Microsoft, Ford to Team Up with ‘Sync’ Technology

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Ford and Microsoft are to announce an agreement, most likely at CES and the Detroit Auto Show in the second week of this month, that will place Bluetooth and computer technology, eventually, in every Ford car. Car owners will be able to use the system to place hands-free cell phone calls or transfer information wirelessly for music or email purposes.

Microsoft has already been offering its automobile operating system for some time now, however this agreement will be the biggest yet.

Two models will be shipped next year with the option, the Ford Focus and more upscale Five Hundred sedan. By 2008, the entire line of cars will have the option, WSJ reports. From there, the company’s Lincoln and Mercury lines will be outfitted with the technology. Source: BetaNews

We Say: The Ford Focus!!? As far as Bluetooth, I can already get the capability of hands-free calls on my Prius, so I don’t really see a big deal there. Hopefully things like email will be unavailable while the car is in motion (though I will admit to having sent and received email on my PDA phone while in motion), but can you imagine what a BSOD could do while you’re driving?