Ford offers SYNC TDI update free for 2010 model owners
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted May 29th 2009 1:33PM
posted May 29th 2009 1:33PM
We've finally got the details on that Ford SYNC refresh we recently warned you about. According to the company, current owners of 2010 vehicles with the device now can download and install the latest TDI (Traffic, Directions and Information) app for free. As mentioned before, the app connects a customer's Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to Ford's Service Delivery Network voice portal for turn-by-turn driving directions, real-time traffic, business searches, news, sports and weather. This bad boy will be available on all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with SYNC, $395. The sale price includes service for the first three years. Ready to SYNC your ride? Do you find the phrase "SYNC my ride" as amusing as we do? Hit that read link.
And it understand when you speak between your teeth.
I don't think it can read lips.
yo dawg, i heard you like cars...we put a car in yo car so you can drive while you drive!
heres yo keys and yo car has been SYNC'd
wonder where this guy's goin..
He must like his job.
The second picture should have him looking pissed because he's going to be late.
New, free feature upgrades are always good. If I end up getting a Fusion for my next car, I will be getting it with SYNC. That is if I go with the more responsible car instead of a Genesis Coupe 2.0T or a WRX like I would really like to have.
My Acura RL has been doing this since 2005 but via XM.
I don't know if there's any measurable difference between doing this over the satellites or a cell phone data plan, but I think it may be a little cheaper on the XM side. I never use it though. Cool idea, but I haven't had the need to try it out yet.
Agree. My Caddy CTS does this same thing. In fact, if you dig in to the menus the OS is made by Microsoft just like SYNC. Don't get me wrong...the SYNC system is cool, but it is doing exactly what other cars have been doing for a few years now. It certainly is not revolutionary or anything.
Yeah my 2004 TL has all the voice control and NAV and BT, only missing the XM Traffic.
Didn't anyone tell them that TDI is already used in the automotive industry?
Not to mention its trademarked by VW:
http://www.volkswagen.com/vwcms/master_public/virtualmaster/en2/experience/innovation/technical_glossary/tdi.index.html
they have TDI registered in certain countries .... turbo diesels have been using direct injection for a VERY long time ... nothing new here
I just meant the acronym is used. MS/Ford should have simply re-arranged the order of the words and used DTI or ITD or whatever.
But yes, I know TDI has been around forever. VW has a new commercial out poking fun at Prius because they can get 58mpg using a new TDI setup with NO Hybrid.
Too bad the only 2010 that's actually available is the Fusion right now.
The 2010 Mustang is also out.
Connects over voice like an old-school modem or through tethering? If it's the former, that's neat. If it's the latter, they'll lose a lot of potential customers that don't have tethering or don't want to pay for tethering.
Sounds like it just makes a voice call to their voice service.
I find I only yell, 'Go Home' at my car, everything else isn't quite memorable enough.
Reminds me of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4SU0c1eUk
It'll tell you you're going to be late to work? Yeah, I'm sure your boss will be understanding. "Don't fire me. My car said I was going to be late after I got in it and my dog ate my homework."
Just what I wanted... a GPS system that talks to me even more.
I sure as hell don't need ford and a gps company knowing where I work.
fiancee just picked up a 2010 fusion a few days ago. I'll get to check it out this weekend when i visit her.
This is awesome, but at the same time they promised me updates when I got my 2008 Fusion with Sync. I know thats the price you pay with technology, I am not going to hold it against them or anything, but still. Damn it Microsoft...
Sync is still the best thing going in this category, I will buy another Fusion in a heartbeat not just because its been a great car, but man, Sync.
"There will be an accident, you will never get there ... "
"Here's your traffic..."
Is the car from New York? It seems to have a bit of an attitude... "I got your traffic right here, pal."
See if you're still smiling if you are late for work, stuck in traffic with no alternate route, and the device keeps reminding you "Your drive time is 20 minutes longer than normal".... Oh! Flying object!
Why were we "warned?" Couldn't engadget have informed us? It almost sounds like the update is a bad thing.
What an annoying site, note to designer: have fun with your flash but please don't expose the world to it, keep it on your myspace or something, thanks.
I freaking hate the slow blends flash nonsense.