hiii guys When Ford introduced the Sync infotainment system in 2007, it was truly revolutionary and available only in select vehicles. On May 26 Ford delivered its 1 millionth Sync-equipped car, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, in the Seattle area.
To celebrate topping the 1 million mark, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally personally handed the keys over to its new owner, who happens to be Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's CEO. Ballmer purchased the hybrid sedan as well as a new Ford Flex a few weeks earlier from a local dealership. A joint effort between the automaker and Microsoft, Sync is essentially a small PC that runs on a version of Windows built for the harsh automotive environment. It allows a car's stock radio to seamlessly interface with mobile phones and digital music players, such as an iPhone or Microsoft Zune. It also lets the driver or passenger verbally communicate with and control these devices using voice-activation technology. And since the Sync system is software-based, expanding capability is as easy as installing a new computer program. And it does all of this for less than $400. The Sync system has been a huge success with both the tech-savvy and tech-challenged crowds, which is why it is now installed in more than 80 percent of Ford vehicles sold in North America. Last year Sync added two new applications: Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist. Ford's latest Sync application, Traffic, Directions and Information, will be available for download this summer. It will provide personalized traffic reports, driving directions and up-to-date information, including business listings, news, sports scores and weather. Ford and Microsoft had a one-year exclusivity agreement, and while the Sync system remains exclusive to Ford, Microsoft can now partner with other car companies to expand the technology offering. Perry Stern's automotive career began 19 years ago as an adviser at a vehicle consulting firm. One of the original staff members of CarPoint, Microsoft's automotive Web site that launched in 1995, he became editor of the site in 2002, which is now known as MSN Autos. Stern has also contributed to MSNBC and various MSN properties in Canada, Japan and Europe. In the market for a new car? MSN Autos is pleased to provide you with information and services designed to save you time, money and hassle. Click to research prices and specifications on any new car on the market or get a free price quote through MSN Autos' New-Car Buying Service. -------- fusion -------- <a href="http://www.widecircles.com"; rel="dofollow">link building</a>--link building -- Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/. _______________________________________________ Railsi18n-discussion mailing list Railsi18n-discussion@rubyforge.org http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/railsi18n-discussion
