If you were around for our
2009 CES coverage you might have caught our
ears-on demonstration of the future of Ford and Microsoft's SYNC technology, which delivered traffic, directions, and weather over a Bluetooth-tethered handset -- no monthly fee or even a data plan required. It was said the update would be included in 2010 Fords, which is still true,
but owners of older models can also get in on the fun with an update coming early next week (installable via thumb drive). That's hot, but even hotter is talk of what's planned for the next update: internet radio, and
Pandora is on the short list for hopeful inclusion. Have
you streamed in a Ford, lately?
Update: As pointed out by commenter ericr34, it actually sounds like owners of earlier SYNC cars may not be able to get in on all this goodness. Here's to hoping that Ford enables pre-recession car buyers to experience the upgrade fun.
posted May 20th 2009 8:49AM
I have Sync in my '08 Focus and absolutely love it - it actually, really, works and the Focus is a fantastic car as well.
Ford is still in business because they make great vehicles now.
I can has cute Ford model?
My SYNC doesn't have Traffic, Directions and Information; can I upgrade to get it?
No. Traffic, Directions and Information is a new service that runs on upgraded hardware; currently available only in select 2010 model vehicles in the United States.
For more information, view: Which 2010 vehicles have Traffic, Directions and Information?
@Unix
But thats a BMW logo in your pic! Try fitting a single DIN in an E60 5'er, or indeed any recent BMW - not even an adapter plate is going to work!
That said, the stock BMW head units are pretty good anyway.
No I understand Fords reasoning & had previously hard that was going to be the case. The Engadget article made it sound like things had changed & they would be available on pre-2010 models. I was pointing out the differences in wording between the Engadget article & the reference article.
Ford's going to make it. The new 2010 Mustang is hotness, almost willing to trade my '05 'stang for one. The only car manufacturer out there that can really tug my heart strings. Long live Ford!
I'm excited to get to use sync, I ordered a 2010 fusion sel with nav, which should arrive early next month. I'll be curious if it makes the cut to get the update before it leaves the factory. Coming from a 2004 mazda3, I am really impressed with how far ford has come recently. Back in 04 I didn't care for any ford model. Now they have in my opinion a really nice sedan and the best navigation system in the industry.
I'm a Chevy guy, but i really leaning towards a Fusion! 06 Colorado with 13,850 miles. hehehehe
Actually, I got a card in the mail saying that I could upgrade my 2008 Focus SE at the dealership. I have actually scheduled an appointment for tomorrow at 10 AM.
But not for the traffic, weather, and directions. It was for 991 assist and Vehicle Health Report.
AZAMAT!!!