Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-we-take-kia-and-microsofts-uvo-for-a-test-drive-at-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-we-take-kia-and-microsofts-uvo-for-a-test-drive-at-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-we-take-kia-and-microsofts-uvo-for-a-test-drive-at-ces/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We Take Kia and Microsoft's UVO for a Test Drive [w/video]
Kia's UVO system hands-on - Click above to watch video after the jump

Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.

We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning. But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD. You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right? Check out some screens in the gallery below, and there's a quick video demo after the break.


Gallery: Kia and Microsoft's UVO

Continue reading Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES

Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010Consumer Electronics ShowConsumerElectronicsShowembedded systemsEmbeddedSystemsfeaturefeaturedfeatureshands-onkiaKia UvoKiaUvomicrosoftmicrosoft embedded systemsMicrosoftEmbeddedSystemstelematicsuvoThu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19306899/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/07/video-we-take-kia-and-microsofts-uvo-for-a-test-drive-at-ces/19306899/article-detail.xml 19306899 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/kia-press-2010107-1024-08-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/kia-press-2010107-1024-08-630.jpg <![CDATA[Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/31/kia-and-microsoft-set-to-debut-uvo-at-ces-leave-us-wondering-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/31/kia-and-microsoft-set-to-debut-uvo-at-ces-leave-us-wondering-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/31/kia-and-microsoft-set-to-debut-uvo-at-ces-leave-us-wondering-fo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, we wonder what it is
When you think Microsoft car technology you think SYNC, right? Perfectly natural, since it's the only place Redmond's bits and bytes have made much of an impact on the automotive scene. But SYNC is just Ford's flavor of Microsoft's Windows Embedded Technologies -- naturally with plenty of customizations and functionality on top. It's not an exclusive partnership and we've known for some time now that Hyundai and Kia were next in line to get some love from Washington. Kia's time has come, with the company set to launch UVO at CES next week. The only question now is: What exactly is it?

We spoke with representatives from Microsoft and Kia on Wednesday, where they unveiled the UVO name, explained as being short for "your voice." Because of that we expect there will be a strong focus on speech recognition in this system, but beyond that it's anyone's guess what the latest automotive infotainment system will be packing -- those same representatives were tight-lipped about the details. Naturally we expect it'll be generally similar to Ford's SYNC, but Kia is a very different sort of company than the one Henry built, so surely a much fresher look and feel is in store at the very least.

Ford recently announced that it would be letting outside developers augment SYNC's functionality, and after the amazing success of Apple's App Store it'd be a shame if Kia didn't support the booming app market from the start (just think of all the telemetry systems a developer could build with access to vehicle sensor data and a three-axis accelerometer). All will be unveiled at next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Ford will be similarly showing off its latest SYNC revisions. Which infotainment system will reign supreme? We can't wait to find out.

[Source: Kia, Microsoft]

Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010consumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowfordinfotainmentinfotainment systemInfotainmentSystemkiamicrosoftsyncuvovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionyour voiceYourVoiceThu, 31 Dec 2009 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19298777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/31/kia-and-microsoft-set-to-debut-uvo-at-ces-leave-us-wondering-fo/19298777/article-detail.xml 19298777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/uvo-20091230-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/uvo-20091230-630.jpg <![CDATA[SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/sync-to-offer-itunes-tagging-through-hd-radio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/sync-to-offer-itunes-tagging-through-hd-radio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/sync-to-offer-itunes-tagging-through-hd-radio/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Here's another first for Ford after the revelation of its motion-capturing software: The Blue Oval will be the first to offer iTunes tagging through iPods on SYNC-equipped vehicles. Right behind the announcement of mobile Internet connectivity being added to SYNC, this will go along with the package of mobile apps the carmaker will reveal at CES next month.

The way it works: if you you have SYNC with HD radio, when you hear a song you like on an HD station you can press the 'Tag' button, and the system will note the track. When you plug your iPod in, it will suck up all of those tracks in a 'Tagged' playlist. You can have another listen through them and then buy the ones you want from iTunes.

There are other makes of vehicles that will let you record songs directly onto the car's hard drive for a fixed amount of time, but you can't really do anything with the recording after that. Ford's setup won't get you that immediate satisfaction, but it will save you a few steps. You can read the press release on the new - and free - feature (provided you've paid for SYNC and the HD-equipped head unit) after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio

SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesconnectivityconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowfordford syncford telematicsFordSyncFordTelematicshd radioHdRadioipoditunessynctaggingtechtechnologytelematicsTue, 29 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19296498/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/29/sync-to-offer-itunes-tagging-through-hd-radio/19296498/article-detail.xml 19296498 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ford_ipod_tag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ford_ipod_tag.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-revised-sync-from-ford-coming-to-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-revised-sync-from-ford-coming-to-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-revised-sync-from-ford-coming-to-ces/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford's victory with Sync isn't contestable - the connectivity system has a 70-percent uptake rate, and 32 percent of people list it as one of the reasons they bought a Ford. Over one million Sync-equipped vehicles have been sold in three years. The Blue Oval's exclusive deal with Microsoft ended last year and other Microsoft-powered in-car competitors will be arriving soon, so Ford has been busy working on new elements that it hopes will keep Sync in front of the challengers.

Ford has updated Sync a couple of times this year with things like traffic and directions, and a contacts download app. According to The Detroit News, the next big update is scheduled to be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. Ford isn't giving away details, but it's called "mobile apps," and it will enable Sync functionality with any app on a cellphone or personal music player. That would likely mean Pandora on-the-go and Twitter out loud.

It could also mean a price: rumors suggest that Ford will be charging for the upgrade, and that it will come on 2010 vehicles and be available to any previous Sync-fitted vehicle. Stay tuned for coverage from CES for more.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010consumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowfordford syncFordSyncmicrosoftmicrosoft syncMicrosoftSyncsyncFri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19285196/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/18/report-revised-sync-from-ford-coming-to-ces/19285196/article-detail.xml 19285196 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ford_sync_upgrces_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ford_sync_upgrces.jpg <![CDATA[Ford gets CES innovation awards for Sync and Work Solutions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/ford-gets-ces-innovation-awards-for-sync-and-work-solutions/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/ford-gets-ces-innovation-awards-for-sync-and-work-solutions/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/ford-gets-ces-innovation-awards-for-sync-and-work-solutions/#commentsFiled under: , ,



For years, Microsoft founder and former CEO Bill Gates was the keynoter at the Consumer Electronics Show. When Microsoft first announced its intention to create software for cars nearly a decade ago, most people that had suffered through the indignities of the blue screen of death recoiled in horror. The idea of having to close all of our car windows and re-booting our cars became a running joke. While Microsoft's automotive in-roads probably didn't get as far as the company hoped, it does have one prominent application: Sync, one of the most popular options in Ford vehicles in recent years.

With Gates' retirement, Ford CEO Alan Mullaly will be taking on the big keynote in Vegas next January and the Consumer Electronics Association (CES) will honor the automaker for its efforts in developing Sync and the Work Solutions package for its trucks. Ford has continued to expand the functionality of Sync recently adding traffic, directions and general information, as well integrating with Bluetooth phones to automatically call 911 in an emergency. The show organizers have also named the new Taurus as the official car of the 2010 show. Why? We're not entirely certain.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford gets CES innovation awards for Sync and Work Solutions

Ford gets CES innovation awards for Sync and Work Solutions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESconsumer electronics assocationconsumer electronics associationconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsAssocationConsumerElectronicsAssociationConsumerElectronicsShowfordford syncford sync cesford sync Microsoft cesFord Work Solutionsford works solutionsFordSyncFordSyncCesFordSyncMicrosoftCesFordWorkSolutionsFordWorksSolutionssyncwork solutionsWorkSolutionsFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19232353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/13/ford-gets-ces-innovation-awards-for-sync-and-work-solutions/19232353/article-detail.xml 19232353 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09f250-f350-f450_prntr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09f250-f350-f450_prntr.jpg <![CDATA[Ford CEO Alan Mulally to deliver opening keynote at 2010 CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-deliver-opening-keynote-at-2010-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-deliver-opening-keynote-at-2010-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-deliver-opening-keynote-at-2010-ces/#commentsFiled under: ,

Next January, Ford CEO Alan Mulally will make a return trip to Las Vegas to deliver a keynote address to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association and (apparently) the 16th most influential person in the tech industry, made the announcement at Ford's Dearborn Development Center.

This marks the third year in a row that a Detroit CEO keynotes the world's biggest gadget and gear show. Former GM CEO Rick Wagoner spoke at the 2008 show with Mulally taking the podium in 2009. However, 2010 marks the first time someone from the auto industry delivers the opening address. Mulally will speak at 8:30am on January 7, 2010 at the Hilton theater and he will apparently announce some new features for Ford's popular Sync system. Get all the details in the press release below the fold.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford CEO Alan Mulally to deliver opening keynote at 2010 CES

Ford CEO Alan Mulally to deliver opening keynote at 2010 CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyalan mulally keynoteAlanMulallyAlanMulallyKeynotecesces 2010ces keynoteCes2010CesKeynoteconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowfordTue, 22 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19168829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/22/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-deliver-opening-keynote-at-2010-ces/19168829/article-detail.xml 19168829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/amulally_10taur02b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/amulally_10taur02b.jpg <![CDATA[CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



FLIR, the maker of BMW's night-vision system, will be at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week showing off its PathFindIR thermal imaging camera. The company says its system isn't confused by oncoming headlights, works well in cold weather and can even see through fog, dust and smoke.

FLIR also says its camera is based on the same technology used by the military to provide a 36° field-of-view of the road ahead.

We plan to check out the company's claims in the 6 Series they're bringing to CES. Maybe they'll even let us take it out and recreate that urban rumor of 200-mph desert highway sprints with no headlights. No, probably not.

CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowflirnight visionNightVisionpathfindirvegasSun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1417767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/1417767/article-detail.xml 1417767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/flir_ped_detect09_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/flir_ped_detect09_580.jpg <![CDATA[Ford CEO Alan Mulally to keynote CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-keynote-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-keynote-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-keynote-ces/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Looks like the biggest gadget convention on Earth is becoming the place for big automotive announcements. You'll remember that two years ago at the Consumer Electronics Show, Ford and Microsoft announced their partnership on Ford's SYNC system, and last January General Motor's CEO Rick Wagoner chose Las Vegas to unveil the all-electric Cadillac Provoq concept. It was the first time in the convention's 40-year history an automaker had revealed a concept car to the world there.

This year it's Ford's turn again at CES, with CEO Alan Mulally taking the keynote spot. CES runs January 8-11 next year, but there's no word yet on what day Mulally will make his appearance. There's also no word on what he'll be saying or revealing to the thousands of people gathered in that Vegas ballroom. New SYNC features are a given, but will Ford also choose CES to roll out its plug-in hybrid project? Stay tuned for full coverage from the Autoblog team.

Gallery: CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Live reveal


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty]

Ford CEO Alan Mulally to keynote CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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