Is Ford SYNC The Voice Recognition Benchmark?
Ford has apparently hit a home run with its SYNC technology, a factory-installed, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. Ford SYNC permits drivers to bring virtually any digital media player or mobile phone into their vehicle and operate these devices using voice commands, or by using the vehicle’s steering wheel, or through radio controls.
You may have seen Ford SYNC advertised in conjunction with various Ford products, most notably the Ford Focus. Ford SYNC is a popular $395 option that many buyers are choosing; it is currently available on twelve different Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products for 2008. Ford expects that more than one million Ford SYNC vehicles will be on the road by early 2009.
Now that the Ford SYNC has been a proven success, does that make it the benchmark product for all automakers? According to one published report it does. Audio leaders Pioneer and Alpine, to name a few, are hurrying the development of aftermarket and OEM products to compete with Ford SYNC.
Research firm iSuppli said the Sync has “trumped the industry” with its “elegant, innovative and inexpensive approach to vehicle infotainment,” according to analyst Richard Robinson. Ford’s deep pockets is one of the reasons why the automaker is out in front, but its competitors aren’t expected to let Ford to remain out front for long. Moreover, Microsoft’s exclusive arrangement with Ford is about to end, allowing the company to pursue other partnerships.
Reportedly, the components making up the Ford SYNC only cost $30. Adding in installation and related expenses, Ford SYNC is a highly lucrative option for the Ford Motor Company. SYNC is updatable and offers automatic 911-assist when an airbag has been deployed; no monthly fees are charged for this service.
Ford SYNC/2009 Lincoln MKS Copyright Ford Motor Company
Tags: Alpine, audio system, Ford SYNC, Kenwood, Microsoft, Pioneer
Automotive Technology | Matt Keegan, 21 Apr 08
11 Comments
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By Lindsay, April 28, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Sounds like a cool feature. I don’t think I’d be willing to pay for that at this point, but it is something to think about, especially for those looking at a new car.
By Dave Mann, January 15, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
My Motorola Tracfone w/bluetooth setup very easily in my new Focus, however I’ve not yet been able to use the voice commands. The 80 page Sync instruction booklet is a little daunting so I’m using the ‘learn as you go’ method. The sound quality is good but be forewarned safe driving is not meant to be a part time discipline. I am still distracted when driving/conversing on the phone.
By Matt, January 15, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Dave, that is a big concern of mine: all of this fantastic technology, but are drivers able to pay attention?
Yes, some of those manuals are very long and detailed. I think they can be a distraction in and of themselves.
I like the idea of hands free conversation, but not at the expense of driver concentration.
By Payday Loans, February 23, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
Technology these days is amazing, but it makes me wonder why people need all that stuff in their vehicles. I think that it is dangerous and not needed. Thats my personal oppinion.