While Ford has enjoyed a year of exclusivity with its SYNC-branded version of Microsoft's in-car connectivity technology, the Redmond-based company has been itching to expand the availability of its in-car gadget integration system to other marques. According to the AP, the first post-Ford carmakers to use the platform in the U.S. will be sister companies Hyundai and Kia. According to the report, the Korean automakers will have the right to offer the technology on its cars in November, but probably won't do so. The AP report quotes Velle Kolde, senior product manager for Microsoft Auto, saying the two companies are busy developing their own custom applications and don't plan to be ready until after that date.
There is no word yet on what the new system will be named, its cost or what vehicles it will be offered on. Currently the only automaker offering Microsoft's system in the U.S. is Ford. Fiat has rights to sell it internationally and calls its version Blue&Me.
UPDATE: Ford reminded us that only its version of Microsoft Auto's technology is called SYNC, so other brands will have to come up with and market their own names for it.
[Source: Associated Press]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Benfolio @ May 6th 2008 10:09AM
Awesome..... when's Mazda gonna get it??
A little birdie told me the Tribute HEV for 2009 will get it, but they're only building 300 for California again.
I'd love for them to offer it in new vehicles, and then offer the kits to retrofit older cars, Mazda needs to step up it's game on the technology front.
godda9u @ May 6th 2008 10:15AM
"Fiat has rights to sell it internationally and calls their version Blue&Me."
does it stands for "Blue screen of death & ME"
Tai @ May 6th 2008 10:29AM
lol
iSpec @ May 6th 2008 10:51AM
I'm surprised Hyundai and Kia get anything done in North America. They seem to be spending all their time, corporately, moving office furniture for their corporate heads.
XJ @ May 6th 2008 11:25AM
Well they seem to be doing something right. Hyundai and Kia increased sales in April 2008 over April 2007 in the U.S. and in Canada.
sw @ May 6th 2008 11:43AM
With Hyundai's aggressive (not just competitive) pricing and quality improving by leaps and bounds each model cycle, I think they're poised to become the next Toyota. I don't know where you're getting that they aren't moving.
iSpec @ May 6th 2008 11:37AM
Yes. They have managed to substantially improve their product in North America while failing miserably to manage their North American corportate heads. Wasted energy that could be put into product or marketing.
carsteve @ May 6th 2008 12:39PM
And consequently, the quality ratings of these car manufacturers will go down. Microsoft is terrible (as I hypocritically hammer-away my response using Microsoft hardware and software).
Disgruntled Goat @ May 6th 2008 2:27PM
Quite the contrary. Sync has done nothing but receive rave reviews from everyone who's owned or used it. It alone is a significant factor in the automotive purchasing decision for many people.
My biggest complaint is that none of the aftermarket folks can come up with something even remotely competitive. I'd go out of my way to buy a car that had it but I'm not driving a Focus.
elprogramer @ May 6th 2008 2:24PM
There goes Ford's lifeline...
Mike @ May 6th 2008 4:20PM
While Hyundai and Kia will be happy to get Ford's products from last year, Ford is readying the 2.0 version that includes more features. The 2.0 version will be available in Hyundai and Kia when V3.0 comes out in the Ford's for 2010.
rho38 @ May 6th 2008 3:17PM
Here's an aftermarket system that uses Microsoft's voice recognition software. It was featured in the newest Crutchfield catalog for a little over $1000, but it's not on their website yet.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/ces-2008-pioneer-takes-on-sync-with-linc/
Disgruntled Goat @ May 6th 2008 4:43PM
Thanks for the link although from what I can tell it doesn't use Microsoft's platform. It's just an add-on for an existing stereo. It also doesn't support anything but Apple's closed, proprietary iPod player. I'd rather support Microsofts open platform than another Apple monopoly that limits my choices.
SE Abraham @ May 8th 2008 4:42AM
Prepare for bugs.