Microsoft and Kia formalize partnership, Uvo is born
By Tim Stevens 
posted December 30th 2009 6:31PM
posted December 30th 2009 6:31PM
It's been known for some time that Microsoft's automotive passions couldn't be sated exclusively by Ford, at least not for long. Sync has been giving the blue oval some serious tech cred for years now, and while we're still eagerly awaiting the SHO to get its own app store, we've also been wondering what other, fresher companies will do with the tech given the chance. We'll be finding out next week, with Microsoft and Kia launching Uvo (short for "your voice"), the fruits of a partnership that we've known about since 2008. It's another implementation of Microsoft's Windows Embedded Technologies, the guts behind Sync, and so while we expect that'll mean the two systems will be inherently very similar, we're also expecting a fresh new skin and some funky new functionality. How funky? Sadly neither of the two are willing to say just yet, but you'll have all the details as soon as we do -- about this time next week.
"we've also been wondering what other, fresher companies will do with the tech given the chance"
Uh, how about Blue&Me, which Fiat launched on Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia vehicles several years ago?
@Joanna D
A friend of mine has a Fiat with the similar-featured Blue&Me system installed. He says when it works it's great, but the system often gets stuck and he needs to disconnect the phone to get going again. And every 2-3 weeks he's digging his way to the car's fuse box to pull the power on it because it gets so stuck that he can't get it working anymore without cutting power...
I own a 2010 Kia Forte and I LOVE it. Bluetooth works PERFECTLY. The sound system is GREAT. The cabin is virtually silent.
It looks sweet too!
It's not perfect though. I don't like the fact that the car doesn't have auto-on headlights and the seats feel kind of cheap.
However, it has a great warranty and I got mine for under 20k (including extended base warranty from 5 to 7 years, 3 years free maintenance and the 10 year 100k powertrain for engine and tranny).
@godlikesme
Sweet! I'm definitely getting me a Forte. :)
So does that mean it's only going to Kia and not to Hyundai? I want to see this on the Genesis Coupe.
no microsoft in my car thank you
My personal experience with sync. I have an Escape (pre-sync) but my boss has an MKX with Sync and set it up with his Treo and now his Pre (I also had Treo's and now a Pre so I am very familiar with them). From my personal experience as the "tech guy" setting up the and testing the Sync system, it is simple as any other Bluetooth device, works very well, and the voice command is IMPRESSIVE. Used to work for a car dealer (* 6 yrs ago) and so at the time I was in EVERY make and model and at that time voice software SUCKED. Can't speak to today's software except SYNC, but SYNC works really well, and if my boss can use it for his GPS and cellphone it must be easy to use or I would be out in the car hitting it for him until it worked easier. He can't wait for the SYNC update next year even though he probably won't end up using a thing it has on it! Also the USB port is great for him to charge stuff as well as plug in a USB stick with meeting audio on it that would be stupid to burn to a CD since new stuff comes out every other day. And one more note... tested with Pandora for the Pre (while setting it up don't tell him) worked fine, was kind of cool to have Pandora in your car without having to buy anything you don't already own (aka a car and a phone).
Ok people let me have it... tell me I don't use it everyday blah... my boss would have me out there everyday if it weren't working.
When I replace this Escape... it will be with a newer one with SYNC for sure.
That sucks, I just bought a Kia Forte Koup SX...Would have liked to have had this! Prob. won't be available unil 2011.
I hate MSFT, so I'd much rather see Android in cars if Apple doesn't get involved.