Staying Connected: Ford Sync.

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Microsoft Auto + Ford Sync = Sweet Innovation OR Highway Blue Screens of Death?

According to Microsoft.com, Microsoft Windows Automotive 5.0 is an automotive-grade open software platform that provides OEMs, suppliers, and developers with the building blocks they need to quickly and reliably create a broad range of advanced in-vehicle solutions that meet the growing needs of automotive consumers.

Ford Sync is Ford's exclusive new fully integrated, voice-activated, in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. This system is said to be one of the most advanced systems available today. Ford's banking on the notion that others will feel the same as it will initially be available in 12 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles this year. The great thing about the system is that it can be operated using voice alone, controlling cell phones, iPods, Zunes, USB storage devices, and more. Alternatively, devices can be controlled using the vehicle's steering wheel mounted controls.

The system is flash memory-based and provides two methods of connectivity, Bluetooth and USB 2.0. Supported media formats include MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, and PCM. It's comprised of an ARM 11 processor, 64MB of DRAM and 256MB of flash memory. An informational display is provided on a small screen on the face of the stereo console or embedded in the instrument cluster.

Ford Sync will first be seen on these vehicles: 2008 Ford Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred, Edge, Freestyle, Explorer and Sport Trac; Mercury Milan, Montego and Mountaineer; and Lincoln MKX and MKZ. It will be included in all Ford vehicles in the near future.

Listed below are the initial features according to Ford's press release. Since the system is entirely software based, it's easily upgradeable via it's USB port -- Ford Sync Service Pack 1, Service Pack 2, Service Pack 3 -- you get the picture.

• Voice-activated, hands-free calling: Simply press the âÂ?Â?Push to TalkâÂ?Â? button on the steering wheel, and then say the name of the person you wish to call. Sync will automatically connect with the names in the mobile phoneâÂ?Â?s contact list.


• Uninterrupted connections: No need to hang up in the middle of a cell phone call as you enter your vehicle. Simply touch the Telephone button on the steering wheel, and Sync will instantly connect to a Bluetooth phone.


• Audible text messages: Sync will convert text messages from your phone to audio and read them out loud. The system is even smart enough to translate such commonly used text messaging expressions as âÂ?Â?LOLâÂ?Â? and J. You can choose to reply from any of 20 predefined responses.


• Advanced calling features: Sync includes the same features offered on mobile phones, including caller ID, call waiting, conference calling, a caller log, a list of contacts, a signal strength icon, and a phone battery charge icon âÂ?Â? all conveniently located on the radioâÂ?Â?s display screen.


• Voice-activated music: Browse the music collection on your digital media player, mobile phone or USB drive by genre, album, artist and song title using simple voice commands, such as âÂ?Â?Play genre Rock,âÂ?Â? âÂ?Â?Play ,âÂ?Â? or âÂ?Â?Play Track .âÂ?Â?


• Instant voice recognition: SyncâÂ?Â?s advanced voice recognition technology means when youâÂ?Â?re ready to use your phone or digital music player, just speak simple voice commands.


• Ring tone support: For supported phones, Sync will play personal ring tones. If youâÂ?Â?ve configured unique ring tones to identify specific callers, Sync will automatically play those, too.


• Automatic phonebook transfer: Sync will automatically and wirelessly transfer all the names and numbers in a mobile phonebook.


• Multilingual intelligence: Sync is fluent in English, French and Spanish.

Wow! If this system performs as promised, Ford might have a winner on their hands. Sync, in conjunction with their new vehicle lineup, is exactly what Ford needs to stay on track with their restructuring plan. The voice recognition software, provide by Microsoft, is a similar system to those provided in numerous Honda and Acura vehicles, all of which received high marks for intelligence. Obviously within the next few years all vehicles will offer similar systems as drivers demand they stay connected with their expensive hand held devices. I also think this is great for those people (you know who you are) that like to dodge and weave through rush hour traffic, all while carrying on that important conversation on their cellphone. Now you can dodge and weave with two hands on the wheel instead of one!

I am surprised that Ford didn't offer a large hard drive for storage. Hopefully, Ford was smart enough to separate the vehicle systems. If Microsoft Auto decides to blue screen am I going to lose my entire entertainment/audio system? Will the stereo/CD player continue to work? More importantly, will the vehicle continue to operate? This may give a whole new meaning to the infamous Windows blue screen of death. We'll have to wait and see.

It might be a while for me, I'm looking at the new F-150 for my next vehicle and it most likely won't be available until 2009 .