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Raw Bytes Computer News KPBX FM 91.1 Radio National Public Radio Network Frank Delaney Producer Broadcast on Wednesday Morning 7:35 AM During Morning Edition Support Public Radio ! The Theater Of the Mind |
In computer news this week
05/05/2010 Now even my car is computerized
and connected ... part 2
I just bought a new car,
a Ford Focus, and I talk to it and it talks back to me ............using Sync car voice control technology,
which Ford developed working
closely with Microsoft, to
minimize driver distraction and to let you control your car with your
voice,. You can view all the
features included in Sync in online movies, and you can see these movies by
reading this transcript online on my Raw Bytes Website. Hands free calling lets you use all your phone's features, without ever
having to touch your phone. When I get in my car, Synch takes over control of
my cell phone, allowing me to make and receive hands free calls by pressing a
button on my steering wheel. It reads the address book and phone numbers from
my cell phone, and also lets me dial any specific number – like
328-5729. http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/#page=Feature2 Audible text messages - SYNC reads incoming texts to you in an
easy-to-understand voice. SYNC is even smart enough to translate commonly
used phrases and emoticons such as "LOL" http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/?brand=flm#page=Feature3 Turn-by-Turn Navigation You say the address you want, and Sync will get
you where you want to go by delivering voice directions. SYNC even lets you
store frequently used locations such as "Home", and yes - you can
create a location called “Home James”. http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/?brand=flm#page=Feature16 911 Assist helps put you directly in touch with a 911 operator - and if
you're unable to speak, the system delivers an urgent message. The system is
triggered by airbag deployment or fuel pump shutoff. http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/?brand=flm#page=Feature21 Music Search lets you browse your personal
music collection by genre, album, artist, playlist and song title using
simple voice commands. You can plug in your Ipod, and you can also plug in a
USB drive with music files on it to play. http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/?brand=flm#page=Feature11 Vehicle Health Report is the modern alternative to
popping the hood and kicking the tires - When wondering if your vehicle's
operating systems are performing properly, you can just say "Vehicle
Health" and a personalized online report will be created for you which
shows vehicle diagnostics, tracks your mileage, shows scheduled maintenance
information and recall information, and lets you schedule service online. http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/?brand=flm#page=Feature20 Business Search - connects you to a database of
more than 14 million U.S. business listings, then
provides Turn-by-Turn Navigation based on your vehicle's location. The system
can also send a text message and a map to your mobile phone. http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/?brand=flm#page=Feature19 Real-time Traffic reports – lets you receive updates
on the traffic conditions ahead or directions to where you're going right
over your vehicle's sound system. http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/features/?brand=flm#page=Feature17 And for
the directionally and climatologically challenged, it always displays the
direction you’re headed and what the temperature is outside. Ford's
Sync communications has been a huge success - It's cool - But Synch is way
past cool -
It's a reason to buy ! |
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For Raw Bytes This is Frank Delaney (C) 2009 MTA Micro Technology
Associates http://www.mtamicro.com/kpbx.html PO Box 31522 Spokane, Wa 99223-1522 (509)624-7230 |
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