Ford Sync: Automotive Excellence Awards 2008 (Tech Innovation)

• Ford
• Microsoft
• breakthrough awards
• gadgets
• auto technology

Sync, a joint effort between Ford and Microsoft and winner of a 2007 PM Breakthrough Award, is essentially a small PC running on a version of Windows called Windows Auto. At $395 (when not standard), Sync will be available in all Ford vehicles in less than two years. We tested it in Ford’s least expensive vehicle, the Focus. Sync has a zippy 400-MHz processor with 256MB of flash memory and 128MB of RAM. A USB port allows the system to interface with an iPod, thumb drive or almost any other music storage device, such as Microsoft’s Zune. Other highlights include hands-free, voice-activated phone operation and voice text messaging. Eventually, Sync will be able to control all of your car’s entertainment and communications functionality. Right now, those features are stand-alone. The Sync is software-based, so expanding capability is as easy as installing a new computer program. There are practi-cally no limits to what it can do—theoretically, anyway. Our Sync worked with gimmick-free efficiency. The voice-activation technology placed cellphone calls and easily navigated through multiple MP3 folders. But we did find that the text-messaging function only works on newer phones. Still, the Sync is the most cohesive infotainment system for the money.

	Design	Value	Energy Efficiency	Performance	Versatility
	Nissan GT-R	Scion xB	GMC Yukon Hybrid & Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid	BMW M3	Chrysler Town & Country & Dodge Grand Caravan
	Fun To Drive	Off-Road Ability	Technical Innovation	Luxury	Workhorse
	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution	Toyota Land Cruiser	Ford Sync	Cadillac CTS	GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD & Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 HD

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