Joining the in-car Wi-Fi available via Ford's Sync system, the iTunes tagging will allow car-owners to buy songs they've just heard on the radio on iTunes. The new version of Sync is expected to be rolled out sometime in 2010. [Jalopnik]

In the passenger seat, I've already got the address and driving directions up on my iPhone.

Welcome to the future of connected cars.

How our cars talk to the internet—and how we talk to our cars—continues to evolve. And it's about to get a lot better. Ford is putting a Wi-Fi router inside next year's Sync-equipped vehicles that will rebroadcast any 3G card's connection. Audi is experimenting with fingertip touch inputs. BMW is already trying to figure out how to put a "monster" antenna on their cars to support the faster next-generation LTE wireless standard "without putting this ugly lump on our cars."

But it's the little ol' iPhone, with its versatile, optional, liability-shifting bundle of apps that may making the biggest difference in how we use the internet in our cars in the coming years.

Getting Online

Drive off the lot today in a new Sync-equipped Ford, pair your Bluetooth phone, and you've got a data connection to the internet—sort of.

Sync uses technology from a company called Airbiquity. Their service sends data over the voice connection of your phone—not a data plan or SMS—using tech similar to an old-school analog modem. It's rather slick, as hacks go, allowing Sync-connected cars to get data anywhere there is cellphone coverage, even if there isn't data service offered by the carrier.

But I can't seem to track down the raw speed of an Airbiquity connection—and given both the nature of the technology as well as the amount of data a current Sync system displays (sports scores, stock prices, simple phone number lookups)—I can't imagine its throughput compares to a modern 3G service. It's a robust platform for basic connectivity, but it's not Real Internet.

The new Sync fixes that—or will as soon as Ford starts taking advantage of the higher-speed connections. Jason Johnson, an engineer at Ford who helped develop in the in-car Wi-Fi system, was cagey when I asked him when we could expect Sync to piggyback on a internet connection from a third-party 3G stick, saying only that "it broadens the horizons for applications in the future." So strangely, while the new Sync will help you get other devices in the car online, it won't be using that connection for its own data, nor use its Wi-Fi router to talk to, say, your home network. Yet.

Upscale automakers have been taking a different tack, offering optional connectivity packages like Autonet Mobile, or, as BMW has offered since 2007, build in connectivity at the factory.

Like a laptop with a built-in 3G modem, however, these cars suffer from a distinct lack of modularity. Want to upgrade when LTE starts to come online next year? Better buy a new car.

And worse, the integrated systems, even though they're connecting to the same wireless internet as every other device, are severely restricted. The $200-a-year BMW Search service can bring down Google Maps, local fuel prices and grades, even weather forecasts—using a "major GSM provider" in the United States which, although BMW would not confirm, is probably AT&T—but there's nary a web browser to be found.

Danger Ahead

"Texting while driving won't seem like a big deal," laughs BMW's Fran Dance, "when people are YouTubing while driving." Dance (no relation) handles telematics for BMW in North America, so he's been thinking a lot about not just how drivers will use the internet in their cars, but how they shouldn't.

"We can't be searching eBay for my favorite Afghan scarf," says Dance. "I really shouldn't be googling too much stuff or reading too much text. BMW recognizes that the driver is still the most important person in the car."

BMW has been doing car computers for years—the new ones are even, by all reports, good. But it took several years for BMW to balance the utility, convenience, and safety factors in their iDrive system.

We'll continue to see development in this area, with bigger touch screens, faster, more accurate voice control (something on which Sync heavily relies), even biometric measurements like Toyota's eye monitoring system.

Apps, Apps, Apps. Also: Apps. Consider the App.

But what will our car computers be controlling? More and more, it's looking like iPhones.

For certain, a limited amount of sanctioned applications will be coming from manufacturers to run directly on a car's computer. Ford has let owners add 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report apps to existing Sync systems by copying them over on USB keys. BMW is exploring the idea of map updates that would allow drivers to turn on audio tours of historic places, matching up museum-style guidebooks triggered by GPS location.

"We would be very foolish to create our own version of Pandora or Rhapsody," says Dance. Better to let Pandora build their own BMW client, for instance, which BMW can then vet, sanction, and install.

Or at least that's what I thought Dance meant, until he explained: "You can listen to Pandora in your BMW today on your iPhone." Well sure. I can listen to Pandora in any car that has an auxiliary input. But BMW is working with companies—including Apple—to allow their iPhone applications to interface with a car's iDrive system. Pandora might be running on an iPhone or BlackBerry, but when plugged into the docking station of the BMW, it could be controlled with all of the car's integrated buttons and doodads.

Ford is taking it a step further, going as far funding the creation of iPhone apps, that mesh with the in-car Sync system. Next year, Ford will open up the Sync API to other developers, making it possible for third-parties to write applications like "FollowMe", an iPhone + Sync app which allows "friends to follow a lead vehicle to a location without the need to physically follow each other, thanks to GPS turn-by-turn directions transmitted from the leader to the followers and read aloud to the drivers."

BMW is taking a hybrid route with its Mini brand. The Mini "Connected Buddy" concept, slurping up music data from a connected iPhone and then building its own "Genius"-style visual map of artists. [Pictured above.] There's the requisite Twitter and Facebook apps. But most of the work is being done by the iPhone, not the car. The screen and controls in the Mini become an extension of the iPhone.

Apps on Phones Protects from Lawsuits

In a large portion of the United States, it's illegal to have a television in your car that the driver can see, a regulation that was put in place long before smartphones and GPS units were even dreamed up. There are considerable liability issues an auto manufacturer has to consider if one were to, say, let you run Firefox in your dashboard.

But by tacitly pushing in-car application development to smartphones—even if those smartphones might so happen to be connected to the car—it puts the liability back in the driver's hands.

There's little danger of smartphone literally crashing the car, either. Sync talks to the same telemetric and diagnostic system that the car's other computers do, for instance, albeit in a one-way polling. It can ask for data, but it can't, say, reprogram the valve timing to allow for greater fuel economy or allow your Focus to run on water even though we all know that's totally possible. More conservative companies like Toyota don't even wire the entertainment system into the same telemetric and sensor packages as the car-control computers.

The Easy Way Out

Despite what you might think, I didn't expect the iPhone to play a big part in this story when I first started looking into it. As a music player, sure. Perhaps even eventually as a data option for more modest cars without built-in connectivity.

But using the power of smartphones is clearly where the attention is focused in the connected car industry right now—and I don't think it's such a bad thing. The pace of innovation will be faster for developers if our cars become giant peripherals for our phones, bristling with sensors and data, than if we waited for every manufacturer to make their own monolithic platform. (And while the iPhone is certainly getting the most attention, I have no doubt that BlackBerry and Android phones will get all the attention they deserve if they keep doing well.)

I mean, Sync is built on Windows CE, which may not be the dog in the embedded space it has become on mobile phones, but is still, you know, Windows CE. Jason Johnson was quick to underline how Ford has a healthy relationship with Microsoft (of course) but also how much of the Sync system was engineered on top of Windows CE by Ford.

Yet if Ford does what they're planning to do, that Sync runs on top of CE won't even matter. As long as it plays nice with phones and sends them all the information their apps need, everyone will be happy. And better yet, the cars' capability will be upgraded along with the phones'.

In a couple of years, I won't even have to read the turn-by-turn directions to Brian aloud, because his car will already know exactly what my iPhone knows.

Photo compliments of Mr. Tom Arthur.

Wondering what the future of apps in your car might look like? Jalopnik's own Matt Hardigree imagines what the first 20 apps you download to your car might be.

The Sync system will let you plug in your own USB mobile broadband modem, and that's it—no additional hardware or subscriptions needed from Ford. Ford uses the wirelss broadband to turn your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot on four wheels. It's also a secured (WPA2) wireless connection, requiring a password to safeguard against other drivers munching on your bandwidth. It should be available sometime next year, hopefully in time for me to stream "It's Always Sunny..." on my next road trip.

FORD SYNC GOES WIFI TURNING CAR INTO MOBILE INTERNET HOT SPOT FOR PASSENGERS WHILE ON THE GO

* Next-generation SYNC® system to incorporate in-car WiFi system powered by customer's USB mobile broadband modem, turning entire car into hot spot

* New capability will be standard on select SYNC-equipped vehicles with no additional hardware or subscriptions required beyond the user-supplied mobile broadband modem

* Standard WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocols will be in force, and only owner-permitted devices will be able to access the network, helping ensure secure, robust connectivity for in-car users

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company will turn vehicles into rolling
WiFi hot spots when it introduces the second generation of its popular SYNC® in-car connectivity system next year.

Inserting an owner's compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an "air card" – into SYNC's USB port will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.

"While you're driving to grandma's house, your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends and updating their Facebook profiles," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "And you're not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have."

Studies by the Consumer Electronics Association show that as many as 77 million adults make up the so-called technology enthusiast drivers population, more than half of whom express the desire for a connected communications and information system in their vehicles. Even among the general population, more than one third of Americans would be interested in the ability to check email and access Web sites in their vehicles.

Upgradeable and secure
The USB port provided by SYNC lets owners leverage a variety of devices, including the mobile broadband modem. And through simple software updates, SYNC can be adapted to connect with the latest devices.

"The speeds with which technology is evolving, particularly on the wireless front, makes obsolescence a real problem," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Solutions Organization. "We've solved that problem by making SYNC work with just about any technology you plug into it. By leveraging a user's existing hardware, which can be upgraded independent of SYNC, we've helped ensure ‘forward compatibility' with whatever connectivity technology comes next."

The SYNC WiFi capability is a simple solution for bringing internet into the vehicle, versus competitive systems on the market. Being factory-installed, the hardware is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, whereas competitor's systems are dealer-installed and require a bulky bolt-in receiver and transmitter that take up cabin space. Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.

"Using SYNC with existing mobile devices helps Ford provide the most value, the most flexibility and the most convenience for owners," said Fields. "Constant connectivity is becoming a routine part of our customers' lives, and we're making existing technology more accessible without adding costs: That's the kind of value Ford drivers have learned to expect."

Using the SYNC WiFi system, a signal will be broadcast throughout the vehicle. Default security is set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), requiring users to enter a randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet. When SYNC sees a new WiFi device for the first time, the driver must specifically allow that device to connect, preventing unauthorized users from "piggybacking" on the SYNC-provided signal.

[Ford via All Things D, Image via All Things D]

Eleven of the vans were built by EMI Technologies in the '90s for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to monitor radio frequency interference. That's why in addition to the 35-foot antenna mast, each of the vans has a massive air conditioning unit inside, complete with in-wall duct work, as well as Onan 6.5K generators mounted inside a standard 19-inch server rack. A couple of them even have flip-down desks and rear-facing captain's chairs for pulling all-nighters.

EMI Technologies is still building similar vehicles for government agencies, but when I called them this morning they didn't have a whole lot to say about the vehicles. "How they were used might be classified," one man told me. But probably not—given the NTIA's purview, it's more likely these were used to make sure broadcast television stations weren't overstepping their spectrum or something.

What makes them a real deal are the vans themselves. Adam, the man who is selling the one with the lowest miles, said he'd probably let it go for around $16k. That's a fantastic deal for a dually van with the Quigley 4x4 conversion, even if it is over ten years old. I know this because I've been out pricing vans to convert into an ersatz Sportsmobile. I nearly wept when I saw these, because living in an impractical 4x4 van with an antenna mast tall enough to get a strong 3G signal on a remote mountaintop is my idea of heaven. I'm just not sure that there'd be enough living space inside for me and my dog next to the antenna pole and the 19-inch rack, even if I did remove the ridiculously large A/C unit. But love would find a way.

Here are the other two vans. If you buy one, let me drive it around someday!

The next-generation Ford Explorer will come with rear seatbelts that inflate in an accident, just like an airbag. But the intent isn't to absorb a body hurling through the car, softening the blow into a seat or steering wheel. Instead, the airbag simply multiplies the surface area of the belt against your body during an impact by five times.

It makes crashes more comfortable on the body, reducing "head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries," according to Ford. I can't argue with that lest I sound like I hate humanity (which I do, but kids and old people are OK with me). However, I CAN argue with their second point:

Ford claims that, since these belts are naturally more comfortable in trials, they should have a positive impact on the low 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the US.

If all we need is a softer seatbelt to fix that stat, I have a feeling that can be accomplished for a lot less than America will spend on 60-millisecond-deploying seatbelt airbags. [Ford]

* Also of note, any child that's still smiling in panels 2 and 3 is too heavily medicated.

This new technology – which builds on Ford's advancements such as SYNC®, SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide and Ford Work Solutions™ – allows the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate.

"Electric vehicles are an important element of our strategy for improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions," said Bill Ford, Ford's executive chairman. "This vehicle-to-grid communication technology is an important step in the journey toward the widespread commercialization of electric vehicles."

All 21 of Ford's fleet of plug-in hybrid Escapes eventually will be equipped with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology. The first of the specially equipped plug-in hybrids has been delivered to American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio. Ford's other utility partners' vehicles will also be equipped with the communications technology.

When plugged in, the battery systems of these specially equipped plug-in hybrids can communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking. The owner uses the vehicle's touch screen navigation interface and Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer to choose when the vehicle should recharge, for how long and at what utility rate.

In other words, you could program your car to charge during off peak hours or during times when renewable energy is being used. So it's green and efficient—impressive. [AutoblogGreen via HotHardware]

Update: Our friend Todd at TechFlash just posted a longer piece from the same event, in case you want to hear Ballmer and Mulally mulling over the future of cars and tech. (Hint: They will coexist profitably.)

Yeah. It's for sale. The creator, a guy named John, is selling the HyperRocket to make room for his next project, a plug-in, fully electric vehicle. The guy deserves some kind of medal for achievement in DIY. [Jalopnik]

The in-dash computer has a wireless keyboard and mouse, a 6.5 inch touchscreen. No word on screen res or if the kb and mouse can be swapped with a media center type model for easier lap usage. The setup has 4GB of memory, and a stylus for the touchscreen. It can even output via bluetooth to an optional battery powered printer.

You've got all these upscale marquees, like Lexus, and Audi and BMW and ok, Acura who haven't done it. Never mind the Astons and Ferraris of the world. And none of them can keep up with Ford. Ford is clearly kicking ass in the tech department.

Do we need this kind of thing with the rise of smart phones? Will car computers die like car phones before they've ever born? I hope not, because of the inherent advantages to heavy car integration. Imagine car telemetry, and more advanced connected GPS and media library sharing with the home, as well as road worthy friend finding functions. Stuff like this is best done when fully installed in the vehicle.

Nevermind that this tech will make your car a totally unsafe place to drive, because you are browsing
Fleshbot instead of driving. I mean, the Explorer roll over issues are going to look like child games after this. But I wouldn't say no. Update: For safety, the system only works when the car is not in motion.

April 2, 2009 – Mountain View, CA and Las Vegas, NV –

Owners of Ford F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect trucks and vans will now be able to access the full Web from the convenience of their vehicles, thanks to Opera and Ford Work Solutions. Opera will be the featured browser on Ford's industry-first, broadband-capable, in-dash computer.

With this technology, truck and van owners (contractors, farmers, construction workers, business owners, etc.) will be able to use the in-dash Opera browser to access essential information and applications including sales information, contact databases, job-site plans, inventory lists, calendars, e-mail, or even the weather. The in-dash computer, combined with the Opera browser, Bluetooth printing capabilities, and other features transform Ford's new lineup of trucks and vans into true mobile offices.

"Opera's vision has always been about giving people access to the full Web anytime, anywhere," explains Rod Hamlin, Senior Vice President Americas for Opera Software. "No example showcases this better than delivering a fast, feature-rich Web browser to a vehicle. This solution will allow Ford truck and van owners to maintain a virtual work environment with access to all of the important files, information and applications they need on a daily basis. "

Ford Work Solutions is a collection of factory-installed affordable technologies-including "smart" features that provide full Internet connectivity, tool/inventory tracking, remote computer access, fleet management telematics and security to support Ford customers with mobile office and business needs, even on the job site.

The Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer is integrated into the vehicle's center stack, filling the same space normally occupied by the standard radio. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, four gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for added memory, a USB port and a wireless keyboard and mouse. A stylus, stored next to the CD slot, is included for use on the touch screen, as well as an available Ford-certified, on-board, Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered inkjet printer.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies, including the Opera browser, are available on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. The 2010 Transit Connect van joins the lineup in mid-2009 and will be available with Ford Work Solutions in-dash offerings.

For more information, visit www.fordworksolutions.com.

To see Opera in action on the in-dash computer, click on the "In-Dash Computer" link and then press "play" on the video (Opera, 1min, 38sec).

As of now, this "Ford Work Solutions" system seems aimed at construction workers who need on-site computer systems to track inventory and schematics. While the system's screen seems a bit small, Ford promises that one can "review and edit graphically-rich blueprints" from the cab of their truck.

I can't say that this is quite the dashboard computer we've been waiting for, but it is actually coming out soon (this spring) for an undisclosed price.

SPRINT JOINS WITH FORD TO LAUNCH SOLUTION SUITE TO INCREASE FIELD WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY AND REDUCE COSTS

Ford F-Series and E-Series vehicles will be equipped with in-dashboard PC
with internet connectivity via the Sprint Nationwide Mobile Broadband Network

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - March 24, 2009 - Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the details of its agreement with Ford Motor Company to provide a solution suite as a central component of "Ford Work Solutions" (www.fordworksolutions.com).

Beginning this spring, 2009 Ford F-Series and E-Series vehicles - and later in 2009, Transit Connect vehicles - will offer an in-dashboard PC with internet connectivity via the Sprint Nationwide Mobile Broadband Network. This capability provides the opportunity to leverage productivity application solutions via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, including real-time labor and material-cost capture, inventory updates, invoice generation and work-order edits and completion.

This new capability provides an unprecedented opportunity for job-site productivity gains and cost reductions. Work can be accomplished on site, on schedule and on budget. By minimizing the need to make trips back and forth to the office, fleets can reduce fuel consumption and their carbon footprint, and further enable the ability to "drive green."

Organizations can now perform mission-critical tasks remotely at a job site or a customer or field location, increasing operational efficiencies and guaranteeing client satisfaction. Examples include:

* Field service and construction industries can modify and confirm "change orders" to a "work order" or "job estimate," avoiding lengthy delays and keeping the job on schedule. Additionally, with the optional Bluetooth® Printer from Ford, the customer can review and authorize the "change order" on the spot with a written confirmation.
* Engineers and project managers can review and edit graphically-rich blueprints or schematics while inside the truck.
* Sub-contractors, suppliers and customers can collaborate in real-time to review project-planning documents and website portals.
* Utilities and oil and gas crews in the field gain real-time, high bandwidth access to work orders, safety and compliance data and asset management.

Ford and Sprint will soon announce exclusive offers for this solution suite. In support of the co-marketing efforts around this capability, they will also appear at several events in the months ahead, including key industry trade shows, to further inform their customers.

"This joint collaboration between Ford and Sprint delivers unprecedented freedom to field work forces," said Ed Pleet, Ford Work Solutions product and business development manager. "Now organizations' desktop business applications and systems can be brought where and when they are most needed – at the ‘front end' of the cabs of F-Series and E-Series vehicles while they are on site."

"This solution suite will empower organizations to continue to work hard while also working smart," said Keith Dardis, regional vice president, Sprint. "We will provide our mutual customers with a competitive edge, unparalleled productivity and cost savings, and the opportunity to do their part to ‘drive green.'"
Both Ford and Sprint have a history of innovation. Ford Motor Company has developed and maintained a Field Work Force industry-leading position for over 30 years around their "Built Ford Tough" line of F-Series pick-up trucks and E-Series cargo vans.
Through its unmatched Direct Connect push-to-talk service, rugged devices and other technology, Sprint has developed and maintained its leadership in Field Work Force solutions by understanding that effective Field Work Force management requires constant coordination of crews, fleets, suppliers, project managers, engineers and field service teams — often in harsh conditions and always on tight timelines.

Todd quoted Ballmer, in a webcast, saying exactly this:

Apple gained about one point, but now I think the tide has really turned back the other direction...The economy is helpful. Paying an extra $500 for a computer in this environment—same piece of hardware—paying $500 more to get a logo on it? I think that's a more challenging proposition for the average person than it used to be.

Say what you will about the merits of Windows vs Mac OS, but it is kinda funny for a software guy to suggest that it's the hardware that makes the computer.

We've heard similar Ballmerisms before, but my favorite part of the discussion was something Ballmer said later, when asked if he owned any Apple products:

I don't, my sons don't, my wife doesn't...You're talking to a guy, though, whose dad worked for Ford, and once Ford sold Land Rover and Jaguar, we're selling the cars to get Fords, so you may have a weird outlier in me.

At least there's still Volvo, right, Steve? [TechFlash]

Instead, Ford uses full-sized balloon vehicles—inflatable pretend cars that can be crashed into with no resulting damage (to either the crasher or the crashee). They've been custom made for the company, which is no big surprise since they aren't exactly off the shelf toys (yet).

Each of Ford's dozen or so balloons cost $10,000 and manage to weigh but 40 pounds. When splattered with a bit of metal paint, Ford's collision detection system sees the balloon as any other car to be avoided on the road—and if for some reason the system fails to see anything, well, you have another fun game of car soccer. Hopefully Ford hasn't been scoring too many goals, if you know what I'm saying. [detnews via NewLaunches]

As you can see, it's pretty easy; the system calls up your paired Bluetooth phone and transmits all the data the sytem needs over the voice channel. Destinations are spoken aloud and read by the system; our demo was using prepared presets, so we couldn't give the voice recognition a full shakedown, but after Sync knows where you're going, the process seems incredibly smooth.

Soon, Sync will be able to use your phone's data plan and get its fingers in any mobile apps programmed with support for Sync's open control API, but for now, this is a pretty appealing addition that lets you ditch a dedicated NAV. It will be in every car Ford makes by 2011.

We were able to sit down with Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Director of Product and Biz-Dev for Electronics Douglas VanDagens to talk Sync's platform potential before Mulally's CES keynote tonight, and said open API for mobile developers to mate their apps with Sync is one of the more exciting things we heard. No timetable was given, but it's most definitely in the oven. Whether developers will take the bait and make their apps Sync-compatible, we'll see.

Also baking is the ability for Sync to detect a data connection on your phone if you have one, and then use it to pipe in even more content from just about any web source imaginable. Sync 3.0, unveiled yesterday, already added some awesome new features to an already terrifically polished system, but it sounds like there's even more goodness coming.

Sync has never tackled nav info, so it'll be interesting to see how this pans out. The traffic service will send you a text message with alerts along your route, which is then read aloud by the system. Ford reckons this will save you gas and time.

The turn-by-turn feature sounds great: say the name of a business, category of business or address and get turn by turn directions spoken to you. You can also call up the business found via your Bluetooth phone.

And better yet, your Sync settings and info is all saved to your phone, and can be used in any Sync vehicle you climb into, all the while keeping the grade-a iPod/iPhone/musicphone integration.

Pictured: Sync 1.0, via our friends at Jalopnik, who have more on the next-gen Sync as well.

NEW FORD SYNC FEATURES HELP DRIVERS SAVE TIME, FUEL WITH PERSONALIZED NEWS, TRAFFIC DETAILS

• SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides personalized, real-time information to help drivers get to where they’re going with information they need. New services come with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years.
• Users’ customizations stay with their phone and can be used in other SYNC-equipped vehicles and can be upgraded free as new services are available.
• New features launch later this year on select 2010 models and will roll out across the entire Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury lineup by 2011.
• SYNC sales expected to top 1 million in 2009.

LAS VEGAS, JAN.7, 2009 – Ford is expanding its connectivity leadership by introducing exclusive new SYNC real-time information features that deliver personalized news updates to drivers’ mobile phones while helping them navigate around trouble spots, saving time and fuel.

“Our vision with SYNC is to be a leader in connectivity, making it affordable for millions – just as Ford has done with safety and fuel-saving technologies,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “In less than 18 months since we launched SYNC, Ford has delivered two more major new features, and we have more in store.

“We are a car company that through market-driven, customer-focused innovation is learning to think and act like an electronics company, leveraging partnerships with fresh, innovative technology leaders,” added Mulally, who delivered the Consumer Electronics Show keynote address on Thursday.

The success of SYNC – the award-winning communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft – continues to grow. Ford’s game-changing vehicle connectivity model and affordability have helped make it one of the widest technology introductions in the industry, launching on 12 vehicles simultaneously.

SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles sell nearly twice as fast as those without, and a Ford survey of SYNC customers showed nearly 80 percent of respondents “definitely would” recommend it to a friend.

Since the introduction of SYNC in the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford quickly has integrated the technology. By summer 2009, Ford’s entire North American lineup will offer this must-have technology, demonstrating its rapid, consumer-driven adoption. Ford expects to have 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles on the road by the third quarter of 2009.

“We define connectivity as a way to keep people moving through their lives – not simply as an on-board computer,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Our approach focuses on connecting people to the information they need, whenever and wherever they need it. These new features are aimed at enhancing the driver’s entire quality of life.”

Ford’s next-generation system – SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information – leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. Debuting this spring, it will provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.

The new services will be available on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no initial monthly subscription fees, thanks to three years of service included with a new vehicle purchase.

“Ford is unique because we continue to build on the power of the SYNC system that lets customers connect to off-board services through their own mobile devices,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Organization. “With that foundation, there is no limit to the data we can offer. Working with our partners – the best of the best in the technology world – we will continue to provide new services in a timeframe on par with the consumer electronics industry.”

According to 2008 year-end data, Smartphones were a clear consumer must-have, offering such advanced capabilities as a keyboard, Web browser and some PC-like functionality. Research findings suggest that growth in this industry is expected to continue at 40-percent year-over-year.

SYNC’s new suite of services allows customers the ability to integrate with off-board services and provide a personalized infotainment experience to the driver by utilizing the customer’s own phone. That powerful match is what differentiates SYNC in the marketplace and what will expand Ford’s connectivity leadership long-term.

“Today, Ford leads the industry leader in infotainment,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “As we transform our vehicle lineup, we intend to continue making smart technology a key differentiator for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products.”

Ford is partnering with Microsoft and other recognized companies – INRIX, TeleNav, Tellme (a Microsoft subsidiary), M/A-COM and Airbiquity — to enable the new services to connect to real-time data.

“We’re excited to see Ford's great innovations developed on top of our Microsoft Auto platform that continue to improve how people spend time in their car,” says Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division.
“The combination of software and services, including the industry leading technology from Microsoft Auto and Tellme, are delivering entirely new voice-enabled experiences that make the time spent in the car more entertaining and more productive,” Bach added.

To take advantage of Traffic, Directions and Information, customers simply have to pair their Bluetooth-enabled phone with SYNC and activate the service via www.syncmyride.com.
Once that’s complete, the feature becomes “portable,” meaning customers can access the information in any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle equipped with SYNC and the Traffic, Directions and Information function.

TRAFFIC
SYNC’s new traffic feature will literally save drivers time and money by providing personalized traffic reports based on best-in-class content.

“We are able to provide traffic speed, flow and incident information to drivers in 95 markets nationwide,” said VanDagens. “In addition, drivers can personalize the system to alert them of changing road conditions.”

In a text message to the user’s device, drivers will get the location and severity of accidents or new road construction causing areas of heavy congestion. Users can personalize the system to send them an alert before they leave home or have SYNC read the text message in their vehicle.

“SYNC is working for you before you’re even out of bed,” VanDagens said. “That’s what we mean by a quality-of-life experience.”

DIRECTIONS
According to Telematics Research Group, Inc., navigation-enabled mobile phones are becoming consumers’ top choice for navigation services. This shift will open up new applications and services – and SYNC is positioned to take full advantage of this market shift using its powerful partnership network.

Drivers requesting directions now can use a variety of search criteria including a 14-million-plus business directory to find their destination, be it a favorite coffee shop or the location of a business meeting.

Turn-by-turn directions are downloaded to the vehicle and are spoken to the user over the vehicle’s audio system and displayed on the radio.

Like the new traffic service, directions incorporate real-time traffic information. Through a set of more conversational voice commands, the user need only speak the name, category or “nearest.”

The new directions service also offers users a choice of how they’d like to receive the information:
• Automatic connection to business telephone using the driver’s personal device;
• Turn-by-turn directions to the business location using the vehicle’s audio system; or
• Text message to user’s device with business listing and map.

Information
Another new feature of SYNC will help drivers’ personalize and categorize their favorite media topics, such as sports, weather and news using voice commands or through www.syncmyride.com.

Examples include:
• Personalized sports reports featuring scores and highlights for any professional or college team;
• Current weather conditions and forecasts based on city, state or zip-code; and
• News of all types – entertainment, business, top stories and technology.

“SYNC has been developed to allow users to create their own experiences,” said VanDagens. “Some people may wish to check their stock portfolios; others might want their hometown baseball scores. With SYNC’s unique architecture and the powerful Tellme voice service, there are no boundaries to the information users can access.”

New short-cuts added
SYNC has gotten smarter as well, and is providing a variety of new “short-cut” commands. Users recall comments such as, “Call Joe at work,” and, “Play artist ACDC.” New commands include, “traffic to work,” and, “directions to home.” Using the website, users can save a variety of locations such as home, office and airport – any location in the U.S.

These new capabilities are in addition to SYNC’s established hallmark suite of services, from hands-free, voice-activated cell phone, text messaging and digital media player integration to the more recent security and convenience additions of 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report.

“We understand how important it is for customers to feel connected to their lives – even on the road,” Kuzak said. “Ford is committed to continue working with the top technology companies in the business to deliver even more of the features consumers really want.”

Or, if you want the quick and dirty, here's what unfurled in front of me, give or take a few guest presenters and some marketingspeak:

Ballmer comes out—my guess is he's smiling. He talks about the wonderful world of consumer electronics. He mentions this company called Microsoft. He also mentions the tough economic times we're all going to suffer through together. He will be optimistic, however.

He's going to talk about Windows 7. First, he'll announce the availability the Windows 7 Beta tomorrow for registered Microsoft beta peeps, January 9th for everybody else. He'll run through a lot of stuff we've already seen on Win 7, like DeviceStage, Homegroup networking, "Play To..." and other coolness like the Win 7 touch interface.

On the Windows Live front, he'll tell us that Windows Live Essentials is no longer in beta, and that you can now post photos on Facebook directly from Windows Live Photo Gallery, and save photos from Facebook directly to your Win gallery too. He'll also say that Windows Live Search and Essentials toolbar is gonna boot Google from Dell computers in February. Meanwhile, Verizon Wireless is going to implement Windows Live on VZW feature phones. IE8 is not out of beta yet, but it's coming.

For Windows Mobile, the big news, as presumed, will be full Adobe Flash support in the browser. (Sounds good to me, if only the browser was as good as, well, others.)

Ballmer is going to call Robbie Bach to the stage to talk about connected entertainment. Bach will start with some good Xbox stats—28 million worldwide, with 17 million active Windows Live members, and over a billion dollars spent on the service since inception.

Bach will introduce a number of sweet products:
• Windows Mobile app for managing Netflix queue
• Xbox Live community game builder called Kodu (already buzzed about)
• Windows Media Extender functionality in Toshiba products (announced earlier today)
• The latest edition of Ford Sync, which you can read about here
• Go back and forth on shows you didn't pre-record using Microsoft Media Room Anytime (I wonder what the advertiser stipulations are on that)
• Already known games Halo Wars and Halo 3: Orbital Drop Shock Trooper
• Xbox Live Primetime game 1 Vs 100 live gameshow coming in spring

What, no love for Zune? Almost everything's going according to plan so far, but stay tuned, because anything could happen. You know, come to think of it, Robbie Bach got to talk about a lot of the fun stuff. Is this the kickoff of the Ballmer Years? Or is it really the kickoff to the Bach Years? Steve would probably win at arm wrestling, but seeing the two of them on stage, I'm starting to think Bach could maybe take the bossman in a Cool Hand Luke-style a fist fight. [Full CES 2009 Coverage]

When enabled, MyKey can cap the top speed of the car to 80MPH. That's not too bad, really. But it can also chime whenever the car reaches 45MPH, 55MPH and 65MPH, apparently to "alert young drivers about their acceleration." Oh-kay.

It can also limit the volume on the car stereo, which would piss me off to no end, and chime every five minutes when the seat belts aren't buckled. Lastly, it'll chime when the car is 75 miles from empty.

Essentially, it will beep at you all the time and keep you from listening to music loudly. Just the idea of driving down a road at about 55MPH, dipping below and above that speed frequently, hearing a beep every time I do, is enough to bring me to the brink of road rage.

Look for MyKey on the 2010 Ford Focus and later on other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. [Ford via CNET]