SANTA MONICA, Calif. ??? Four years ago, the Ford Sync infotainment system was the innovative technology that drove this automaker’s economic recovery, but competitors are beginning to catch up to ??? and overtake ??? Ford’s groundbreaking technology, according to Edmunds’ InsideLine.com. In "Has Ford Sync Lost Its Edge?" Edmunds.com contributor Dale Buss examines the newest developments in infotainment systems that threaten Ford’s position at the top.
In 2007, Ford set a new technology standard with Sync by offering drivers voice-activated access to their iPods and phone contacts. The in-dash connectivity was an immediate hit, but stinging reviews of the next generation Sync as well as the new MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch systems have opened the doors for new systems to build reputations in the automotive market.
"Ford Sync set a standard for infotainment technology, but now the competition is poised to push that technology to new levels," says Doug Newcomb, senior technology editor at Edmunds.com. "At the same time, though, manufacturers will have to balance a useful, innovative and entertaining experience with the inevitable distracted driving issues that are sure to arise."
With Microsoft’s two-year exclusivity agreement with Ford now expired, Kia paired up with the software company to develop a similar integration system, the Kia Uvo. Kia, however, has held the technology back while waiting to see how driver-distraction issues evolve.
Similarly, Toyota is introducing its Entune infotainment system. The Entune system, which will be available to consumers this spring, provides in-dash support and compatibility with an increasing variety of smartphone apps. The system also allows for "over-the-air" software updates made possible by Toyota’s OnStar-style Safety Connect system.
The German automakers, meanwhile, have signed on to support a smartphone integration standard from Nokia called Terminal Mode, which could make integration drastically easier and standardized. Automakers like BMW are also working directly with smartphone makers, including Apple and BlackBerry, to integrate specific functions of smartphones into their car’s in-dash electronics.
For more detailed information on the competitive market of automotive infotainment systems, check out "Has Ford Lost Its Edge?" on Edmunds.com (http://www.insideline.com/ford/has-ford-sync-lost-its-edge.html). The Edmunds.com Techology page (http://www.edmunds.com/car-technology) also highlights the newest innovations in the automotive industry.
About Edmunds.com, Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/index.html)
Edmunds.com Inc. publishes Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site and hosts the most established automotive community online. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.edmunds.com, makes car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and otherwise on the go. InsideLine.com is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.insideline.com, features the wireless Web’s highest quality car photos and videos. AutoObserver.com provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds.com Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on Twitter@edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/edmunds.