Ford Sync to Support iPhone Voice Interaction?
Microsoft produces Windows, the operating system of choice for most iPhone users, and Exchange ActiveSync, the push data system Apple (and Google!) have licensed for business users. They also make Sync, the integration system found in Ford cars, which has just gotten an update.
TWICE (via CNET) lists all sorts of interesting info on the update, but the really interesting part is what’s revealed about future updates, including support for Pandora streaming internet radio, and… the iPhone:
“We’ll be able to link you to your Internet in the car. If you brought an iPhone into the vehicle, you could interact with that through voice. You could then read your email by voice,” said Joe Berry, Ford business and product development director for Sync, referring to a future version of Sync.
Good news for Ford owners… eventually.
(Thanks to the Reptile for the tip!)
May 18th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Why is the car in the graphic used for this story not a Ford?? (or does Volkswagen license the Ford Sync system??).
May 18th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
The picture also has a giant iPhone stabbed through it. It’s meant as caricature at the concept of iPhone integration. (unless Apple is building a giant iPhone topped car…)
May 18th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Will it support backgrounding?
May 18th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I would love an iPhone topped car personally, except that everyone in town could read a text if I got one while on the road. This is a pretty cool integration if you ask me.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Must be battery power of the VW required for the iPhone V4.0
Bigger is better.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Why is there a Volkswagon beettle in the picture?
That isn’t a ford…. Do Volkswagons also support this?
May 18th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
I gotta agree with the first comment. Would have made more sense to have a Ford. Too bad Fords suck. Why can’t we get these innovations in a Chevrolet?
May 18th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
@Truth
“Will it support backgrounding?”
No, it won’t. You can tell from the way the iPhone (in the picture) cannot be seen in the background through the car’s windows.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:32 am
@Eric
Don’t be ignorant. Fords USED to suck for a certain time period. Right now they are amazing cars. I’ve had 3 mustangs, My newest and current mustang 2009 GT, has to be one of the best cars i’ve ever had, and ridden in. I get tons of comments from my friends on the interior quality and the smooth ride that it is. Don’t be a jackass or dumba$$
I’m not a fanboy either, I think chevy has some sweet rides, especially the new camaro coming out. All i’m saying is. Chevy and ford are both american muscle. Were both on the same team. Quit being a douchebag.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:19 am
I bought a Ford Fusion Hybrid 2010 in March(a car from the future). From what I understand the reading of SMS and alike will be available with iPhone 3.0. Unless what I read here means MS will have it sooner, yet I do not think so.
Ford for some time had issues with quality…they acted in a competetive market and now shine with the best cars in the market. Eric, please don’t fall for the mindless past stories….go drive one.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I read somewhere that Microsoft’s exclusivity arrangement with Ford expires either the end of this year, or early next year. Maybe we’ll start to see Sync in other brands starting with the 2011 models. Let’s hope!