Tellme, a Microsoft subsidiary, is providing voice technology for the Ford Motor Company’s new SYNC Traffic, Directions and Information service.
Ford Motor has announced that it is introducing new SYNC real-time information features that will deliver personalised news updates to drivers’ mobile phones while helping them navigate around trouble spots, saving time and fuel.
SYNC is a communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. Ford claims that its next-generation system — SYNC with traffic, directions and information — leverages voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone.
The Traffic, Directions and Information service is an interactive voice-powered service that expands its SYNC voice-command capabilities.
Ford said that, by speaking, motorists can access online services while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, including personalised driving directions, traffic reports and information such as business listings, news, weather and sports.
Ford is partnering with Microsoft and other companies such as INRIX, TeleNav, Tellme (a Microsoft subsidiary), M/A-COM and Airbiquity to enable the new services to connect to real-time data.
Doug VanDagens, director of connected services at Ford, said: Tellme’s leadership in voice technology made them our choice to provide the front-end of Ford’s Traffic, Directions and Information service.
