Ford + Microsoft= "Sync" Bluetooth

[throwback]

From Automotive News.com

Ford Motor Co. plans to unveil a deal with Microsoft Corp. in January that will put the software company's technology into some of the automaker's cars, the Wall Street Journal reported today, citing people familiar with the matter.

The system, to be called Sync, includes a hands-free Bluetooth wireless system and an in-vehicle operating system that eventually will be an option for the entire Ford brand lineup, the newspaper said.

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...2/1124&refsect=

[Xeper]

Isnt GM already doing this? Are they partnering up with someone as well?

[throwback]

Originally Posted by Xeper

Isnt GM already doing this? Are they partnering up with someone as well?

I have not heard anything about GM doing this. Per the article this will be available in the Focus also. This is the type of technology that can attract younger more tech savvy buyers, who may not be car folks.

[benroethig]

Ford + Microsoft = definitely not going to work right.

[gotz_otto]

I would much rather see GM and Microsoft do this, GM already has the entire OnStar network in the sky. Set OnStar up with internet and use the navs touch screen and you got yourself a nice way so surf the internet. They maybe able to do this with out microsoft.

[Ming]

Someone mentioned it before, but GM's focus on OnStar seems to be hindering GM from doing things like Nav systems and Bluetooth.

To paraphrase an old Zazen Buddhist monk saying:

"If OnStar itself stands in the way of your progress, push it aside."

[miken123]

Originally Posted by benroethig

Ford + Microsoft = definitely not going to work right.

Oh my GOD! This team up sounds amazingly INCREDIBLY BAD. I'm a HUGE american car fan, and while I'm almost strictly GM, I would REALLY hate to see Ford get into any more trouble then it's already in.

Teaming up with Microsoft is hardly EVER a good idea. They simply SUCK at making solid, reliable operating systems. All Ford needed to do was to hire a few computer engineers and a few computer scientists and in no time they could have come up with a simple rock solid Bluetooth setup and even more importantly, a simple rock solid little OS to run the computer systems.

It seems to me that Ford really just wants to have an MS logo or worse yet a little Windows logo on all their cars' dashes now...



And one final note on their hope to attract 'tech savvy' customers with this..... I mean it when I say that any younger, Tech Savvy people who are deep enough into technology that they'd base their car purchase on something like this WOULD BE REPULSED at the idea of having a Microsoft operating system RUNNING THEIR CAR!!!! I'm dead serious about this. No tech savvy people respect a new device simply because Microsoft had a hand in it!

!!!!!I'd rather have a 2bbl carb handling my air/fuel than windows!!!!!!!!!!

Ford should really just retract the statement and discontinue their work with MS.

Ah well we'll see how it goes.
I know it seems like a rant but this could not be any worse of a move if they're trying to attract tech savvy people.


Mike

[jon21]

Ford new logo:
Crash daily near you.

[jwrebholz]

I don't think the OS is going to be responsible for running any of the car's base functions (engine/brake control, etc) it'll probably be just for nav/entertainment. If (read: when) it crashes it's annoying, but not life-threatening.

[GotAWD]

Originally Posted by benroethig

Ford + Microsoft = definitely not going to work right.

so when your car crashes your windshield will also turn into a blue screen.

[saturnsteve]

Thats a pretty neat idea. I am all about the gadgets and technology.

[stevecmh]

Originally Posted by GotAWD

so when your car crashes your windshield will also turn into a blue screen.

ha . nice

idk i would be kinda excited to see what they can do and what they all have up their sleeve. only time will tell again... Xbox in the dash.. sounds cool.. but pointless

[jon21]

Originally Posted by GotAWD

so when your car crashes your windshield will also turn into a blue screen.

All of the windows too! You will have to call the GEEK SQUAD to come reboot your car.

[vdoh182]

Microsoft already has all the software etc. figured out, its offered in fiats already and is called blue and me.

[jbartley]

Originally Posted by jwrebholz

I don't think the OS is going to be responsible for running any of the car's base functions (engine/brake control, etc) it'll probably be just for nav/entertainment. If (read: when) it crashes it's annoying, but not life-threatening.

right on!! luckily someone else read the article as well.
it's obvious some of the post-ers didn't bother to read the article....

their talking about syncing devices and entertainment stuff, windows isn't going to be running the cars systems. sheesh people get a hold of yourselves.