Video: Microsoft's new Sync hands, eyes, and ears on

Microsoft's Sync hasn't exactly taken the automotive world by storm, but the updates coming to 2010 Fords seem like they could earn the service a little respect. Microsoft has added a suite of new services including voice-driven news, traffic info, and directions. We got a quick demonstration inside a shiny new Ford Escape, which kindly provided us with directions to the world's 35th-largest hydroelectric dam (you can find your way to the video below). We also got some further details on how the service uses Bluetooth to tether to any handset, downloading content using a voice call so that you can use this completely fee-free -- even if you don't have a data plan. Yes the display is simplistic to say the least, but having access to this kind of functionality without recurring monthly charges (for three years, at least) sounds fantastic to us.

Gallery: Ford Sync

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[infectedarea @ Jan 10th 2009 7:09AM]

Was there different tech in the Mustang or the Fiat?

[Nineteen88 @ Jan 10th 2009 7:13AM]

That wasn't similar to the first video.. I demand a refund!

Where is Eva?

[mynk @ Jan 11th 2009 6:21PM]

i think it would have been better if i never saw that small screen. i loved eva.
but the eva article didnt say anything about FREE!

[dcar85 @ Jan 10th 2009 8:11AM]

Was there a Fiat 500 @ CES?

Man, I'd love to have one of those as my daily driver.

[infectedarea @ Jan 10th 2009 8:21AM]

The Abarth version only of course.

[Neil @ Jan 10th 2009 8:12AM]

25 miles away and it takes 1 hour and 35 minutes?

Slow car.

[Private ryan @ Jan 10th 2009 11:04AM]

Duh maybe because the car isnt moving

[Brian @ Jan 10th 2009 11:14AM]

It's going to take a lot longer than 1 hour and 35 minutes then.

[Jake B @ Jan 10th 2009 3:23PM]

@ private ryan

Only when you are not looking.

[one2gamble @ Jan 10th 2009 11:41AM]

sync didnt deserve respect in the first place?

It actually has worked pretty well from the get go

[mlau @ Jan 10th 2009 11:45AM]

There's a reason MS Sync hasn't caught on: The auto industry is rather slow-moving and they already have a proven solutions (most are based on QNX and other RTOS). A guy from Bosch I talked to about this a while back even started
laughing when I mentioned Microsoft wants to get a foothold in the automotive sector. (Getting new stuff into the automotive
sector requires getting a _LOT_ of certification. They usually frown upon unproven things. And Microsoft is sort of a joke
in the embedded space anyway)

Ford (and Fiat) are using Sync because Microsoft probably paid the whole R&D for them.

[darren @ Jan 10th 2009 1:33PM]

SYNC hasn't 'caught on'? WTH? First of all it's a Ford exclusive right now, so you won't find it in a Chevy or Honda. Secondly Ford's numbers show that 30% of sales are being heavily influenced by SYNC, so clearly it is doing well.

Everyone I know who has used or owns SYNC aboslutely loves it - especially the NAV integrated versions. It works well, provides useful features, and adds a relatively small amount to the cost of a new car.

[DEan @ Jan 10th 2009 3:28PM]

SYNC is great and has a unique feature set. Ford is doing great things with their embedded technologies. I have a Lincoln MKX with SYNC on lease that will expire later this year. The vehicle is great, with first-rate quality. I want SYNC on my next vehicle.

[Matthew @ Jan 10th 2009 3:29PM]

SYNC has caught on. Vehicles with in are moving off the dealer lots 2x as fast as ones without. Also, as mentioned by Darren SYNC is exclusive to Ford. In fact, SYNC is a Ford product and will not be found on non Ford vehicles ever. Microsoft Auto is the base that powers it. Ford has had a North American exclusivity agreement with Microsoft Auto, so no it would not be in other vehicle lines yet.

As for the reference to Bosch it sounds a bit like when Motorola and others in the cell phone industry were bad talking Apple for not having a clue how hard the cell phone industry is, and that they were not worried back in early 07. Do you think they are worried now?

[Gregory @ Jan 15th 2009 2:54AM]

I love sync, but the small screen and lack of visual details will keep people thinking its an immature product.

[Markus @ Jan 14th 2009 1:19PM]

Sync hasn't caught on?? Sync is probable the most wanted feature for a Ford vehicle. Contary to what you and your so called "guy from Bosch" may assume, Microsoft has had a footing in the automotive arena for some time and none of those certifications you imply are really necessary to run GPS Navigation, music, Voice control or other add-on's since they do not affect the drivetrain, safety, or emmisions of a vehicle. Plus, given that fact that Sync is already in Ford vehicles don't you think they probable got all the minor details, such as certifications, out of the way? Try thinking about it.

I know you probable think you're somehow "cool" or something by trolling around trying to bash Microsoft or American made cars but using false assumptions and phony facts to back up your statements only proves you juvenile and irrelevent.