Ford has already shown it can tie the controls of Sync-enabled vehicles to the music and contacts databases of drivers phones and PMPs and though it may take time before our
emotions can be detected, the next step is extending that connectivity to downloadable apps on those devices. Since Sync first debuted, the explosion of the App Store concept has meant nearly every smartphone owner is packing plenty of ways to access and use information from the internet, but without an easy way to interact with it while driving. Extending access to vehicle controls could lead to programs like Pandora or Google's turn by turn navigation letting users change stations with their existing stereo knobs, or listen to directions via the in-car system by simply updating their existing software. The first ones to get a crack at it? A few university students, check after the break to see what they came up with given just a few weeks to test system out.
We sat in on a demo of two apps produced by University of Michigan-Dearborn students called SYNCCast and FollowMe, simple iPhone programs that enabled listening to internet radio and navigation, respectively. While navigating a queue of radio stations on your iPhone could be tricky via its own touchscreen while driving, the students were able to make their program connect via Bluetooth to the car stereo, and allow the driver to pick a station using either voice commands or the existing stereo knobs. FollowMe addressed the problems of caravan driving, once both drivers activate the program, it guides the second car to find the first -- even though it runs completely on the iPhone, once the app is activated all communication and control is done through the car's headunit.
Other future possibilities devised by the students? Enabling apps to read RSS feeds or Twitter messages to the driver, all without taking eyes off the road for more than a moment. Of course, all of this means app developers may need to familiarize themselves with requirements of the in-car environment (pulling in video streams to the screen is fine, but once the car is in motion only video in the backseat can stay on) to meet manufacturer standards for safety as they will need to some additional approval before being released. With those wrinkles aside it seems like Ford's straightforward approach to enabling additional software will help keep its cars functionality up to date just as quickly as their drivers update their phones and/or the software on them.
posted December 18th 2009 2:12PM
Can't wait to see the 1st Twitter app. And you think its bad when people text and drive...
Alright, damn it Microsoft. The freaking car system you made is getting a 3rd party app store before the Zune HD? Get it done already!
@Bill Gates
Please don't listen to marketing, Bill Gates! You'll become another Apple, with slick ad campaigns instead of fully functional products (see entry, iPhone)
I think this could be huge! I have been dying for car radios to be more open for many years. I think pairing the in car radio with the connectivity and power of a smart phone will be awesome.
Basically having a dock in the center console that will charge you phone and allow you to play Pandora, text-speech of emails, speech to text of text messages. Its going to be great.
Hoping that this will be useful to people who have a relatively early version of Sync (2008/2009 models). I'd love to see the ability to use 3rd party apps and not wait for Ford to do something. Maybe someone can build a real fast forward for USB drives/MP3 players instead of the wimpy one that is there by default. Maybe we can get some of the features available in newer Sync hardware in some fashion. (I can dream....)
@paschott
Don't hold your breath. They have released a new version with each model year, and they have not been good with updates. They've only released one update for version 2 so far and it is AWFUL! Had to go back to the old software cause the microphone stopped working after the update and she just kept asking what the hell I wanted after I pushed the SYNC button and would not respond to commands. Typical Microsoft, updates break more then they fix
Went back to original version and she listens to me again.
if you're like me and didn't know what the Sync System was before, here's some help haha.
http://www.tvlesson.com/video/43812_how-to-use-the-ford-sync-system.html
cool, more ways to crash my car!!!!!
I think some people are misunderstanding what this is about. Sync won't actually be running any apps, the apps will run on your phone. They will just have the ability to interact with Sync.
@(Unverified)
Exactly what I was understanding too. Basically much how Google Chrome OS's programs don't exist on the computer or the OS, they are virtual and brought to you via the internet.
In this case, they are being used by sync, via bluetooth to your phone.
@(Unverified)
They will indeed be running on Sync.
@Raffi256 No. Read the article more carefully.
@(Unverified) Actually, I don't think that's how Chrome works. My understanding is this *very* cool innovation from Ford is basically an API that lets apps be controlled by voice hardware buttons in the car. Basically, like remoting the UI controls... more conceptually like a terminal server.
(Chrome is basically a modified Linux OS with a very restrictive app dev model where an app runtime exists on the Chrome OS client (powered by Chrome Browser, V8 javascript engine, etc.) that renders html and javascript sent from a web server. Totally different....)
This is pretty interesting. So does this mean there trying to take after the iPhone? Im willing to bet. It should be successful, considering no other cars would have this.
It would be nice to have a Nav app that supplements the LCD-less sync navigation in my 2010 Focus. It works well enough, but there are times when it tells you to turn but its too late to get into the proper lane, etc. If it could use some sort of display, then you could display a map or something.
It would be nice to have a Nav app that supplements the LCD-less sync navigation in my 2010 Focus. It works well enough, but there are times when it tells you to turn but its too late to get into the proper lane, etc. If it could use some sort of display, then you could display a map or something.
@icase81
Fail system is fail. Need a delete button. You've revamped the system TWICE now, engadget, but still theres no edit or delete button.
It would be great if internet radio or Pandora can be streamed through a phone's data connection and controlled by SYNC. To complicate the driving experience with downloadable apps and voice menus could be dangerous as it could still be a distraction.
This rocks. I wonder what versions of Sync will be necessary to use the SDK (after all I would hate to buy the wrong car), and hopefully they have the foresight to create a Sync emulator for Visual Studio. I have lots of apps designs ready for this.
@UnsilentMajority
It will probably only be available to version 4 or 5. Ford has not been kind to early adopters despite promises since SYNC first came out that there would be new features added... well, they've added new stuff every year but they keep on making it incompatible with the existing cars with earlier versions.
Typical automaker mentality - want the new features, buy a new car.
@UnsilentMajority Imagine the fun if the Sync system gave you access to the cruise control system and steering!
But yeah, I would hate to have to buy a Ford just to make apps for Sync. A simulator seems like a necessity, and Beta testers would be very valuable.
@KC This update actually solves that problem if Ford/Microsoft do it right. From my understanding the 2nd gen Sync vehicles have a GPS radio built in for the Traffic and Directions functionality while the 1st gen vehicles do not. With an API, Sync can get information (including GPS data) directly from the handset, eliminating the need for special in-car hardware. They have no excuse whatsoever to not offer this update to all owners.
Richard, when will that UM Dearborn API demo show up on youtube? If you go again, get a closeup of the two black boxes next to the screen. Close enough see in detail what's there. When do you think the API software and description will leak on-line? Can anything interesting be done with an A to A usb cable and the proper software on my laptop?
@jonb41 One of the black boxes looks like it contains a factory stereo receiver from a Focus. The other (smaller) one looks like a breakout module of some sort, allowing engineers to attach microphones and speakers for testing as well as a USB port to plug in mp3 players, update the Firmware etc. All standard equipment, except not actually in a vehicle. You won't be able to do anything with this until Ford and Microsoft release a firmware update which is able to handle the API. Assuming the update doesn't require a trip to the dealer, you should just be able to log in to syncmyride.com and download the update when it comes out.
http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/prod_summary.jsp?code=i.MX31PDK&parentCode=i.MX31&fpsp=1&nodeId=0162468rH31143ZrDR66B1
I believe a version of this “personality module” and "processor module” is the guts of your Ford Sync. Note the 128MB DDR SDRAM, 256MB NAND FLASH, WINDOWS CE. Can anyone verify or add to this?
How the hell do I put sync in another car? My damn little Porsche is BEGGING me for a new audio platform....
My dilemma is I love Sync but am not a big fan of Ford....any chance this will ever get ported to other car manufacturers?
@mikebola and @kuruption I agree with you. Can I get this in another car? Or how about getting an older Ford and putting it in that car? Like a FORD Edge 2008/2009 or something.
This technology is exciting and does have me at least stopping by the FORD dealership to look.