Ford Motor, the second-largest automaker in US, will equip a dozen of its 2008 car models, including Ford Explorer and Focus with the “Sync”, a fully integrated factory-installed but option in-car communications and entertainment system provided by Microsoft Auto, the automotive division of Microsoft group. Sync software system will provide drivers with voice-activated software that helps them to make mobile phone call, allow drivers to play or shuffle downloaded music and songs stored on digital music players, MP3 players or media players, or search for addresses, read text messages read to drivers and many other features that make mobile activities and connectivity while driving fun, pleasure, safe and enjoyable.

Sync system support drivers using English, Spanish or French. Microsoft Sync only support cellphones that have a Bluetooth wireless connection, which lets drivers use the phone even if it’s located in a pocket or purse. Once connected, drivers will be able to use voice command to tell or call out contacts to ring a entry from their phone’s address book or any phone number using buttons on the steering wheel and voice commands. There is also a USB 2.0 port that supports the command and control and charging of digital media players such as the Apple iPod or Microsoft Zune player, where drivers can also use voice commands to tell the car which song they want to play, request specific artists and tracks by name from their Apple iPod. The system will also accommodate personal digital assistants.

Thus, with Sync system, Ford cars offer drivers hands-free phone operation and iPod, Zune or MP3 player connectivity, and allows motorists control the system with voice commands or using steering-wheel controls. Best of all, it’s built on a software platform that is upgradeable and can be easily upgrade the software in future for new features. Sync can host nearly any digital media player, including the Apple iPod, Microsoft Zune, PlaysForSure players and most USB storage devices, and supports media formats of MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV and PCM.

Other notable feature is that the system can read out incoming text messages or SMS, and can translate commonly used messaging expressions such as “LOL” (laugh out loud) audibly.

List of Sync Features

• Voice-activated, hands-free calling: Simply press the “Push to Talk” 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 phone’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 it out loud. The system is even smart enough to translate such commonly used text messaging expressions as “LOL” and :). 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 — all conveniently located on the radio’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 “Play genre Rock,” “Play < artist >,” or “Play Track < song title >.”
• Instant voice recognition: Sync’s advanced voice recognition technology means when you’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 you’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.

Sync will debut Fall 2007 on the 2008 Ford Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred, Edge, Freestyle, Explorer and Sport Trac; Mercury Milan, Montego and Mountaineer; and Lincoln MKX and MKZ. The technology will be on all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the near future.

More information on Sync can be found on Sync My Ride.