Fords Sync System
Ford Motor Company needed a game changer in the auto industry. They went looking for someone that can help them deliver a voice activated system that can not only compete with GM's Onstar but somehow out-do the system. So what did Ford do, they went to Microsoft to help them develop the hardware and software for their new system. Ford calls it Sync. Sync has helped Ford Motor get back in the car business. It is the new standard in which hands-free calling and voice activated systems are measured.
Mobile Phones
Sync can pair up to 12 different phones through Bluetooth. Depending on the type of phone you have, Sync can automatically download your phone book allowing you to place calls using simple voice commands. Another feature is it's ability to take an incoming text and read it aloud by the speakers. Now with most voice activated systems there is a little delay but you really don't notice that with the Sync system. Sync also uses your phone to call 911 in the event your airbags are deployed.
MP3 Players
Having the ability to play MP3 devices in your car isn't very new, taking your iPod or Zune and using them via voice command, now we're talking technology. You can plug in your MP3 player into an auxiliary jack input and use the voice commands to play a genre, album, artist, or even a certain track. It is based on how you have it set up in your device. This also works if you have anything in digital audio format on a USB travel drive.
Traffic, Directions, Weather, and Information
Sync has taken the need of having a GPS device out of play, Sync offers services such as the ability to give you traffic updates, turn by turn directions, weather, and other useful information like sports scores. This is a new feature for the fourth generation Sync system. Every 2010 model and newer comes with these additional features free for the first three years. After that it is a nominal fee. You must step up an account withwww.syncmyride.com. The website has a lot of useful information as well.
Since Sync has a place to put a USB travel drive, you can update it's software as new updates come available. The only hardware change that has come out since it's launch in 2008 is the addition of the traffic, directions, weather and information updates. Other than that you can update the software as needed. When Microsoft completes their agreement with Ford the technology with be released to other manufacturers but Ford has the rights to the Sync name and will have at least two generations ahead of any takers of the technology. Ford Motor Company put the pieces of the puzzle together with it's Sync Voice Activated System and will help them continue to gain market share.
