Drivers are more distracted than ever as they dial their cell phones, text, fiddle with MP3 players, and get directions for their navigation systems. Despite the warnings, known dire outcomes, and even laws that discourage such practices, people still drive with one eye on the road and the other on their gadgets.

Article Tools

• 

Ford Motor Company has taken a “have your cake and eat it too” position by using existing wireless and other technologies to let drivers use their cell phones and other devices safely. Its Sync and MyFord Touch systems use a combination of wireless and voice-recognition technology to make vehicle communications safer.

Hands-free Bluetooth kits for cars are commonplace, and many vehicles have them as a standard feature. But Ford goes well beyond this capability with its Sync system, which uses voice recognition and Bluetooth to let drivers use their cell phones and digital media players. Optionally, steering wheel controls can perform the same functions with minimal distraction.

A Look At Sync

Sync is an agnostic software platform based on Microsoft’s Windows CE operating system (OS). It works with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or smart phone from any vendor, including all network service providers.

Introduced in late 2007 on the 2008 Ford Focus, Sync is now installed on more than 2.5 million vehicles. It is available as an option on most Ford and Lincoln models for about $395, and it comes standard on the Fiesta.

The Sync system is unique because it leverages the owner’s own cell phone for all services rather than relying on built-in phones with their service costs and issues. Furthermore, its low cost and ease of use make Sync the feature to have, especially among the early adopters of new cell phones and other technologies. Such systems are becoming key influencers of what vehicle to buy these days.

The MyFord Touch center dash LCD screen will be available on 2011 models. This version emphasizes cell phone controls, but note the access to other functions like the MP3 player, navigation, and safety features.

In addition to its hands-free voice-activated calling and automatic phonebook transfer, Sync offers a USB port for digital media players and mass storage devices, audible text message read-back, and Bluetooth streaming audio for music, podcasts and Internet radio broadcasts played through the vehicle’s audio system.

Sync’s 911 Assist automatically dials emergency services if the airbag is deployed and provides a vehicle health report based on internal diagnostics. With the addition of a GPS receiver in 2010 models, Sync also delivers voice-activated turn-by-turn navigation directions and traffic reports. Sync reports the weather, news, stock quotes, movie listings, sports scores, horoscopes, and travel connections as well.

Coming soon, AppLink will give drivers access and control over their smart-phone apps using voice commands and vehicle controls. This feature will launch on the 2011 Fiesta and will be available for download in late 2010 for existing users. The software is compatible with Android and BlackBerry smart phones with iPhone connectivity coming later in 2011.

Continue on next page