As part of his CES keynote, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates confirmed his company’s partnership with automaker Ford. Together, the companies plan to deliver a new software technology called Sync, beginning with 12 models of 2008 Ford, Lincon, and Mercury cars and trucks.
As reported earlier, Sync will offer Bluetooth in-car integration with other digital devices like mobile phones, PDAs, smartphones, storage devices, and even digital media players. As deployed by Ford, Sync will offer hands-free phone dialing, address book synchronization, along with the ability to have incoming text message read aloud via a vehicle’s built-in audio system using text-to-speech technology. Drivers will also be able to manage their digital music players via controls on the steering wheel or using voice commands. (The latter makes one want to create a track with the words Stop! Volume up! Go to playlist Streisand!, then “share” it tactlessly to any future Zune-and-Ford owners.)
Sync is based on the Microsoft Auto platform, and will offer support for new features and devices via software upgrades. Ford plans to roll it out to all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury cars and trucks for its 2009 model year.
