Ford cars to get Bluetooth, Microsoft operating system

Ford cars to get Bluetooth, Microsoft operating system

Ford will now be introducing a new system, dubbed “Sync” developed by Microsoft Corporation. The technology is based on Microsoft's automotive operating system. This new Bluetooth wireless and in-vehicle operating system will allow for hands-free cell phone communication and other wireless information transfers inside the car, including the ability to receive emails. The “Sync” will be introduced by Ford and Microsoft Corporation at the Detroit Auto Show in January and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

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.

The system is expected to debut this year as an option on at least two Ford brands which are to be refreshes in 2007 and include the Ford Focus and the Five Hundred Sedan. However, the system will eventually be offered as an option on the complete line-up.

The introduction of the new operating system sounds like a plan that can go bad, really quick. With the introduction of more electronic features in the cockpit of a car, the number of distractions is more. And given that Microsoft is developing the system, there is a chance that “Sync” here will make simple things complicated for the driver. To see if it proves to be a blessing or a curse will be clear when more details are know of the Sync after its introduction.