Jalopnik
As you can see from the video above (apologies on the size — we never know how big these things can get) we had the opportunity last week to head down to the super-secret FoMoCo testing and development lab to get an exclusive hands-on with Ford's new infotainment hotness, Sync. The system, created through a joint effort between FoMoCo and the evil geniuses in Redmond will, if you listen to FoMoCo Prez of the Americas, Mark Fields, "revolutionize the automotive industry." While we're not sure we'd go that far, we will say the system is definitely the most robust system we've yet seen for connecting your personal audio and communication devices to your car for in-auto infotainment. The system's just that good.
Sync features two main methods of connection and three bundled applications. On an integration level, it's got a software-upgradeable bluetooth system and a USB connection. The USB connection, in and of itself is pretty amazing — allowing you to connect any mass storage device via a USB cable to a 400 MHz system plus 256 MB of on-board flash RAM. But unlike systems which run the mp3's (or in the case of the Sync system, any unprotected music files) off of an on-board hard drive (think Chrysler's MyGig system), Sync lets you play them off of the drive itself — no muss, no fuss. That means whether you've got an iPod, a Zune or whatever — as long as you've got a USB cable, you're golden. But that's not the only way you can get music onto your audio system — the bluetooth system will let you do it as well. And not only does it let you stream mp3's off of your phone — it'll let you play internet radio via any device with Windows Media Player. But wait, wait — there's more.
You see, there are already a few systems out there with head unit integration — and don't get me wrong, that's cool — in and of itself, that's almost like the "Holy Grail" for iPod audiophiles with auto-integration on the mind. However, there's something cool that sets Sync apart. Sync has one hell of an advanced voice recognition system — letting the driver play songs simply by depressing a voice activation button located on the steering wheel and speaking aloud the artist, album, genre — or even the song title. And, as you can see from the above video, it actually works. But this ain't the only thing it can do — check back in a few hours and we'll bring you the second part — phone and communication device integration.
Related:
Ford And Microsoft Get In "Sync" To Offer Wireless Internet In Your Car [internal]
Comments
So... This doesn't work with Napster songs on my Mp3 player? That sucks...
just wait until the voice recognition triggers the super potential ejection seats when the kids get too antsie "are we there yeeeeeeetttt...."
I love what Microsoft is doing now...about time!
I've had iPod support (including starting on the last song played) in my Alpine for a long time, it's nothing new. The voice commands is interesting until you ask for a song title which 20 different bands use (not to mention cover versions). WiFi is pretty nice, but knowing this is built on a Windows Mobile platform, it'll probably be a downfall once the hacking begins.
worst GUI ever. although very enthused i guess about a2dp (about time).
great function, terrible form :(
Zune doesn't mount as a USB mass storage device.
Yes, but the Microsoft magic-men have totally made it so it works.
Wert to your mother. That's something that is both cool and innovative, sort of. And it works. And it's from Ford. Next, can we have a Karaoke function for everyone who thinks they are invisible when they sing in the car?
"WiFi is pretty nice, but knowing this is built on a Windows Mobile platform, it'll probably be a downfall once the hacking begins."
Are you trying to flatter yourself by saying some hacker will go out of his way to hack your stereo? Wow.
I wonder if some people think this will happen to them if they get a Zune or an Xbox.."Oh man I'm so gonna get hacked on this MS product, you know it's got to have security flaws all around"... Oh man now I have a story to share with my fellow geeks.
I just love it when Wert goes all infomercial: "Wait, there's more?"
Let it never be said that Microsoft doesn't innovate.
That's all sorts of hotness right there.
It should automatically switch to the iPod when you plug it in. You shouldn't have to select USB as a source.
That's like having to select CD as a source after you put the CD into the player.
Does Microsoft have no user interface experts?
As a motorcyclist, I am NOT happy with the proliferation of distractions available inside the cabins of modern cars of late. Cellphones are a big enough threat, and iPods didn't help any--but TEXT?!
Guess it's better that it's all integrated and by voice command. More than once I've had to swerve around kids texting obliviously on their phones while driving.
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