Microsoft Along for the Ride
You can now get Microsoft technology in your car, and I'm not talking about
Windows. Several new Ford models will have an integrated entertainment and communication
system called
Microsoft
Sync. You can operate your phone, music player or PDA with voice commands
and buttons on the steering wheel. All devices are connected via Bluetooth.
Cool technology aside, let's hope that this helps reduce driver distraction
when making calls or cranking tunes. Beyond that, I don't think there's any
hope for the morons I see on the MassPike reading the paper (I swear I'm not
making that up), shaving, putting on makeup or eating their breakfast.
One nice thing to note is that this isn't going to be an exclusive option available
only on high-end cars. You can get Sync on a range of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury
models. The first cars with Sync installed should be in dealerships by now.
What do you think of Sync? Is Microsoft nailing a market or is it spreading
itself too thin (see the "Foley on Microsoft" column in the upcoming
November issue of Redmond magazine)? Let me know at [email protected].
Posted by Lafe Low on 10/17/2007 at 1:23 PM