Ford automobiles will read text messages aloud with SYNC upgrade

By Mike Flacy Published October 19, 2011

android-phones-and-ford-sync1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Announced yesterday, Ford is rolling out a software update to Ford’s SYNC software that will allow text messages to be read aloud while driving the vehicle. While the system requires a compatible smartphone, users will likely hear the messages through the speakers in the car. The smartphone communicates with the software through a Bluetooth connection. This upgrade to version 3.2.2 of the software will be able to be applied to all SYNC Generation 1 2011 and 2012 vehicles as Ford is planning to retrofit Bluetooth MAP support into those Generation 1 vehicles.. Users with incompatible smartphones or older cell phones will have to upgrade their phone in order to take advantage of the new feature.

This upgrade is made possible through Bluetooth Message Access Profile otherwise known as MAP. This protocol was designed to allow for transmitting email, SMS and MMS between mobile devices. However, the amount of MAP-enabled mobile devices is currently limited and have been included within the Blackberry Curve (9300), Blackberry Style (9670), HTC EVO 3D, HTC Sensation 4G, Motorola Atrix, Motorola Droid Bionic and Motorola Photon. Apple’s popular iPhone doesn’t support the MAP feature yet, but the company did join the Bluetooth Special Interest Group board recently. Microsoft has also been slow to show support for the MAP technology in its lineup of smartphones.

Recommended Videos

Users that are interested in getting the upgrade can visit the Sync My Ride site in order to determine eligibility. The upgrade is available in both Ford and Lincoln vehicles that are equipped with the SYNC technology. According to a 2009 study from the Transportation Institute at Virginia Tech, texting while operating a vehicle increased the chance of getting into an accident by more than 23 times. With the release of the SYNC upgrade, Ford is attempting to encourage alternative methods to checking text messages in order to keep the focus on the road

Topics

Contributing Editor

By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…

Cars

Location data for 800,000 cars exposed online for months

A data leak led to around 800,000 Volkswagen (VW) electric vehicles (EVs) having their location exposed online for several months, according to a report by German news magazine Der Spiegel.

The global incident impacted owners of EVs from VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda, with real-time location showing for the affected vehicles, whether they were at home, driving along the street, or, in the words of Der Spiegel, parked “in front of the brothel.”

Cars

Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025

Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Cars

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?

Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while it's larger than the Tesla Model Y, it's also likely to be a little more expensive.

The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; it's big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, it's clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, you'll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.