Ford has teamed up with Microsoft to bring a hands-free Bluetooth wireless system and in-vehicle operating system as an option for its entire Ford brand lineup, according to WSJ.
The new system, called "Sync" will be unveiled next month and will expand upon Ford's technological offering, which includes integrated iPod jacks and expanding their Sirius Satellite Radio penetration. The Sync system will allow for hands-free cellphone communication and other wireless information transfers inside the car, including the ability to receive email and download music.
According to the WSJ article, Ford's Sync system will debut next year as an option on at least two newly revamped Ford models: the Focus and Five Hundred sedans. The Sync system will then be offered in the entire Ford lineup starting in the 2008 model year. Eventually Mercury and Lincoln will hop on board.
Ford and Microsoft are said to be jointly announcing Sync at CES.
The last thing I want to do is ride in a car with anything Microsoft, thing will get a virus and crash! HAHAHAHA!
Bad joke.
So what happens when the inevitable Windows BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) occurs for no reason? Or after 10 minutes, it's infected with every piece of malware known to man? Thanks, but no thanks. Somehow, Microsoft will figure out a way to take down the rest of the cars electrical systems whenever Windows crashes...
Integrated Sirius = Excellent! Stern all the time!!
Integrated Microsoft = The car suddenly stalls while I'm merging onto the Brooklyn Bridge.
You think I'm joking...
Haha... they'd have a better time if the car ran Ubuntu or Mac. I can't wait until somebody creates a virus for this!
First thing that gets cut from the system will be the iPod jacks, which will be replaced with Zune connectivity, which will be unused.
You know Microsoft...
Brian -- very funny!
I hope that the MS software doesn't control brakes or airbag deployment.
Considering that MS releases Vista for business that doesn't even run its own SQL software....yikes!
It is funny that they don't call them jacks in the brochure but rather mp3 compatibility radios.
I think Q4 puts them both right back on track. The huge inventory on-line and in the big-box stores should get some heavy discounting in Q1 2007. If XM and Sirius targets their marketing a little better, which should gets retail hopping again, Q1 should look pretty good.
Once XM states their numbers in Feb - can someone please post a link to the sub number charts for Sirius and XM? (2001 - end of 2006). These charts should look pretty damn good.
Thanks,
Mike