Microsoft to bring Sync to other carmakers as Microsoft Auto in November

Our experiences with Microsoft's Sync in Ford cars has been mostly a comedy of voice-recognition errors (we'll never forget our rental at CES blasting NWA in response to "Play artist: David Bowie"), but it looks like other automakers will be able to join in the confusing fun in November, when Microsoft's exclusive contract with Ford runs out. Hyundai and Kia are the first to sign up for what's now being branded Microsoft Auto, and while it's not exactly clear what their versions of the system will look like, you can expect the same basic features as Sync, as well as some new capabilities like navigation and emergency-response services. Microsoft also says that Auto will be available for "general release to the automotive community," which could lead to the inclusion of the OS on aftermarket gear as well. Let's just hope they tune the system to figure out the difference between Ziggy Stardust and Eazy-E, eh?

[The Dude @ May 7th 2008 6:58PM]

It played NWA 'cause it's trying to keep shit real. None of this weak-sauce David Bowie foolishness.

[Seth @ May 7th 2008 7:22PM]

I believe it's a Zune. Stephen Colbert said once that "Who really owns a Zune?" And I fully agree.

[Zeus.:God @ May 7th 2008 11:00PM]

I own a Zune. 2. The 30 and the 80... Beats the shit out of my old crapPods.

[Jordan @ May 7th 2008 11:01PM]

I own a Zune.

[crow610 @ May 8th 2008 2:27AM]

More like, what's that ugly thing on the left.

[crow610 @ May 8th 2008 2:38AM]

Didn't get an iPod cause although it looks great and works great I didn't want to make a statement.

Didn't get a Zune casue although it would bring me into the social it's just too ugly.

So I went with a Meizu.

[James Bowe @ May 8th 2008 9:21AM]

I got an iPod b/c it works well, and syncs easily with iTunes, which is a great piece of software. I don't give an F if it 'makes a statement'. That's weak.

I am an xbox fanboy, so I like atleast some of what MS does. But only microsoft and Ford could team up to make a 6 inch in dash video screen and audio playing, voice recogizing stereo look boring as HELL.....

[Low Ranked @ May 7th 2008 7:01PM]

When will we see this in Dodge? I'm thinking a picking up the new Charger soon.

[Eric Kelly @ May 7th 2008 7:12PM]

You'd better do so quickly. This is the last year they're making them.

[Chris @ May 7th 2008 7:27PM]

@eric: uhh, no it's not? the charger is not going out of production. it's gonna get raped up the ass by the g8 and other new competing cars, but its not going anywhere soon.

[JakeB @ May 7th 2008 7:02PM]

still waiting for a good car touch-screen pannel with GPS that can be updated and that I can run a direct Zune wire into with full compatibility. I wouldnt even need the CD part really.

[Maestro @ May 7th 2008 8:40PM]

I have a cadillac CTS with a GPS touchscreen. Once a year GM releases a NAV update on a DVD that you install. Audio system has USB port for either a usb drive, portable HDD, or iPod (which it controls on screen.). Audio also has built in HDD (40gb) that you can rip CD's to right in the car. Plays audible.com content. Plays DVD's...Has a built in, updatable Gracenote database...Pretty much has it all. So if that's what you are looking for, there you go.

[JakeB @ May 8th 2008 12:24AM]

But did that come with the car? I don't want to buy another car, want to install one. You have basically what I am looking for but does the GPS have the new lane sensor things that tell you which lane to be in on the freeway? I'm in Cali and that would probably save me a good 15-20 min off my commute. i'm guessing I would have to get one with a TomTom or Garmin GPS installed in it. Also, is it compatile with the Zune as far as on-screen controls?

BTW, is there a faster way of replying to replies on here? Im kinda new to Engadget and I find it annoying to have to go back to the story, then find my original post to make a reply. Could use some help. Thanks

[Johan S @ May 7th 2008 7:04PM]

Will it finally have a touchscreen? I can't believe they developed this product and nobody there thought of making it touchscreen in the first place.

[Michael Chastain @ May 8th 2008 2:19PM]

Huh? There are two versions of the Sync system, one with a touchscreen and one without. If it has the navigation feature it has a touchscreen.

[MeatyPi @ May 7th 2008 7:04PM]

Can I get this in my 1973 Pinto?

[Low Ranked @ May 7th 2008 7:42PM]

Please forward your message to Ben Heck.

[Flashpoint @ May 7th 2008 7:07PM]

First of all, I write technology reviews/ car reviews proffessionaly. I've tested almost all the Navigation systems from the Japanese, GM and Ford.

I've had nothing but voice recognition errors from Accord (08), Lexus, Ford and Toyota even with the voice training. Its ridiculously hard to input navigation coordinates or streets.

The best Navigation systems are those with touchscreens that allow you to enter data by tapping.

I own an S550 and even in a car that expensive, inputting "154 th street" isn't easy unless you call out each number.
Its easier to simply call Onstar or call Mercedes Benz to download the route for you - but these services are costly.


(PS - before anyone replys with a stupid message trying to make fun of me, I'll have you know that ever since Engadget eliminated "Highest Ranked"... Low Rank and Highly Ranked means NOTHING to me so you can just save the dumb comments and choke on your soup)

[Conor @ May 7th 2008 7:11PM]

Good post...we can still rank comments though!!

[PerfectC @ May 7th 2008 7:23PM]

Are you saying that Sync is good because you can call out each letter?

[Kunal @ May 7th 2008 7:34PM]

I don't know how many "proffessionals" I know, but being an an architect (and college graduate) myself, I do know how to spell professional. And clearly your post was not it.

[absurdio @ May 7th 2008 8:38PM]

...more like Stync.
*laughtrack*

or wait. Maybe Sync sank (sunk?).

...my soup!

[sinai @ May 7th 2008 9:27PM]

if you don't care, why did you write an entire paragraph about it?

also: rank down!

[Tony @ May 7th 2008 11:47PM]

I wonder what your voice sounds like that every voice recognition system seems to have a problem with it...

[xtrmcheeze @ May 7th 2008 7:20PM]

Don't you mean to say "Microsoft to bring Sync to another carmaker(without the 's')"...

Hyundai owns Kia, so the geek in me feels obligated to correct you, sorry, its instinct...

[El Taco @ May 7th 2008 8:36PM]

Hyundai and Kia are the first to sign up, but Microsoft is willing to bring it to other carmakers as well.

[MrBoB @ May 7th 2008 7:25PM]

Does anybody else remember those old "If GM/Ford/Whatever made cars like Microsoft" Jokes?

1. For no reason whatsoever your car would crash twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines on the road you would have to
buy a new car.

Sooo.. Those aren't jokes anymore are they? People actually think that Microsoft products belong inside of devices that can kill people.

The future frightens me.

[xtrmcheeze @ May 7th 2008 7:29PM]

OMG! I almost forgot about those!

Quoted from somewhere: "Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart! it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this. "

[Olu O @ May 7th 2008 7:30PM]

Die ... please

[Lazaro @ May 7th 2008 7:38PM]

brilliant!

[jbodar @ May 7th 2008 7:39PM]

Dude, take your meds. It's just On-Star that can also control your music. It doesn't control the steering/braking/ejector seats. I doubt a hanging process in the media player will cause your airbags to not deploy.

[MrBoB @ May 7th 2008 7:42PM]

@jdobar

That's how it starts, sure it's only in the media player *now*..

Did you forget "embrace and extend"?

[salut @ May 7th 2008 9:01PM]

we all know Microsoft are shit, but so are your petty little jokes!!

[crow610 @ May 8th 2008 2:08AM]

oh the memories!

[Jubei @ May 7th 2008 7:41PM]

It's perfect for Fords, Hyundai and Kias. Unless I want to ridicule myself, this me too product from MS will never go near my Lexus.

[Zeus.:God @ May 7th 2008 11:02PM]

Oh, you mean your Toyota?

Lexus is just like Acura. No one is going to buy a 100,000 dollar Toyota or Acura.

By the way, I think you confused the letters Lexus with Geo.

[Jubei @ May 8th 2008 2:09AM]

Look, its Zeus:God. The genius who has to add "God" to his username Zeus. I hate to say this but, Zeus..God.... DUH. I think most people understand Zeus a mythological God. LOL

Thank goodness you don't represent "most" people. If thats the case, you would be the perfect candidate as President in that movie "idiocracy".

Yes most people know that its the higher end of Toyota, just as INFINITI represents the higher ends of Nissan/Datsun. Yet you still cannot comprehend why I say the Zune wouldn't be caught dead in those vehicles. Your simplistic mind associates these Luxury models to Hyundai and Kia as equals? LOL Your thought process is just mind-boggling.

[Zeus.:God @ May 8th 2008 1:43AM]

Epic fail of a comment. Maybe I shouldn't try to make witty comments when being distracted.

[MikeKlein @ May 7th 2008 7:42PM]

I don't want their computer in the car...I want to embed MY computer in the car.

The car should merely provide better I/O to my mobile umpc/pmp/tabletPC, etc.

I could have surround speakers (via BT audio source profile), bigger display (vga/hdmi input...not on most mobile devices except htc), cameras, etc.

If bluetooth is too heavy weight for some just ensure I have an aux input jack to my car's speaker system.

My mobile device already provides most capabilities found in advanced head units and other pricey gear (cellular, wifi, gps, touchscreen, cpu, storage)...let me take advantage of it better. Upside to this is one less item worth $$$ in your car as a theft target.

[bob e @ May 7th 2008 7:43PM]

Man I could use one of these systems...

My poor car (1998 Mazda) has a cassette player. I listen to my Zune with earphones because I have no MP3 input.

[salut @ May 7th 2008 9:05PM]

You drive a car while listening to music through headphones? It's people like you who shouldn't be allowed a licence! If i saw you on the road I'd smash your piece of shit Zune against your stupid lookin' head.
DRIVING WITH HEADPHONES ON IS DANGEROUS!!!!

[Bob @ May 7th 2008 9:27PM]

HAHAHA, thats HILARIOUS salut! I still haven't stopped laughing and I read your post 5 minutes ago, hahaha!

[Jordan @ May 8th 2008 12:23AM]

I do that sometimes. If you listen to your earphones, your going to listen to it just as loud as if you were listening to it in your car. Your at just as much risk as listening to the radio.

[Kate @ May 8th 2008 10:29AM]

Wouldn't you be able to use one of those adapter systems that have been around forever? I used to drive an '88 Jetta with a casette deck, and I'd use a tape adapter to listen to cds via my discman...

...also, second on the don't drive with headphones on! Hearing is such an important part of driving!! Think of your fellow motorists...

[Eddie @ May 7th 2008 7:52PM]

I have SYNC in my Ford Fusion and I love it.

It's scary to see "Powered by Microsoft" in your car, but you get used to it.

The only problem I have is that from time I will want to play an artist from Spain, and I have to say the name with a funky Anglo accent for SYNC to get it. But at least I get a laugh out of saying "El Canto del Loco" (http://www.elcantodelloco.com/)

[Maurice Hilarius @ May 7th 2008 8:04PM]

http://www.jokesandhumor.com/jokes/163.html

[Jordan @ May 8th 2008 12:27AM]

If Maurice Hilarius was a car:
1. He'd have no sense of humor.

[Erik @ May 8th 2008 6:37AM]

Now, replace the word "Microsoft" with "Apple" in the linked page, and you'll have the situation today.

[Ridgecity @ May 7th 2008 8:16PM]

Finally, system crash and car crash will come together thanks to Microsoft.

[Eric @ May 7th 2008 8:44PM]

Why are heads-up displays never an option? They've been in use in fighters for close to 40 years now, so the tech is there.

Or how about replacing the speedo and other "mechanical" gages with a daylight readable LCD? That way you could customize your view. Just speedo and gas for the folks who don't know jack about their car, and a little more info for those of us who want to know the timing advance and incoming air temp.

Heck why do they put the map in the center of the dashboard? Too distracting. Just put an arrow on the HUD and a countdown timer for the turn.

Drive a 1970s vintage car sometime... The ultimate in driver control. Heck on my dad's '76 charger, the HVAC controls were under the driver's LEFT hand! And the power windows included a switch that would lock out everyone but the driver from having any control. There was even a bumpout so that the passenger couldn't even see any of the instrumentation, or adjust the radio.

Those were the days!