sync: ford’s connectivity platform
TRANSCRIPT
64 www.autotechreview.com
DECOD ING TECHNOLOGY
More than seven years back, Ford Motor
Company and Microsoft joined hands to
collaborate on developing an advanced
software platform that enables drivers to
concentrate on the road, while voice
commands take over the job of manag-
ing the music being played, or even
attending to phone calls.
SYNC, as the platform is called, is an
in-car connectivity system that allows
customers the convenience and flexibil-
ity to bring digital media players and
Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones to
operate via voice commands.
The release of SYNC was announced
at the Detroit International Auto Show
in January 2007, and was subsequently
introduced in retail markets the same
year. The first Ford product to feature
SYNC in India is the just-launched
EcoSport. Since its market introduction,
Ford has reportedly sold over 5 mn cars
and trucks with SYNC, and the com-
pany expects to sell an additional 9 mn
by 2015.
WHAT LIES INSIDE?
At the heart of SYNC is Windows
Embedded Automotive, a powerful and
reliable software platform from the
Microsoft stable. The platform, which
can be updated at any given time, allows
the vehicle maker to deliver a compre-
hensive control and connectivity pack-
age to the consumer. The platform sup-
ports integration of new capabilities to
take advantage of latest innovations in
consumer technology.
SYNC ensures a high level of privacy
to the stored data on a consumer’s
mobile device. Unlike embedded connec-
tivity systems, SYNC allows access to
user’s stored contact information only
when the phone is connected. Owners of
the EcoSport, for instance, could pair up
to 12 different mobile devices wirelessly
using Bluetooth. The centrally located
display screen projects all the relevant
data, like one sees on their phones.
The system recognises up to 150
unique voice commands. In addition, it is
capable of identifying varying types of
accents and vocabulary. The voice tech-
nology has been developed by Ford in
association with its voice technology part-
ner, Nuance Communications. In India,
SYNC will be available in UK English.
Nuance’s natural text-to-speech technol-
ogy is also behind “Serena”, the female
voice of SYNC’s UK English version.
KEY FEATURES
Uninterrupted connections: SYNC lets
you continue your conversation, as it
transfers your call to the system the
moment you start the car.
Automatic phone book download:
SYNC automatically downloads the
names and numbers programmed in
your compatible phone to save you time
and trouble. To ensure privacy, the
stored contact information is accessible
only when the phone is connected.
Voice-control your phone: SYNC allows
you to answer a call at the push of a but-
ton, and make a call through voice
commands.
Voice-activated music: SYNC lets you
browse the music collection on the digi-
tal media player, mobile phone or USB
drive by genre, album, artist and song
title using voice commands, such as
“Play genre Rock”.
Audible text messaging: SYNC can read
out incoming texts and even translate
commonly used abbreviations and
emoticons, such as LOL and :-). You can
respond with up to 15 preset outgoing
messages.
SYNC: FORD’S CONNECTIVITY PLATFORM
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
Jacob B
Jane S
Jessica L
Joe J
Groups +
J
All Contacts
Say “Callcontact name” todial your friends
Q
A
W
S
E
D
R
F
T
G
Y
H
Sounds Good!
Reply to textswith predefined
responses
Handsfreephone calls
Audible SMStext messages
EmergencyAssistance
feature in theevent of an accident
Say “Playartist Coldplay”to switch songs
with easeg e n r ea r t i s ta l b u ms o n gp l a y l i s t
Ask SYNCwhat song is
playing
StereoBluetooth
streaming of musicEasy to
update software
Connectflash drives &other storage
devices
SYNC Provides a Number of Functions:
g e n r ea r t i s ta l b u ms o n gp l a y l i s t
Connect mobile phones via Bluetooth
Easy-to-use voice commands allowfor key functions with a single request
Connect media players via USB,and 3.5mm audio jack
5 ways tobrowse music:
Createplaylists of
similar music
64_Decoding Technology_ATR_July 2013.indd 64 01-07-2013 13:17:03