 26th 2007 11:22AM]

Try this:

Call your insurance company and tell them you've installed a Microshit product in your car.
See what they tell you.

LOLOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!

[azerk1 @ Sep 26th 2007 7:13PM]

I'm guessing they would say; "Microshit? Sir we don't know what that is. Perhaps you mean Microsoft and if so there's no need to inform us as it's not as if your car is the first one to ever have a Microsoft product in it and we haven't had anymore problems with it then any other brand equivalent product. Please call us again when you have a serious question. Thank you." or at least something similar to that.

[JBo @ Sep 26th 2007 11:30AM]

The interface could be way prettier, but I am all for real intergration with gadgets, not a stupid "MP3" cord that plugs into the headphone jack (I'm talking to you, Toyota).

The Ford Edge, by the way, is very nice. Drove one when I was seeing the fam in Detroit. Drives like a car, very comfortable, and it looks like Ford is finally starting to design interiors aimed at today's car buyer, not my Grandma. I didn't think I was in a Ford at all. If only they offered a Hybrid version...

[ekwmin @ Sep 26th 2007 11:36AM]

Uh, dude. that is grandma styling. I mean the interior, the edge is a sleek looking car.

[enzo @ Sep 26th 2007 5:41PM]

The hybrid Edge is due 2009 last time I heard... I don't know if I can wait

[Rich @ Sep 26th 2007 11:35AM]

Where did they get that interface? 1987?

Still, at least we know what happened to all those Windows 2 screen widgets Microsoft had lying around...

[Hawkman @ Sep 26th 2007 11:35AM]

Which would you prefer - seamless integration with your beloved Zune, or an iPod connector? Vote now!

[Josh L @ Sep 26th 2007 12:20PM]

Neither. Give me a USB cable so I can use a good MP3 player instead.

[MasterCKO @ Sep 26th 2007 5:15PM]

Josh, beautifully, SYNC works on USB. There you go.

Everyone stop spreading FUD. Sync isn't about connecting with Zune. It's about connecting with MOST EVERY MUSIC PLAYING DEVICE IN THE MARKET (which happens to include the Zune).

[Hawkman @ Sep 26th 2007 5:27PM]

Noone's spreading ZOMG FUD. We're expressing serious doubts over the quality of the offering due to the terrible track record of both parties involved.

Let's face it, if its music playing interface is anything like the 360's - which at first glance, it closely resembles - then it's worse than nothing. And no, it won't work properly with an iPod, because at the very least in won't be able to play protected songs.

Why do you care about defending this pig-ugly monstrosity, anyway?

[MasterCKO @ Sep 26th 2007 6:58PM]

Wait, the 360 has a voice-controlled music interface? I wasn't aware of that.

Seriously, though, despite its obvious innovation, I can understand trepidation over a joint product from Ford and MS (both holders of significant negative press/mindshare). However, "pig-ugly monstrosity" isn't "expressing serious doubts," it's being a tactless comment-troll.

About your (incorrect) iPod statement, go to http://www.syncmyride.com, then click the compatibility check wizard and look for the iPod connection information (in fact, ironically, it's a number of non-iPod devices that will have issues with protected media, but definitely NOT the iPod). You should probably follow this exercise up with a reflection on the usefulness of a simple fact check before you type something next time.

I'm defending it because it's a unique device that will IMO change the landscape for these type of accouterments in average consumer-level vehicles. It probably will also change a number of consumer's images of Ford. *shrug* I guess you've already made up your mind having never given it a shot (or at least waited for thorough professional reviews), though, so we'll just agree to disagree.

[Hawkman @ Sep 26th 2007 7:22PM]

I thought "pig-ugly monstrosity" was pretty kind, really. It's truly horrible, and one has to hope it won't stay like that.

Having eventually found the compatibility chart you refer to - the main FAQ only states that PlaysForSure media is compatible - you are indeed stating what this chart shows. Surely this means either the system is using a FairPlay crack - which would be news - or that it's exploiting the iPod's own playback controls, which would indicate that it's probably quite limited.

No need to get smart with voice control remarks, because you know I was referring to the apparent similarity in the menu system. Which is what sucks in the 360. It's the dumbest mediaplayer I've ever used, an island of stubbornness nestled in the most intuitive Microsoft interface yet.

[ekwmin @ Sep 26th 2007 11:36AM]

Wow that's ugly. I'm not a domestic basher, but that is uglier than that Zune.

[Nick @ Sep 26th 2007 11:38AM]

Seems like weak integration into the interior styling so the system appears as an after thought in the dash. I would have thought that if microsoft was collaborating with ford the GUI would be much more appealing.

[HineyWipe @ Sep 26th 2007 11:42AM]

I used to know FORD as Fix Or Repair Daily, F-cked On A Raw Deal, Found Off Road Dead. Now they can add Fix Or Reload Dashboard.

[Donald @ Sep 26th 2007 11:47AM]

Don't forget "Found: OJ and Ron's DNA"

... too soon?

[TIMMAH! @ Sep 26th 2007 11:42AM]

Uh, what the hell is up with the plug-in connector on the Zune! The Zune has wifi, so why can't it communicate to the dash unit without a freakin' wire hanging out all over the place?!?! Weak!!!

[squizzi @ Sep 26th 2007 11:42AM]

Man Clippy would be a fantastic addition to this product:

"Are you trying to play a song, Are you trying to play a song?"

No damnit Clippy, I'm not trying to play a song with this 1980s retro interface garbage and my big gigantic bulky piece of shit Zune.

I think I'll keep my iPod, or.. any other mp3 player and use my AUX port.. I always found the interface on the iPod easier to use, I know my little circle by heart, I can change songs, and when I'm driving and I want to change artists I'll just move the iPod to eye level, and change away. (and then crash and burn most likely.)

[Emre Aydinceren @ Sep 26th 2007 11:43AM]

Uninspiring , indeed vomit inducing user interface!!!

[Peppie @ Sep 26th 2007 11:45AM]

Hmmmm, I'm not sure what to think. On one hand, the design looks big and terrible (kinda boxy) but on the other hand it is a first attempt so props to them, plus I love new gadgets. I have a ford and a zune. If the price is reasonable, then my stereo can go bye.

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 26th 2007 11:54AM]

awwww, it's a dos 6 program.. I remember those ...

[Emre Aydinceren @ Sep 26th 2007 11:56AM]

It is not Ford's fault to have ugly cars or uninspiring , vomit inducing user interfaces. Detroit or generally Midwest is ugly, dark and depressing. There is no effort to make surrounding beautiful. Everything is utilitarian, no art at all. Cookie cutter homes, cardboard box strip malls. I bet engineers who designed that interface either were born either into a corn field or butt ugly town. If you are not exposed to any style or class all your life but Amish Oak furniture, thats what you produce: GM , Ford and Chrysler...
They should bring those people from grave who designed 1950s Chevy.

[Greg @ Sep 26th 2007 11:59AM]

Way ugly, for sure. Looks like a late-80's color monitor job. Too bad.

[Landlocked @ Sep 26th 2007 11:59AM]

Leave it to Ford to make sure nobody wants to still yet another genuine factory radio.

[ScOObyDoo @ Sep 26th 2007 12:04PM]

So, Ford has teamed up with Microsoft to develop what most other decent brands already have?

While Lexus is busy developing 360 degree camera systems for their cars, and Mercedes has radar assisted driving systems Ford has an mp3 player and hands free carkit?

Wow.

[Kyle @ Sep 26th 2007 12:12PM]

Ummm.....let's see if I get this straight...this is a new "advanced" infotainment platform so MS uses a 1980's interface and doesn't even take advantage of the Zune's wirless networking capabilities by making you use a cord to attach??

yawn.

[reevesmjr @ Sep 26th 2007 12:19PM]

I've never seen a touch screen in a car that didn't have a big blocky interface. Easy to read and touch while driving.

[El_Shiv @ Sep 26th 2007 12:28PM]

Wow That's what you call EXTRA FUGLY! Oh and as for the guy asking about why can't you connect using the WiFi. Not enough bandwidth if you are an audiophile and you'd have to deal with interference from the engine and your cellphone. Now if the Zune used UWB then that would work nicely!

[Mrmean @ Sep 26th 2007 12:28PM]

LOL @ Ford, heap of crap..and the Zune that looks like a brick

[producerism @ Sep 26th 2007 12:34PM]

heh... so the UI was made in what? QBasic?

[TrueDis @ Sep 26th 2007 12:45PM]

Wow, looks more dated than the GPS in my 2002 Lexus...

[Shane @ Sep 26th 2007 12:45PM]

To everyone complaining about the interface...

Think about the way most OEM car radios are designed...Even the fancy ones with in-dash navigation, etc are designed to be SIMPLE to use for a wide variety of people without causing a major traffic hazard. Not everyone who will use these things is going to be a techno-geek.

Personally, I don't want to dig through 20 layers of menus and small buttons to find what I'm looking for. In car graphics should be big and bold, especially when those graphics are for activating functions on a touchscreen. It's a safety and usability issue. Do YOU want to explain to the officer who pulls you over for swerving into another lane "Uhhh...I'm sorry...I was trying to switch from media player mode to navigation mode..."

I have an Alpine system in my Explorer and my biggest complaint about that is the interface. Sure, it looks good but it is a royal PAIN to navigate around!

As for the operating system comments, despite Microsoft's involvement, this is probably something COMPLETELY different from anything most of us are used to. Microsoft probably didn't even design most of it. It is likely some sort of custom designed embedded OS. Do you think the onboard engine computer runs any form of standard operating system? This is the same type of thing.

Yeah, we all want to geek out by installing a Carputer running Linux but many people aren't going to go to that length. Those are the type of people that this option is aimed at.

[Emre Aydinceren @ Sep 26th 2007 1:32PM]

NO... A Good design will have both style and usability, not only usability.
Go look at Infiniti or Audi's user interface. You will see if designer is a little bit creative how wonderful products come to life (both usability and style)... Take IPhone for example, if you spend what it needs you come out with something easy to use and stylish.

[Shane @ Sep 26th 2007 11:11PM]

Hmmm...So if we put pictures, colors and nice rounded curves on the on-screen buttons it makes it all OK? Sorry...I'm still more of a believer of function over form, especially when it comes to my car...But maybe that's because I'm originally one of those "midwesterners" with no sense of style that one of the earlier comments referred to.

[Manny @ Sep 26th 2007 1:03PM]

I personally don't care if the UI looks boring since while I'm DRIVING, I won't be looking at it. Instead, its main feature is voice activation. With your voice, you'll be able to not only select your music from your MP3 player, but also receive and make phone calls on the thing without looking at it or touching it while I'm DRIVING. That's innovation and the main reason why I'm buying a Ford in October (please Ford, have it on the Taurus 2008 by the end of October). Maybe I'm wrong, but there's nothing quite like it on the market today as an added car option or a stand-alone gadget for your car for $395.

[MasterCKO @ Sep 26th 2007 5:37PM]

Well said. They probably didn't give a rat's ass what the GUI looked like because the whole point of the system is to take your eyes away from the Infotainment Center and keeping them on the road. The VUI (Voice User Interface) is really the main way you as a driver should be interacting with the system.

Also, I don't get what people (even Engadget editors) are so underwhelmed/belligerent about (Yay, mindless domestic-bashing is FUN!). There is no complete system like this available on any other brand. Period. After the drones have run out of stupid jokes, Ford will probably win a large number of drivers (young and old) across its brands because of this feature; it is very unique, very complete and relatively inexpensive.

[Steve @ Sep 26th 2007 2:42PM]

Wow, that is ugly. But, the designers of the UI did an excellent job of making it match the dash design.

[jibba jabba @ Sep 26th 2007 2:45PM]

I have the Ford Edge. Same camel leather interior. Its a frick'n awesome car. I don't believe thats microsofts UI though. There's not much to it but its nice and easy to use. Its a nice BIG screen. I think Microsoft just added the USB port connection for Ipods, zune and handsfree application (voice..etc). My car doesn't have the sync software...but I have the touchscreen and nav. Bought a 2007...the 08's are supposed to have the sync software.

[uberfu @ Sep 26th 2007 2:55PM]

No better way to test out the New Ford thing - than by whipping out a Zune_

[Derwin @ Sep 26th 2007 3:00PM]

If I were driving and Clippy appeared out of nowhere, I would probably end up losing control and crashing after going into a blind rage.

[Charlie J @ Sep 26th 2007 3:32PM]

I love all this bashing from people who know nothing about the product. It has a usb port and interfaces with all mp3 players. Including the elitist prick mp3 player of choice(iPod) It can even play songs off of a jumpdrive. and its voice controlled. Whats the deal with all this clippy talk anyways? that little annoying thing has been gone since the early 90s... how bout i talk about that little gay smiling computer that apple always used before OSX?

[Rick @ Sep 26th 2007 3:33PM]

I feel good that I am on an Apple and play games on the PS3 then.

[Jason @ Sep 26th 2007 4:09PM]

I can see how this will one day stop my car from working.

[mike @ Sep 26th 2007 4:40PM]

Would it kill them to hire a real designer?

For christ-sake, just pick up a copy of ID Magazine and hire a random name ... it's got to be better than this. OTOH, it does match the pure ugliness that is American auto interiors generally.

[Zeb @ Sep 26th 2007 6:11PM]

I dont quite understand what it is that everyone has against the zune. I own one and I really like it. I have a few beefs with it, but then I have my beefs with all technology. No piece of technology is going to be perfect.

I think its just a name battle more than anything. Microsoft vs. Apple. And I never thought I would say this, but im siding with Microsoft.

Im so sick of apple right now. But I like my Zune and dont really care what people have to say about it.

[Johan S @ Sep 26th 2007 7:34PM]

No touchscreen??? Seriously does that thing have a touchscreen UI or not? If so why is it surrounded by a dizzying array of buttons. i saw no mention of touchsceen on there. And yes, i hate buttons. Unless they're few in number and OLED.

[John @ Sep 26th 2007 8:16PM]

I think that Microsoft probably realized it would be a bad idea to have its logo all over this, because there's been an awful lot of FUD fired its way recently and to go around proclaiming "HAI GUYZ, WE MADE THIS, LOOK, IT HAS OUR NAME ON IT LOL" might give people some doubts. That said, I don't care about this or plan to buy any car at all for quite some time.