A Close Look at the Ford Sync System

There has been a lot of hype with the release of the new Fiesta and, aside from the high MPG; the Sync is one of the biggest keys to the appeal of this vehicle. There are several models that will have the new Sync installed, but the Fiesta is the most affordable and will probably sell the most. So what exactly is Sync? Many people compare it to Chevy's OnStar, but it really is so much more. Yes, it can function like OnStar and has some of the same features, but it adds its own flair. Here is a closer look at the Sync and the amazing things you can do with it.

Basically, Sync is like the love child of an Android phone and a laptop encased in the dash of new Ford vehicles. It is a completely voice activated system that combines a smart phone with a computer. There are many things that this technological breakthrough can do. From plotting traffic trends and routes to calling 911 in the event of airbag deployment, there are several things that come standard with this system, but it does not stop there. Ford also allows smart phone applications to be loaded to the computer. Not only can you get applications like Convoy that allows you to track up to ten other vehicles on your trip, but you can get any of the thousands of applications that have been developed for this smart phone platform. You can even go online and set up your preferences to track your vehicle's health and maintenance schedule.

Not only is this great for drivers, but the Sync is drawing in hundreds of developers. Ford is currently trying to grab up any applications they can get for their owners. This means they are paying decent amounts to develop these apps and place them on their download store. The Ford AppLink Store will allow drivers to download Android and BlackBerry apps directly to their Sync System. These are all controlled by voice and steering wheel controls.

While the Sync has been around since 2008 and is nothing really new, the AppLink Store is going to be released with the 2011 Fiesta. This is where the Sync has shown the most evolution. To adapt to all their drivers and those drivers' needs is the real flare and excitement of the upgraded system. While the OnStar system does offer hands free tools that will help you in an emergency, Sync takes this to the next level. They offer full smart phone features and truly mobile applications that can work on the Microsoft Auto platform. This allows you to stay connected to the internet while driving and can help to monitor not only your vehicle, but other vehicles that you are linked to.

There is no end to the updates that can come from this advance in technology. With a little more work and over several more years, a truly autonomic vehicle may be in the very near future. Imagine being able to drive by voice activation through your car's computer. The true test to Ford will be how open they are to share some of these advances. If they can stay open about it, there will be great steps forward in this field. If they decide to keep it to themselves and their elite few companies working on it with them, it may be quite slow to develop truly amazing advances in vehicle computers. As a developer, I will keep building apps for them until they show that they are trying to monopolize the technology.