Microsoft's Sync tech to come to Hyundai and Kia, Ford asks "but what about us?"

Once thought to be the exclusive domain of Ford, Sync-like technology looks to be coming to Hyundai and Kia cars by 2010. While Microsoft and Hyundai aren't calling the technology Sync officially, the new "music and information system" will be a voice-controlled interface that links mobile devices to car stereos, complete with remote firmware updates. Sounds a lot like Sync to us. Interestingly, only later versions will include multimedia and navigation-related features. This is a curious omission -- why would Hyundai need Microsoft's help just to plug in some iPods? The product will be made official at a ceremony in Seoul attended by Bill Gates and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group Chairman Chung Moon-koo. Cocktail hour and family photos to follow immediately.

[Alexander @ May 6th 2008 6:31AM]

Lol cocktail in seoul I think thats cool though i really like the genesis coupe and sedan

[gad get @ May 6th 2008 6:50AM]

iPods?!

[Chad @ May 6th 2008 9:10AM]

I think I'd rather have the iPod/HDD/Bluetooth/Navigation/XM Audio Recorder/Pause system that is in the new CTS. Not to mention, much rather have a Cadillac than a Ford.

[Ian @ May 6th 2008 7:00AM]

This entire article was written rather poorly.

[Maestro @ May 6th 2008 7:02AM]

I just got a Cadillac CTS and it has a 'Sync'-like system which oddly enough is made by microsoft. If you drill down through the menus a little you get the OS version and it is made by Microsoft. I think microsoft has their hands in a lot more automobiles than they talk about.

[Flashpoint @ May 6th 2008 8:05AM]

I hope you have the 2007 Cadillac CTS cause that car is BITCHIN.

I have a Mercedes S550 4matic and my wife has a Chrysler 300c.
Both cars have "sync" like systems with voice commands but I find the voice command too gimmicky and difficult to use unless I'm just dialing numbers aloud.

Because I write technology reviews for cars I've tested Cadillac's, Ford's, Chrysler's (Mygig) and Honda's (Accord 2008) and to be perfectly honest I've yet to be impressed with voice input Navigation.

Ford's Sync has some nice spots like being able to instantly transfer calls from the phone to the car when stepping inside it - but the lower model Ford's such as the focus have a watered down sync. You've got to buy a Lincoln MKZ to get the better one. The Lincoln MKS' will be the best of the pack.

[nojok3 @ May 6th 2008 9:59AM]

My brother has an 2008 Acura TSX with the voice command/bluetooth. When he gets in the car, his phone calls go right to his car. I haven't seen him have a problem with his voice command.

Voice command using GPS is a whole different story though. Thats near impossible.

@ Flashpoint
Interesting thing about the Focus SYNC systems. I had not heard of that.

[rob @ May 6th 2008 7:29AM]

Luckily none of these are cars I ever intend to buy

[lee @ May 6th 2008 7:32AM]

Keep microsoft the hell out of my car.

[Andir3.0 @ May 6th 2008 8:27AM]

Do what I did, write a letter to your favorite car manufacturer (Mazda in my case) and kindly inform then that the day they install Microsoft in their car line that it will be the last time you buy their products. I've been a customer for my last two cars and will gladly continue coming back as long as they comply.

[Joel @ May 6th 2008 11:25AM]

Mazda is a brand of the for motor company.

Besdies, isn't it just an option? it's not mandatory

[Andir3.0 @ May 6th 2008 7:15PM]

Mazda is as much a brand of Ford as Volvo is. They are run under the same financial structure, but it's nothing like how Acura and Honda are the same.

[The Evil Empire @ May 6th 2008 7:35AM]

Did anyone not think that Moronsoft would not expand Sync to other car lines? Did Ford think they'd be the only one? Kerkorian better sell his investment quick and take the money and run before ford eff's this one up.

[arthur @ May 6th 2008 7:52AM]

Sounds like the same sytem Fiat/Alfa Romeo is fitting into several of their 2007/2008 range of cars under the moniker of Blue&Me. It has handsfree Bluetooth phone connectivity, plays media from USB equipped devices (including iPods) and (in the 'Nav' version) has integrated sat nav functionality.

IIRC these cars are available in Europe and Brazil.

http://www.fiat.com/cgi-bin/pbrand.dll/FIAT_COM/news/news.jsp?contentOID=1074078462

[DrXym @ May 6th 2008 7:54AM]

The new MS enabled car only turns left. Turning right will be supported in a future version.

[blizz419 @ May 6th 2008 8:25AM]

LMAO +1 for you my friend

[d0n0van @ May 6th 2008 8:22AM]

'why would Hyundai need Microsoft's help just to plug in some iPods?' I think it's a little more involved than you describe. My VW Rabbit will control my iPod but it lacks the ability to control my iPod via voice commands.

My mobile phone understands voice commands and even types SMS via voice. Even after calibration it performs poorly. If MS can get their voice commands to work as well as they do in the commercials then hats off to them, but I'll stick with my Rabbit and it's manual controls.

[Timmy @ May 6th 2008 8:45AM]

Is funny how in a Microsoft related article they mention the ipod, Will they be or are they compatible with Zunes?

[ian mcgrady @ May 6th 2008 9:46AM]

as a mac user I do not have a good feeling about installing microsoft anything in anything my life depends on

[roach @ May 6th 2008 1:42PM]

Well you might as well not use any banking system for they use Window. And forget flying, most Commercial pilot are trained in

MS flight simulator. Like it or not fanboy, you been living a MS world. Since they are being implemented in vehicles, you might

as well walk to your favorite vacation destination.

[happy_penguin @ May 6th 2008 3:17PM]

That's silly. I have no problem using MS software on my Mac or Apple software on my PC.

[Eddie @ May 6th 2008 9:28AM]

I think it's funny that Microsoft Sync is only in crap cars. Higher end makers wouldnt be caught dead with a Microsoft based system.

[Jaque-o @ May 6th 2008 9:46AM]

=/ Am I the only one affraid of a BSoD in my car?

[James @ May 6th 2008 10:11AM]

Well they only had the Ford contract for 18 months so by 2010 it will be up.

[Seminole @ May 6th 2008 10:40AM]

Dig a little deeper and you'd know Ford only had a one year exclusivity deal with Microsoft. After one year, Microsoft can sell the technology to anyone. Fiat already has the licensing to sell it internationally, and they call it Blue&Me. Hyundai and Kia could have SYNC by November.

[jeicrash @ May 6th 2008 11:13AM]

Yet one more car feature people don't really need. Considering how many people have hard enough problems driving due to talking on their phones, fixing make-up, trying to tune the radio to the game, or staring at other drivers, We really need a car that has more junk in it.

Develop a car that can recognize lines and dashes on the road, keep track of car in front and behind, and use gps to guide it to its destination and I'll be very impressed and happy. Otherwise keep the gizmos to a minimum when it comes to the vehicle.

[Seminole @ May 6th 2008 12:15PM]

It's been done. Ever hear of DARPA?

[phanbouy @ May 6th 2008 1:52PM]

brings new meaning to Blue Screen of Death

[ecobore @ May 6th 2008 4:36PM]

'Your vehicle has encountered a fatal error' The vehicle must now be restarted. Sounds like fun for all on the freeway!