Text 14960, 69 rader
Skriven 2006-12-30 09:30:44 av mike (1:379/45)
Ärende: Ford US cars to get bluetooth, Microsoft operating system
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From: mike <mike@barkto.com>


http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/ford-us-cars-get-bluetooth/story.aspx?gui
d=%7B6C3FE6F3-1F4A-4FD1-891F-DEA98F5CE876%7D


~Where do you want to go today~ takes on a whole new meaning.  I wonder how
long before Microsoft prevent me from driving my own car due to DRM
restrictions?

Then there's the whole issue of distracted drivers....


===
DETROIT (MarketWatch) -- Ford Motor Co. (F) will unveil next month a hands-free
Bluetooth wireless system and in-vehicle operating system developed by
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) as an option for its entire Ford brand lineup. The
system will integrate some of the features of a personal computer into a car's
cockpit, according to sources familiar with the auto maker's plans.

The move is Ford's latest attempt to spruce up its U.S. product portfolio and
follows the company's recent decisions to expand satellite radio offerings and
introduce features such as connection jacks for Apple Computer Inc.'s (AAPL)
iPod music player. The new system, to be dubbed "Sync," will allow for
hands-free cellphone communication and other wireless information transfers
inside the car, including the ability to receive email.

In many cases, the technology will be integrated into a navigation system. The
technology is based on Microsoft's automotive operating system, which has been
under development in recent years. Ford's Sync system will debut next year as
an option on at least two Ford brand models that are to be refreshed in 2007 -
the Focus and Five Hundred sedans, according to one source briefed on the
company's plan. The auto maker plans to offer the system as an option on the
entire Ford brand lineup, including trucks, starting in the 2008 model year,
according to that source. Eventually, the Lincoln and Mercury divisions are
expected to have the option.

Ford and Microsoft will jointly announce the Sync initiative at the Detroit
auto show and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas during the week of
Jan. 10, according to multiple sources. A source said Ford views the
announcement on the same scale as a new vehicle announcement and sees the
availability of the Sync system as a major competitive advantage over close
rivals.

Ford spokeswoman Sara Tatchio declined. Microsoft spokesman Chris Elliott said
the company has been working with Ford on certain technologies and will have an
announcement at the Detroit auto show. Elliott declined to discuss specifics.

While the Sync system is complex, it will share attributes with Bluetooth
wireless technology that is integrated in Ford products built in Europe, where
certain hands-free phone use laws are enforced. Various Ford competitors also
utilize Bluetooth.

Microsoft started an automotive unit 10 years ago and in 2004 struck a broad
development deal with Italy's Fiat SpA (FIA) related to in-car computing. A
source close to Microsoft said the company has turned in a spotty performance
when it comes to Bluetooth technologies and that the Ford deal could help spur
Microsoft's efforts.

The drive to install more and more electronic features in cars has sparked
debate in the auto industry concerning the amount of distraction that drivers
encounter in the cockpits of their cars.
===

   /m

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