How Ford Sync Works

Cell phones and MP3 players are devices that allow you to go just about anywhere and still stay connected to your friends and your music. Like the automobile, mobility defines these devices. Automakers understand that many of their customers don't like to be without their cell phones and music players. Every year, more and more vehicles are available with Bluetooth connections that allow properly equipped cell phones to interface with the car's audio system. MP3 player owners can enjoy their music via special inputs on their vehicles' audio systems.

If you're in the market for a new car, it can be difficult to track down a non-luxury vehicle that incorporates both Bluetooth and an auxiliary audio input. Ford, however, is changing this. The company is partnering with computing giant Microsoft to offer Sync on several of its model-year 2008 vehicles. Ford Sync is a digital interface that uses specialized software that allows drivers and passengers to control their cell phones and MP3 players via wireless connections and voice commands.

Ford Sync Explained

Ford partnered with Microsoft to create Sync as a way for vehicle owners to stay connected with their cell phones and digital music players. Instead of needing separate connections for these devices, Sync works as an all-in-one solution that can be updated as new phones and players are released. Ford Sync looks to provide a simpler, one-stop-shop for connection and use of cell phones and MP3 players.

Sync technology targets "Generation Y," a group that represents about 57 million people born between 1981 and 1995. This group comprises many first-time car buyers. While they may be new to buying cars, they are no strangers to cell phones and MP3 players. Ford researchers say these buyers want to stay connected with these devices anywhere at any time.

With Ford Sync, consumers can operate a mobile phone or digital media player three ways: using voice commands, the vehicle's steering wheel, or its radio controls. See more Ford Sync pictures.

Many vehicles, from inexpensive subcompact cars to premium large SUVs, have some type of connection that allows you to connect your Apple iPod or other digital music player to the audio system. You still have to cycle through your songs on the player itself, though a few cars, such as the Honda Fit, have a connection that allows you to use an iPod via the dashboard's audio controls.

Likewise, Bluetooth wireless cell phone connections are becoming more common. Bluetooth is a wireless protocol that uses short-range radio to allow devices to communicate with each other. Most modern cell phones have integrated Bluetooth, which allows them to interface with a wireless headset or a properly equipped vehicle. This feature was first introduced on luxury vehicles, but is now found on inexpensive compact cars like the Nissan Versa.

The key to making Sync work is the new Microsoft Auto software. Ford and Microsoft officials claim Sync can interface with just about any current MP3 player or Bluetooth cell phone. Passengers can connect their cell phones through Sync's integrated Bluetooth technology. The software will seek the address book and transfer the names and numbers to an internal database. Like many existing Bluetooth cell phone links, Sync is capable of voice-activated, hands-free calling. Push a button on the steering wheel, and you can speak the name or number you wish to call.

For example, if you're talking on the phone and walking through the parking lot, there is no need to end the call after you've gotten in and started your car. A button on the steering wheel will immediately connect the phone to Sync without interrupting your conversation.

Sync diverts from the traditional Bluetooth path by utilizing text-to-speech technology to read aloud any text messages you might receive while driving. The system can translate commonly used text message phrases such as "LOL" (laughing out loud). In turn, you can reply to an audible text message from one of 20 predefined responses. Sync also supports many of the other features found on cell phones, including caller ID, call waiting, conference calling, a caller log, and signal strength and battery charge icons. When you receive a call, Sync can play personal ring tones, including special tones for specific callers. All this information is shown on the radio display screen.

MP3 players connect to the system through an included USB 2.0 port. The port can also charge the player. Apple's iPod and Microsoft's Zune players fully support all of Sync's functions, including operating the player via voice commands, just like you would with your cell phone. You can use those commands to browse the music on your player. You can also command it to play tracks, or play only files from a specific genre. You just have to make sure that your music is properly sorted on the player. While most MP3 players can connect to Sync, there was no word from Ford or Microsoft about whether players besides iPod and Zune will support voice commands.

As Sync primarily runs on software, the system is upgradeable. Ford and Microsoft have plans to allow dealer service technicians to perform updates when the vehicles are in for scheduled maintenance. Updates may also be available on a Web site for consumers to download and install.

Sync will be optional equipment, but Ford didn't announce what it would cost. Company officials did confirm that the technology won't just be limited to top-end models. It will be available on a range of 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, including the Ford Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred, Edge, Freestyle, Explorer, and Explorer Sport Trac; Lincoln MKX and MKZ; and Mercury Milan, Montego, and Mountaineer.

For related articles, check out:

• Sync was unveiled at the 2007 North American Auto Show in Detroit. Find out what else was on the Ford stage at the show.
  
• Find about other gadgets unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.
  
• Sync will be available on many model-year 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Get the latest information on the newest Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products here.