Ford Improves Sync With Real Time Information

Engadget outlines how Ford ramps up the real-time information functionality of it's SYNC in-dash system.

We've finally got the details on that Ford SYNC refresh we recently warned you about. According to the company, current owners of 2010 vehicles with the device now can download and install the latest TDI (Traffic, Directions and Information) app for free. As mentioned before, the app connects a customer's Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to Ford's Service Delivery Network voice portal for turn-by-turn driving directions, real-time traffic, business searches, news, sports and weather. This bad boy will be available on all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with SYNC, $395. The sale price includes service for the first three years. Ready to SYNC your ride? Do you find the phrase "SYNC my ride" as amusing as we do? Hit that read link.

Hmmmm...news and business, sports, traffic, weather....hmmmmm...on-demand...in-dash....not from "traditional" raido...hmmmmm.

It's a good thing radio offers more than just the boring basics....right? It may not be the most popular thing to write, but your [exceptional] talent IS your ticket to remaining relevant. Don't have exceptional talent? Better grow some or buy some very soon...and then give them the resources and time horizon to make it happen--and that's more than 6 months, folks.

On The Road with the Ford Sync

I am on the road and like most trips I have a rental car—this trip the car's a Ford that’s equipped with the new Ford/Microsoft Sync audio system. Here's a video that was making the rounds from this past summer from myride.com.



Despite the fact that I am a self-proclaimed techno-geek, the system was not quite as easy to use as I expected. There was a lot of set up and a healthy learning curve. I can only imagine how the non-technically inclined would fare with this system. That said, this is an early version of wireless connectivity that is only going to get better and presumably much easier.

More details on how the system made my life easier and more fulfilled upon the trips conclusion later this week.