Dayton Daily News

As much as we love our electronics, they also carry a serious burden. Once we start using our cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs in our cars, distraction literally can become a life-and-death matter. The number of crashes caused by inattentive drivers text messaging or chatting on their cell phones continues to be on the upswing.

A perfect solution may never exist, but a step forward could be at hand thanks to a partnership between Ford Motor Co. and Microsoft.

Going by the moniker "Sync, Powered by Microsoft," Ford has a one-year exclusive deal to offer an innovative technology that makes it possible to operate multiple devices in a car or truck on a hands-free basis.

Next November, Microsoft will be free to offer the technology to other automakers who will sell it under different brand names.

The first vehicle to offer Sync is Ford's most affordable car, the Focus.

Available in the mid-level SE trim for just $395, Sync also is standard on the top SES model.

Later in the 2008 model year, Sync also will become available on most Ford and Mercury vehicles and standard on Lincoln models.

Essentially, Sync consists of a central processor that contains the software platform, along with a few extra buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard, and a microphone that's usually located in the rearview mirror.

Microsoft calls it a "platform" because, like the Windows PC operating system, there is the likelihood that additional software-based features will be created, either by Microsoft or third-party developers.

Despite the potential of upgrades and additions, Sync offers plenty out of the box. It includes three ways to connect to a device to a car, including a standard audio input, USB port and Bluetooth wireless.

It can be paired with as many as a dozen of a family's different Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and other devices.

The USB input can control not just Microsoft's own Zune MP3 player, but also an Apple iPod. In fact, it's the first automotive interface that gives the driver complete voice command control over an iPod.

Another formidable feature is the ability to load music onto a simple USB thumb drive and play it through the car stereo.

Put an MP3, .wmv or AAC-formatted file onto the thumb drive and not only will the music play, but embedded information about the artist, album and song will be displayed on an LED screen.

This information is accessible no matter which device is used, and is compatible with a wider range of products than any previous in-car system.

Of primary importance is how this is all controlled. Buttons on the dashboard enable setup, such as the initial pairing of a Bluetooth device or a USB gadget. Sync will automatically download basic information, such as your phone's contacts or your music device's playlists the first time you connect a device.

The driver or front passenger can access music and certain phonebook information using buttons on the dash. The driver uses buttons on the steering wheel that allow his or her hands to remain where they should be while a car is in motion. Certain complex, mostly setup functions can be performed only while the vehicle is stopped.

Perhaps best of all for reducing driver distraction is the voice-command function. Improvements to the technology enable it to work far better than systems of just a year or two ago.

It understands most voices without training and speaks English, Spanish and French. Push the button on the steering wheel and announce, "Play, Beatles, Abbey Road," and in seconds you'll be hearing the Fab Four. Or announce "Phone, dial, John Smith," and the system responds accordingly.

The noise-canceling microphone keeps road racket to a minimum, and the car's audio-system speakers ensure good fidelity.

For many compatible phones, Sync can even use text-to-speech technology to read text messages. Imagine seeing young drivers actually watching the road instead of staring down at a cell phone.

Once a device is paired for the first time, connection is instant the next time it's used. Perhaps best of all is the surprisingly short learning curve. When a group of journalists was given a 10-15 minute instructional session, virtually all of them were able to use most functions of Sync immediately.

It's all too rare that a complex new technology is not just easy to use, but makes other complicated items easier in the bargain.

Ford and Microsoft seem to have gotten the name right for a technology that may really perform a pretty amazing feat: getting a large assortment of electronic devices to actually work in "Sync."

— CTW Features