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Filed under: Portable Audio, Transportation

Once thought to be the exclusive domain of Ford, Sync-like technology looks to be coming to Hyundai and Kia cars by 2010. While Microsoft and Hyundai aren’t calling the technology Sync officially, the new “music and information system” will be a voice-controlled interface that links mobile devices to car stereos, complete with remote firmware updates. Sounds a lot like Sync to us. Interestingly, only later versions will include multimedia and navigation-related features. This is a curious omission — why would Hyundai need Microsoft’s help just to plug in some iPods? The product will be made official at a ceremony in Seoul attended by Bill Gates and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group Chairman Chung Moon-koo. Cocktail hour and family photos to follow immediately.

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Source: Joshua Fruhlinger

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Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable Video, Transportation

Apparently, Microsoft has plans for Sync that extend beyond the standard voice-activation scheme they’ve got going right now. The company wants to deliver a wider range of network connectivity for in-car use, and they’re debating the possibility of moving away from subscription-based services to an ad-funded scenario. What exactly does that mean? We’ll let Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit explain: “We know where you are and we know where you’re headed,” he says, seemingly unaware of the Orwellian implications. “We could target that advertising directly to your car.” You getting that? Targeted ads. In your car. While you’re driving. Apparently, execs don’t think you’ll mind being bombarded inside your vehicle because you’re, “used to advertising in the car. We hear ads on the radio and see billboards on the road.” Of course, this is speculation on future technologies, so nothing is set in stone — hopefully someone comes to their senses before our hovercar interiors glitter with holographic spam.

 

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Source: Joshua Topolsky

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Filed under: Transportation

Our dirtier, hairier sisters over at autoblog had the chance to get up close and personal with Ford’s 2009 F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show. Notable to gadget ruffians, and those of you posing as such on the suburban trek to the ice cream social, is Ford’s new “Work Solutions” option. It features a Microsoft Sync-powered in-dash computer (with wireless keyboard, Bluetooth printer, 6.5-inch touch-screen) from Magneti Marelli with built-in Sprint Mobile Broadband and Garmin GPS. It also features an RFID-equipped Tool Link system built in partnership with DEWALT and ThingMagic for a real-time inventory of your RFID tagged tools. The FWS option will be available on all 2009 F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. Couple FWS with Sony’s 700 watt, 5.1channel, 10-speaker system and Sirius Travel Link options already announced for the F-150 and we might have to take the Engadget Mansion mobile. Video after the break.

[Thanks, K Banton]Continue reading Video: Ford offers 2009 F-150 with in-dash computer, printer, EVDO, GPS, and RFID tool tracking

 

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Source: Thomas Ricker

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Filed under: CES, GPS, Transportation

Sure, Microsoft’s Sync isn’t a half bad addition to the motorcars equipped with it, but this inclusion really gets the saliva glands working. Debuting at CES, the Sirius Travel Link system will enable owners to obtain “up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle’s navigation system.” More specifically, motorists will be able to fetch current gas prices from a database of stations, local, real-time traffic information in 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather information, sports scores and even movie listings. The system will officially launch in the 2009 Lincoln MKS, and while specifics (like pricing) aren’t mentioned, we do know that it’ll be offered in “multiple” Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles by the year’s end.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

 

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Source: Darren Murph

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Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Looks like Ford’s pricing the Sync extensible automotive media platform right in line with most other DAP / Bluetooth
integration solutions: Dearborn announced today that the system will be a $395 option on new Focus, Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles starting this fall. Ford also said that Sync will be coming to nine other vehicles by 2008, but honestly, we’re not going to be satisfied on the carputer tip until we get Turbo Boost and a sweeping red scanner light.

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Source: Nilay Patel

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