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?
posted May 7th 2008 6:52PM
I've been wondering when someone will do a customizable LCD gauge cluster too. I think it's a great idea. I love digital gauges, but being able to customize the view would be even better.
Why don't we have rockets in the back of our cars? They've had them in fighter jets for over 40 years.
Just messin' with you man. Yeah, I've always wondered why it's not more common. I think cars can have a lot better interfaces then they do now.
Jets, not rockets. They're two distinct things.
Why can't MS be more like Apple when it comes to system crash. I had an itouch which crashed when I played a certain video, but instead of an ugly blue screen of death with codes telling you potential cause, you get a nice graphical apple logo screen and before you know it the gadget rebooted and you're on the login screen. Idiot users wouldn't link a nice graphical screen to a system crash.
So you are saying that most people wouldn't link a slow gray slide randomly coming down over their screen (the likes of OS X) as a system crash? Even when it then said "You need to restart your computer... blah blah blah..." people would just think that it's a new OS X feature?
Because error screens tell you what the problem is (or attempt to). How the hell do I know what the problem is if I just get a screen that shows an apple?
Apple's approach Is like your gf nonchalantly telling you she's pregnant.
"my day was great honey. watched The View, went to Starbucks to chat with the girls, got my hair done, found out I'm pregnant, watched Oprah, watched Dr. Phill"
Now Microsoft's approach: "I'M (*&(&(&(&*&^&^%%@#$%^&*(*&^%$#$%^&EN PREGNANT!"
now i understand why there hasn't been an update to MS voice command for windows mobile in two years. everybody's working on this hoopla.
I don't understand why everyone says that Microsoft's stuff is "scary." So much of it works fine, there are just a few quirks. Quit with the lame "Microsoft is scary" and "Microsoft doesn't work" crap. I have a Macbook Pro and I've had nothing but issues with it since day one. Does that mean I should be wary of buying an iPod or iPhone? No... Not unless you are lame. I can't wait to see this posted as "Lowest Ranked" on the thread.
That's because most people are sheeps, bandwagon hoppers. They follow the trends, the latest fashion. It's fashionable to trash MS, whatever they do. It's trendy to praise Apple. They feel they are "l33t" when they do both things, even though they might have never tried or owned the product.
"Not unless you are lame."
Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Lame!
Well I ain't got no voice recognition problem with my horse, and it doesn't cost me one cent of gas!
You've never ridden a horse, have you?
Surprised to hear about the recognition quality. Microsoft Voice Command on my phone works like a dream
Why must all incar touch screen UIs be ugly. I test drove at Civic Hibrid and wanted to puke for 2 reasons.
1 - upholstery was some ugly blue
2 - nav system does horrible job at drawing roads. Is it that hard to make the road look like a road and not some freggin line drawn in MS Paint?
Does this mean I will have to reboot my car every now and then?
So how before MS surprises everyone and starts forcing car owners to upgrade their Sync/MS Auto software/firmware to their newer less compatible versions just to make a buck? I can see the press release now...
MS doesnt force you to upgrade. They put the new product out an you are at liberty to buy it or not. There are ppl still using Win98 only cause they had no reason to upgrade.
When Apple comes out with a new version of their operation system (named after some cat) ppl rejoice the new development. Thats hypocrisy!!