Squeal for SYNC Introduced at CES

The Consumer Electronic Show (CES), which finished yesterday in Las Vegas, demonstrated many gadgets from thousands of companies, also showcased was the latest in car technology. Ford, Microsoft and eight partner companies together introduced the latest new features for SYNC -- the hands-free information and entertainment system for drivers -- during ShowStoppers, the press-only special event.

 

Microsoft's upgrading it's Sync technology (which currently appears in some Ford vehicles) by adding new features on top of its existing music player and hands-free phone capabilities. The next version, available starting this spring, will provide integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth mobile phone, SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions, and up-to-date information such as business listings, news, sports and weather--all in response to a driver's voice requests (relayed to Microsoft TellMe servers via a Bluetooth-connected cell phone).

 

The new version of Sync will be available in nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models, and Ford says the services will be provided free of charge for three years with the purchase of a new Sync-enabled vehicle. However, existing Sync customers are simply out of luck since older versions will not be upgradeable.

 

Also previewed was the Ford 2010 Fusion Hybrid, which goes on sale this spring, as "America's most fuel efficient mid-size car" with a government mileage rating of 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway, according to the company.

 

The invitation-only event featured company launches, product introductions, sneak previews and hands-on product demos by 90 companies to more than 1,000 top journalists, columnists, selected bloggers, and industry and financial analysts, who cover business, consumer, lifestyle and digital products for work, home and play, according to PCWorld.