SYNC enhancements: user-set com modes, voice-texts, do not disturb, more...

[68fastback]

AS STATES MULL BANS, FORD IMPROVES SYNC TO GIVE DRIVERS SAFER ALTERNATIVES TO HAND-HELD TEXTING


http://media.ford.com/images/10031/11EdgeMyTouch_070810_sm.jpg
MyFord Touch driver connect technology, launching on the 2011 Ford Edge, features a "Do Not Disturb" button for drivers to choose to have incoming phone calls and text messages blocked for the duration of their trip.

Ford adds “Do Not Disturb” button to block incoming calls and texts on new MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles and proactive feature content “lock-outs” to encourage use of voice control
In addition, Ford integrates new Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP) into SYNC for all MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles so more drivers can have texts read aloud to them while driving
Research In Motion (RIM), maker of BlackBerry smartphones, plans to adopt MAP and enable SYNC audible text messaging capability to work with all new smartphones; Ford urges other phone manufacturers to follow
Video: Ford SYNC Reads SMS Text Messages (http://www.youtube.com/v/4g39JrObzmg) (YouTube)
DEARBORN, Mich., July 8, 2010 – As the issue of texting while driving grows in prominence nationally, Ford Motor Company is expanding its SYNC technology with new features to give drivers safer alternatives to hand-held texting and keep them more focused on the road.

To help make the in-car connection safer, Ford is improving the SYNC text message readback feature and empowering drivers with a “Do Not Disturb” button so they can decide the level of connectivity and communications they want to manage while in the car. Ford is also taking the proactive step to “lock-out” capabilities that are not relevant to the task of driving while the vehicle is in motion.

“Text messaging has become the default communications method for consumers of all ages,” said John Schneider, chief engineer, Ford multimedia and infotainment engineering. “The power of SYNC voice control combined with Ford’s latest connectivity improvements will reduce the temptation to pick up the phone and take your eyes off the road, providing a safer solution for the use of mobile devices in the car.”

Ford believes drivers should keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel and was the first automaker to support a proposed federal ban and state-level legislation banning hand-held texting while driving. In turn, Ford also understands that drivers want to be connected to their mobile worlds while on the road, and texting continues to grow as a preferred communication method. According to a new poll from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, for example, approximately one in four (27%) American adults and driving age teens (26%) admit to texting while driving.

Ford will offer the new features on 2011 model year vehicles equipped with MyFord or MyLincoln Touch, the intuitive driver connect technology that provides drivers personalized access to information and entertainment through voice control, touch screens and familiar five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel.

More... (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32941)

[Tommy Gun]

We have Sync in our new car.

Probably will never use it.

Co Pilots phone isn't even compatible w/ it, dealer checked.

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[Black Vert SS]

Time for a new phone

[Tommy Gun]

Time for a new phone


Just got the one she has.

Only makes a few calls a month and doesn't need any of the bells and whistles crap.


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[The Bone]

Then sell the car

[Tommy Gun]

:groan:


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[68fastback]

Just got the one she has.

Only makes a few calls a month and doesn't need any of the bells and whistles crap.


.


The Samsung Convoy (SCH-U640) is a mil-spec cell that Verison sells on some plans for $50 with a $50-rebate ...a great phone ...simple to use and supports bluetooth. It's hard to find a cell that *doesn't* support bluetooth, but you must have somehow found one. :yellowcard3:

So will CP be using Sync's parental controls to limit how fast you can go and how loud you can play the SHO radio? :grin: Maybe she will set up the teen-alert to notify her via the internet if you stray out of the designated neighborhood :shades: ...pooches do tend to wander, you know :giggle:

[Tommy Gun]

Her phone was $40 w/ a $25 a month plan. Can't get any cheaper than that.

She wouldn't use the blutooth thing if she could.

From what I have looked at when logging into Sync online, we can't use any of the features w/o the phone being connected to start the whole process so we will never be using it or it's features.

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[68fastback]

If the phone had bluetooth and is added to Sync (a one-time thing), there's nothing more to do but have the phone on. When you enter the car it automatically 'syncs' up -- even if you're in the middle of a call. If you want to make a call from the car, you touch a button and say: call billbilll and it places the call to Washington DC :shades: You don't ever have to use bluetooth for anything ellse (like an earpiece, etc) ...it's just how Sync ties the phone in. Tying the phone in is also how you get the free 911 service (via Sync, if you want it) and free turn-by-turn nav (even without the navigation system). Seems like usefull stuff, but I've never used it myself.

That's a good price for a plan, Bill!

Verizon has a plan that lets you add up to 5 phones (for $10/month each) and you can also add up to 10 phone numbers -- including land-lines -- that are then all free to calls from those verizon phones (and all other verizon-to-verizon calls are free). So our son just added me to their plan. Phone was free (after rebate) and $10 a month and includes 200 minutes to non verizon cell phones. It's great family plan. Our daughter also has the same plan and my wifes phone is on their plan. I think it's the Friends & Family plan.


[edit:] Ford had a deal with Best Buy in certain markets -- still has, I think. You can go to any Best Buy that's participating and have the GeekSquad guys do the set-up for you ...if you wanted.

[Joe G]

-- that are then all free to calls from those verizon phones (and all other verizon-to-verizon calls are free). I think it's the Friends & Family plan.

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I have a Verizon phone.

I'm also a Friend or Family.


Just saying...


:shades:

[68fastback]

:grin: ...bro Joe!

[Joe G]

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/JoeG_09/Emoticon/SmileyonCellPhone.gif

[Gr8snkbite]

The Shelby has this. If I receive a text, the computer actually reads it out loud. I have the option to respond in which it types my response and sends it out, or I can jhust acknowledge it and end it.

[The Bone]

:birthday:

[Joe G]

The Shelby has this. If I receive a text, the computer actually reads it out loud. I have the option to respond in which it types my response and sends it out, or I can jhust acknowledge it and end it.

Just imagine the PW nightmare if TG found a way for Sync to read the forum and post while driving! :yikes:

[Tommy Gun]

The Shelby has this. If I receive a text, the computer actually reads it out loud. I have the option to respond in which it types my response and sends it out, or I can jhust acknowledge it and end it.


Sounds like my voice recognition software on the computer that allows me to post so much. :popcorn:


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[Joe G]

:birthday:

:haha:

[Tommy Gun]

Just imagine the PW nightmare if TG found a way for Sync to read the forum and post while driving! :yikes:


Can we do that? :yay:



.

[Joe G]

Can we do that? :yay:

.

Anythings possible..... for a price. :moneyman:

[Black Vert SS]

I wonder if you could change your voice after it recognizes it to confuse the system. A guy like Mel Blanc would have a field day!

[Johnny Dangerously]

I wonder if you could change your voice after it recognizes it to confuse the system. A guy like Mel Blanc would have a field day!
The voice recognition in my car doesn't respond to someone else's voice.


`

[Tommy Gun]

:doh2:

[Johnny Dangerously]

:doh2:
What? I have Blutooth with voice recognition in my car. I ordered it that way.

[Orf]

I wonder if you could change your voice after it recognizes it to confuse the system. A guy like Mel Blanc would have a field day!

In an unrelated story, Rich Little's car implodes in Las Vegas...

[68fastback]

Just imagine the PW nightmare if TG found a way for Sync to read the forum and post while driving! :yikes:


Can we do that? :yay:



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:rofl: I can see it now. ;-)

You might need Ford's Workforce Solutions (F-series and Transit Connect) for that -- then you can tie into your home/office computer ...and even have a printer in your truck tied into that.

Even with basic Sync (Sync-2 -- the current Sync) I think you can have a wifi hot-spot in your car and then you, CP and TGjr can just use your laptops while on the road -lol. Requires a compatible cellular data service, I believe (which you may/not already have).

Maybe Sync already supports an Audio PW feature ...but it's probably called something else :shades: ...Ford needs to get hip with the naming thing :rof3:

[Tommy Gun]

:look:

[Gr8snkbite]

Just imagine the PW nightmare if TG found a way for Sync to read the forum and post while driving! :yikes:

i agree....:doh2:

[Gr8snkbite]

:haha:

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