Ford’s new SYNC feature is expanding in its availability and its functionality. The ultra-popular in-car networking system provides voice-activated management of multiple electronic devices such as smart phones, MP3 players and other gadgets. Jointly developed by Microsoft and Ford, it is entering its second generation, SYNC 2.0.
Once upon a time, people who talked to their cars were considered, well, “eccentric.” With the introduction of Ford’s SYNC communications, entertainment and safety system, people are having conversations with their cars. SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and most popular digital music players. SYNC is being offered as an option on just about every car and truck made by Ford Motor Company, usually at a cost of around $400. Some models include SYNC as standard equipment.
SYNC is cooler and more powerful than ever in version 2.0. First on the list of improvements is 911 Assist, which enables your SYNC'd Bluetooth phone to call 911 automatically in the event of an airbag-deployed accident. If the occupants of the vehicle are unable to communicate with the 911 emergency operator, a recorded message will automatically play to inform the operator of the situation. The location of the vehicle can then be determined through the GPS location of the phone. Unlike GM’s OnStar, there is no additional monthly fee for this function since the system utilizes the driver’s existing cell phone service. 
SYNC 911 Assist is available on Ford's F-150, F SuperDuty, Explorer, Expedition, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Edge, SportTrac, Flex, Taurus, Taurus X and Focus.
Owners with a SYNC 2.0-equipped car can now request free Vehicle Health Reports from the system, which performs a check of more than two dozen systems and makes a full report available on www.syncmyride.com. Consumers can set up reminders to run a report for regular vehicle maintenance at mileage intervals consistent with Ford’s maintenance schedule.
SYNC's Vehicle Health Report feature is available in the United States only, on the F-150, F SuperDuty, Explorer, Expedition, Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, SportTrac, Flex, Taurus, Taurus X and Focus.
SYNC 2.0 offers four new programs: Traffic and Directions through SIRIUS Travel Link, Infotainment systems, an "Atomic" clock and an "Atomic" compass. While 2009 models with SYNC will have Travel Link, the new system will be all voice-activated and customizable through the SYNC website. On the website, you'll be able to put in your preferred routes and customize other options. Placing a call into the system with the hands-free Bluetooth link will allow you to ask for directions and have them appear either on a multi-function display or on the nav screen if you have one.
The Infotainment system will include up-to-date sports scores, weather and forecasts, news and local gas prices. Everything can be customized such as favorite sports teams, news channels and even a ski report. All of the information is downloaded through an automatic call to the system using the Bluetooth link to the user's phone.
How cool is SYNC? Barry Sonnenfeld, writing for Esquire, expressed his delight this way. “I had my assistant, Joi, send the following message to an AT&T RAZR phone I was borrowing: ‘U R LOL funny. XOXO Joi,’” recalled Sonnenfeld. “The Ford Edge chimed that I had received a text message, I pressed a button on the display screen, and SYNC's lovely voice said, ‘You are laugh-out-loud funny. Hugs and kisses, Joi.’ Dang, I loved this car!” SYNC links to a broad variety of cell phones for hands-free use, the only safe way to use your cell phone in the car.
SYNC gives you voice-activated access to the tunes in your music player by genre, artist, song title and album. Just say, “Play genre, ROCK,” and it does. Just say, “Play, (song title),” and it does! SYNC also makes it possible to use the controls on your steering wheel to manage your music player. If you subscribe to podcasts or a streaming audio book service, SYNC is your in-car link!
Perhaps the best thing about SYNC is its future-proof design. In a world where computers and cell phones are obsolete in a matter of months, SYNC is updatable and new features can be added just as you handle new computer software. Updating to SYNC 2.0 is as easy as driving into your Ford dealer and requesting the service. For now, only Ford dealers can access the SYNC system on your car. It’s a matter of keeping hackers at bay. The SYNC system has strong firewalls in place to keep tinkerers out since messing with the system could potentially adversely affect the vehicle and its safety features.
Isn’t it time for you to get SYNC’d? Call us for an appointment and we’ll show you how SYNC works.
