SYNC, Ford’s in-car communication and entertainment system, now includes Wi-Fi.
 
Making its debut on a majority of 2010 Ford vehicles, the next generation SYNC turns your vehicle into an Internet hotspot.
 
WPA2 network security means that unwanted piggybackers on your wireless signal are a thing of the past. Also, when SYNC sees a wireless device for the first time, it prompts the driver for permission to allow the device to connect.
 
Just plug your mobile broadband modem or air card into the cars USB port and you are ready to go. SYNC allows you to use the hardware that you already own to connect to the Internet. This is advantageous to the buyer because it doesn’t require an additional investment in another piece of hardware, and guarantees more flexibility and forward-compatibility.
 
“The speeds with which technology is evolving, particularly on the wireless front, makes obsolescence a real problem,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Solutions Organization. “We’ve solved that problem by making SYNC work with just about any technology you plug into it. By leveraging a user's existing hardware, which can be upgraded independent of SYNC, we’ve helped ensure ‘forward compatibility’ with whatever connectivity technology comes next.”
 
In addition to the standard features of the first generation SYNC (voice activated hands-free calling, audible text messages, advanced calling features like caller ID and call waiting, voice activated music, and ring tone support) the new version will also support features such as:
 
911 Assist: In the event of a serious accident, SYNC will automatically place a call to a local 911 operator
 
Vehicle Health Reports: access free car reports anytime through SYNC
 
Traffic, Directions, and Information Services: this feature includes traffic alerts, turn by turn directions, and information services such as weather, news, and sports and will be included for 3 years with the purchase of any SYNC equipped vehicle.
 
Vehicles already equipped with the previous version of SYNC can get a software upgrade to support the new features.
 
theCD’s take: Considering that SYNC is likely to be much less expensive than an aftermarket system (about $400 MSRP vs. upwards of $500) and is fully integrated into the vehicle, it is the obvious choice for those who want a comprehensive communication and entertainment system that won’t be quickly phased out.
 

Source: Ford