Sync adds turn-by-turn, traffic reports for some 2010 Fords
by Ross Miller 
posted Jan 8th 2009 at 10:56AM
NEW FORD SYNC FEATURES HELP DRIVERS SAVE TIME, FUEL WITH PERSONALIZED NEWS, TRAFFIC DETAILS
LAS VEGAS, JAN.7, 2009 -- Ford is expanding its connectivity leadership by introducing exclusive new SYNC real-time information features that deliver personalized news updates to drivers' mobile phones while helping them navigate around trouble spots, saving time and fuel.
"Our vision with SYNC is to be a leader in connectivity, making it affordable for millions – just as Ford has done with safety and fuel-saving technologies," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "In less than 18 months since we launched SYNC, Ford has delivered two more major new features, and we have more in store.
"We are a car company that through market-driven, customer focused innovation is learning to think and act like an electronics company, leveraging partnerships with fresh, innovative technology leaders," added Mulally, who delivered the Consumer Electronics Show keynote address on Thursday.
The success of SYNC – the award-winning communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft – continues to grow. Ford's game-changing vehicle connectivity model and affordability have helped make it one of the widest technology introductions in the industry, launching on 12 vehicles simultaneously.
SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles sell nearly twice as fast as those without, and a Ford survey of SYNC customers showed nearly 80 percent of respondents "definitely would" recommend it to a friend.
Since the introduction of SYNC in the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford quickly has integrated the technology. By summer 2009, Ford's entire North American lineup will offer this must-have technology, demonstrating its rapid, consumer-driven adoption. Ford expects to have 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles on the road by the third quarter of 2009.
"We define connectivity as a way to keep people moving through their lives – not simply as an on-board computer," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Our approach focuses on connecting people to the information they need, whenever and wherever they need it. These new features are aimed at enhancing the driver's entire quality of life."
Leveraging industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth-capable mobile phone, SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.
The new services will be available on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no initial monthly subscription fees, thanks to three years of service included with a new vehicle purchase.
"Ford is unique because we continue to build on the power of the SYNC system that lets customers connect to off-board services through their own mobile devices," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Organization. "With that foundation, there is no limit to the data we can offer. Working with our partners – the best of the best in the technology world – we will continue to provide new services in a timeframe on par with the consumer electronics industry."
According to 2008 year-end data, Smartphones were a clear consumer must-have, offering such advanced capabilities as a keyboard, Web browser and some PC-like functionality. Research findings suggest that growth in this industry is expected to continue at 40-percent year-over-year.
SYNC's new suite of services allows customers the ability to integrate with off-board services and provide a personalized infotainment experience to the driver by utilizing the customer's own phone. That powerful match is what differentiates SYNC in the marketplace and what will expand Ford's connectivity leadership long-term.
"Today, Ford leads the industry leader in infotainment," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "As we transform our vehicle lineup, we intend to continue making smart technology a key differentiator for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products."
Ford is partnering with Microsoft and other recognized companies – INRIX, TeleNav, Tellme (a Microsoft subsidiary), M/A-COM and Airbiquity -- to enable the new services to connect to real-time data.
"We're excited to see Ford's great innovations developed on top of our Microsoft Auto platform that continue to improve how people spend time in their car," says Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division. "The combination of software and services, including the industry leading technology from Microsoft Auto and Tellme, are delivering entirely new voice-enabled experiences that make the time spent in the car more entertaining and more productive."
To take advantage of Traffic, Directions and Information, customers simply have to pair their Bluetooth-enabled phone with SYNC and activate the service via www.syncmyride.com.
Once that's complete, the feature becomes "portable," meaning customers can access the information in any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle equipped with SYNC and the Traffic, Directions and Information function.
TRAFFIC
SYNC's new traffic feature will literally save drivers time and money by providing personalized traffic reports based on best-in-class content.
"We are able to provide traffic speed, flow and incident information to drivers in 95 markets nationwide," said VanDagens. "In addition, drivers can personalize the system to alert them of changing road conditions."
In a text message to the user's device, drivers will get the location and severity of accidents or new road construction causing areas of heavy congestion. Users can personalize the system to send them an alert before they leave home or have SYNC read the text message in their vehicle.
"SYNC is working for you before you're even out of bed," VanDagens said. "That's what we mean by a quality-of-life experience."
DIRECTIONS
According to Telematics Research Group, Inc., navigation-enabled mobile phones are becoming consumers' top choice for navigation services. This shift will open up new applications and services – and SYNC is positioned to take full advantage of this market shift using its powerful partnership network.
Drivers requesting directions now can use a variety of search criteria including a 14-million-plus business directory to find their destination, be it a favorite coffee shop or the location of a business meeting.
Turn-by-turn directions are downloaded to the vehicle and are spoken to the user over the vehicle's audio system and displayed on the radio.
Like the new traffic service, directions incorporate real-time traffic information. Through a set of more conversational voice commands, the user need only speak the name, category or "nearest."
The new directions service also offers users a choice of how they'd like to receive the information:
* Automatic connection to business telephone using the driver's personal device;
* Turn-by-turn directions to the business location using the vehicle's audio system; or
* Text message to user's device with business listing and map.
Information
Another new feature of SYNC will help drivers' personalize and categorize their favorite media topics, such as sports, weather and news using voice commands or through www.syncmyride.com.
Examples include:
• Personalized sports reports featuring scores and highlights for any professional or college team;
• Current weather conditions and forecasts based on city, state or zip-code; and
• News of all types – entertainment, business, top stories and technology.
"SYNC has been developed to allow users to create their own experiences," said VanDagens. "Some people may wish to check their stock portfolios; others might want their hometown baseball scores. With SYNC's unique architecture and the powerful Tellme voice service, there are no boundaries to the information users can access."
New short-cuts added
SYNC has gotten smarter as well, and is providing a variety of new "short-cut" commands. Users recall comments such as, "Call Joe at work," and, "Play artist ACDC." New commands include, "traffic to work," and, "directions to home." Using the website, users can save a variety of locations such as home, office and airport – any location in the U.S.
These new capabilities are in addition to SYNC's established hallmark suite of services, from hands-free, voice-activated cell phone, text messaging and digital media player integration to the more recent security and convenience additions of 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report.
"We understand how important it is for customers to feel connected to their lives – even on the road," Kuzak said. "Ford is committed to continue working with the top technology companies in the business to deliver even more of the features consumers really want."
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shinigami @ Jan 8th 2009 11:01AM
Microsoft-powered driver distraction. Please adopt auto-pilot that doesn't crash and doesn't drive over people/animals first, distractions of all kinds later.
Jonathan @ Jan 8th 2009 11:05AM
I have a Zune and this whole thing looks awesome. But Ford? I just bought a Honda Fit. When is this technology coming to aftermarket receivers??
Richard @ Jan 8th 2009 11:56AM
I've got a Mazda 3 that's begging for anew receiver.. I know as soon as I buy one though Microsoft will probably release Sync to aftermarket (I always have horrible luck). I have a Zune and a WinMo phone (HTC Touch Pro), now I just need the damn radio.
JerkfacedFed @ Jan 8th 2009 11:12AM
Nice work, its nice to see them standardize all this stuff. I agree with Jonathan though, aftermarket versions would penetrate the market much faster!
Platinum_Skeet @ Jan 8th 2009 11:14AM
Doesn't Ford and Technology sound like the perfect Oxymoron...
Ford could make cars fly is this point and their brand name will still suck...
BruinGuy @ Jan 8th 2009 11:21AM
I'm not sure what fantasy world you're living in. Or maybe you just listen to the rumors of others and use that as your opinion. My wife, kids and I have owned 10 fords over the last 30 years and each of them have given us at least 200,000 miles of almost trouble free service. I did have to replace an air conditioner compressor in one of them but that's the most work ever done. From Mustang convertibles to V8 Expeditions they've all worked perfectly. After almost 2 million miles of driving Ford is a strong and reliable.
How many miles have you driven in Fords to be the expert to know that they suck?
Derek @ Jan 8th 2009 1:53PM
...your tagname is "Platinum_Skeet" and you're talking about names that suck.....right.
My whole family owns Ford cars, all of which perform quite well - can't wait to get a new one with this Sync system. Rock on Ford.
Derek @ Jan 8th 2009 11:31AM
Yeah I don't get the continuing Ford hate. Yes, in the 80's, man, they had some stinkers. But how would you like it if you did something bad in a period of your life and then nobody ever gave you another chance. Ford has quality, confirmed by every source I have read, JD Power, Consumer Reports, etc, that over their entire vehicle line is on part with Toyota and Honda, who are recognized as being good quality vehicles. They have improved by leaps and bounds. My past 6 (2002 Sport Trac, 2003 Sport Trac, 2004 Ranger, 2005 Sport Trac, 2005 Explorer, an unfortunate lease of a 2007 Dodge Caliber, and then my 2008 Fusion) Ford Vehicles from my 2002 Sport Trac to my 2008 Fusion have been flawless with the exception of my USB port going out once on the Fusion. One small, fixed in an hour, problem over 7 years and 5 vehicles.
I think its time people get off the domestic hatred bandwagon and actually do some reading.
Derek @ Jan 8th 2009 11:32AM
Bah, I meant 6 vehicles. Also, I think I need to change my display name since it looks like there are two Derek's.
Magallanes @ Jan 8th 2009 12:01PM
Ford, think in power and gadget, in opposite, the rest of the world think technology must be used to consume less gas x miles and to increase the security (at the same time).
Ford Ka, Ford Fiesta?, don't be joking.
Platinum_Skeet @ Jan 8th 2009 12:39PM
It's not about Domestic hate I own a Dodge Magnum and about to have a Challlenger plus I'd drive Chevy anyday. My personal experience comes from the 02 Mustang my family purchased in 2001 and the various Fords I've ran into through the 90's
Out of the big 3 I feel that me and most Americans will buy Dodge or Chevy before Ford...
Me @ Jan 8th 2009 1:29PM
@Platinum_Skeet - Your followup response is more ill-informed than your initial posting. Did you know that Chrylser has the worst quality ratings of the domestic 3 automakers? In actuality, recent surveys by JD Power have found that Ford is equal to Honda and Toyota in quality. GM and Chrylser? Nope.
I encourage you to do some homework before you start posting comments like that in the future. Here's a good starting point:
http://www.thefordstory.com
Platinum_Skeet @ Jan 8th 2009 1:44PM
Brand quality and brand loyalty are two different things. Just because Fords making good cars now doesn't mean the damage hasn't been fixed from it's past...
Coke Boi @ Jan 8th 2009 1:56PM
Ford started improving after they acquired Volvo Cars in 1997. Most Ford cars and CUVS share the same frame and safety specs from the Volvo brand. It'll suck if/when they sell Volvo Cars to whomever, but hopefully they will continue to do well...I plan on buying a Ford Edge before the end of the year :-)
Fanboy @ Jan 8th 2009 11:16AM
I love my Sync. I don't need an expensive iPod to play music. A 16gb thumb drive will do. Plus now I can listen to Last.fm via my Windows Mobile phone. No need to pay for XM radio. Just awesome.
Keep it up Ford and Microsoft.
neodorian @ Jan 8th 2009 12:29PM
Not to mention that you can stream any of thousands shoutcast stations and Pandora radio also. Get yourself a $15/month unlimited 3G data plan and you are set. I haven't needed a standalone GPS or MP3 player or sat radio for the past year or two now.
Derek @ Jan 8th 2009 11:18AM
It is hardly a driver distraction. Its quite the opposite. It helps keep you from getting distracted because you dont have to play with the radio, your phone, anything like that. You just tell it what you want it to do, down to simple commands like Play, Mute, etc. I have it on my 08' Fusion and I can't imagine not having it now. Especially if you have a fully compatible cell phone, it makes life so much better. I use it with my iPhone and through one cable it charges the iphone, plays all my music on it, and when I receive calls it pauses the music and switches to the bluetooth for the phone, which sounds really good. The passenger can also use the iPhone even with it playing music and whatever else without issue.
Overall its an excellent system, and I love my Fusion so I hope they continue to bring on more features so when I get a 2010/11 Fusion its like a new experience.
sdreamer @ Jan 8th 2009 11:32AM
When I first saw the comercials for this, I was really captivated by it. I wanted it really badly. It is really a selling point for me when I'm looking at cars, and it's one of the few positives I check off when I even consider Ford. I hope it comes to other cars soon too. Don't you need a WinMo phone to take 100% total advantage of everything in it? That seems like the Microsoft way, the one negative I don't like about most Microsoft products.
Jeremy W @ Jan 8th 2009 4:46PM
You absolutely do not need to have a WinMo phone to take full advantage of SYNC. I have used an iPhone and a BlackBerry with SYNC, and they both worked perfectly. For the phone part, SYNC uses fully standard Bluetooth. If your phone supports a feature, SYNC will take advantage of it. Same with music players, it works perfectly with Apple products.
I understand why people would assume Microsoft would cripple the system, but they absolutely haven't.
Christian Walters @ Jan 8th 2009 11:54AM
Damnit! When is this going to make it into aftermarket head units? I have wanted a Snyc based unit since it was announced...and, correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that the contract between Microsoft and Ford ends in 2010? Anyways, if you are like me and actually like Microsoft, then this is just awesome. I have a Zune 30, 2 WinMo phones by my side at all times, but no Ford(GMC for me).....shit, who here has a Ford and WISHES they didnt...show of hands people?
Colin @ Jan 8th 2009 11:11PM
I'm scratching my head a little on this one. They're getting turn-by-turn directions, but do they still not have GPS/maps?
Sync is one of the most advanced systems to ever hit the automobile, but lack of GPS is its Achilles' heel.
Prestor John @ Jan 9th 2009 12:41AM
You misunderstand. Sync has GPS. The turn by turn described in the article above refers to avoiding the traffic problems also referred to in the article above.
The Sync GPS works pretty well actually. I don't like the lack of 3d perspective option but it gets the job done. I also don't like the inability to enter manual addresses without stopping the car. No goddamn hacks for it yet.
As for the person above who states ford is quality: Ehhhh I still buy the POS because I have abused spouse syndrome, but Ford's do have more problems than warranted. My 2002 Explorer would randomly have error message and the liftgate fell off one day. Ford Service is a cesspool of humanity. My current 2008 explorer came with bad wiring and the sync system had a problem after a month. It's been going strong since though.
Jeremy W @ Jan 8th 2009 4:44PM
You must have an older nav system, because the one in my 2009 Escape has 3D perspective. The interface is incredibly slick, as well.
2010 @ Jan 8th 2009 3:51PM
2010 Ford is gone :) Toast like GM and Chrysler.... All three just produce crap.
Jeremy W @ Jan 8th 2009 4:47PM
Yeah... that's why Ford was the only one of the big 3 that didn't need to be bailed out by the government, right?
d889 @ Jan 8th 2009 7:02PM
ford4life :)
all the more reason to buy the f150 diesel when it comes out