On January 8, 2008, Ford announced plans to globalize its SYNC technologies and services. The SYNC platform links customers from their vehicles to their hand-held devices to the Internet. A new set of SYNC services leverage voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth-capable mobile phone to deliver personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather, without the need for a built-in navigation system. SYNC with traffic, directions and information allows customers to move between their home, car and office, staying connected wherever they go. The new service will be available on all 2010 model-year, SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years.
Ford SYNC integrates a variety of technologies to provide diagnostic and information services as well as traffic reports and directions on the road. They include: on-board text-to-speech engine, a customer's mobile phone and network, data-over-voice technology, an off-board routing engine and voice portal, text messaging, an existing mobile application and the power of the Internet. Ford is partnering with Microsoft and other recognized companies -- INRIX, TeleNav, Tellme, M/A-COM and Airbiquity -- to enable the new services to connect to real-time data. The SYNC system is upgradeable. Customers can download new features and applications.