Voice-recognition technology, which is used for placing and answering phone calls and playing music via digital media players or mobile phones, is accessesable through a new technologically advanced entertainment and communication system. This may sound like it's out of a futuristic sci-fi flick from the '70s, but Ford has made it a reality with the Sync, powered by Microsoft. Sync is currently being offered in select 2008 models of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles and is scheduled to be in the entire lineup of Ford Motor Company vehicles for 2009. Entertainment, communication, and connectivity have become an extension of our daily lives and Sync offers a fully integrated automotive solution to fit these needs.
The Sync system is a factory-installed feature, offered as an upgrade to the audio and entertainment package. It includes a flash memory-based system, operated by voice commands and simple buttons mounted onto the steering wheel. The operating platform is based on a Microsoft Auto system, including 64MB of DRAM and 256MB of flash memory, and a 400MHz ARM 11 processor with the ability to upgrade and update its software. In the future, customers will be able to download the new versions of the Sync software from a website or a local dealer. Users interface with Sync's main text display on the stereo head unit/in-dash monitor or on a small LCD display at the top of the central controls. The user-friendly voice-recognition has truly evolved to an amazing interpreter of common speech.
Hands-Free CommunicationBluetooth Connection: The Cell and Sync Pairing ProcessTo connect mobile phones to the Sync system wirelessly, the phone and Sync must go through the pairing process. The pairing process creates a link key, or PIN, used for authentication while establishing Bluetooth connections between the two devices. To get started, first you must have a compatible mobile phone that is Bluetooth-enabled. You can check your phone for Sync compatibility at www.syncmyride.com.
To pair the two Bluetooth devices requires following the five basic steps:1. First, the vehicle must be in park with the car started, the radio on, and the Bluetooth function activated on your phone, typically located in the settings/tool menu.
2. Press the phone button on the steering wheel control or the main stereo control area and this will bring you to the phone menu, the radio display will indicate "no phone paired."
3. Press "OK," then "add devices," when "find Sync" shows in the display press "OK."
4. After the phone has detected Sync as a compatible device, select Sync in your phone as the device to pair with and enter the six-digit PIN shown on the vehicle's display.
5. When the PIN is entered, this will automatically pair the devices and the phone display will read as connected.
The Sync system will allow as many as 12 different phones paired, one to be in use at a time to the continuous Bluetooth connection. This quick and easy process should take a few minutes per phone, and you should not have to pair the couple again for future use.
Once you are in Sync with your phone, you can place calls hands-free while driving. By a simple press of the "voice" button, Sync automatically connects you with the names in the mobile phone's contact list. Simply say, "Phone" and the system will say, "Phone - Please say a command;" say "Dial" and the number to call and the system will repeat the number (as well as place it on the vehicle's display); confirm with a yes or no and the system will place your call. A conversation is heard through the vehicle's speakers - no struggling to juggle a handset or digging the phone out of a pocket. To disconnect the call, simply hold down the "phone" button for two seconds to end the call. This same button also allows its users to answer an incoming call.