We've reached the final part of our 3 part mini-course on Microsoft's game-breaking SYNC technology. Enjoy the 3rd and closing chapter of this mini-course!

SYNC's Functionality and Features:

PERSONALIZATION: SYNC with your personal preferences to tell your car what you like.

Instant voice recognition
SYNC's advanced voice recognition technology means when you're ready to use your phone or digital music player, just speak simple voice commands. Don't you wish everyone in your life was this responsive?

Ringtone Support
Do you hear your favorite pop song every time your phone rings? For supported phones, SYNC will recognize and play it. And if you've configured unique ringtones to identify specific callers, SYNC will automatically play those, too.

Automatic Phonebook Transfer
Can you imagine having to re-enter every name and number in your contact list to make it work with your vehicle? Yikes! Neither can we. That's why we designed SYNC to transfer all the names and numbers in your mobile phone book automatically.

Multilingual Intelligence
SYNC is a worldly piece of technology, fluent in English, French and Spanish. So start talking. SYNC's listening.

Multiple phone support
Several family members sharing the same vehicle? No problem. Up to 12 different phones can be paired with the system. Should more than one paired phone be present, SYNC will first attempt to connect to the primary phone but can easily switch to another phone if desired.

New SYNC Features for 2009:
911 Assist
You can be directly connected to a 911 Operator in the event of a crash or airbag deployment, or on some vehicles, if the emergency fuel pump shut-off mechanism is triggered. A pre-recorded message can be delivered to the operator if you are unable to speak, and occupants can communicate with the 911 Operator hands-free.

Vehicle Health Report
Say 'Vehicle Health Report' and you can: 1) Access the vehicle diagnostics report when you register online at www.syncmyride.com, and also schedule service appointments and get maintenance reminders once you are registered.

New SYNC Features for 2010:
Available on most 2010 models, SYNC now includes traffic, directions, and information, letting you access traffic reports, turn-by-turn driving directions, business listings, sports scores, weather forecasts and news - all with simple voice commands.

Labels: Ford Sync, Microsoft Sync, new SYNC features, Sync features, SYNC technology, SYNC updates

We're ready to bring you part 2 of our little 3 part mini-course on one of the most proficient and amazing advancements in the market today - Microsoft's SYNC technology. Enjoy Part 2...

SYNC's Functionality and Features:

MUSIC PLAYER: SYNC your car with your digital media player to shift your digital music into overdrive.

Voice-activated music
Browse your music collection by genre, album, artist, and song title using simple voice commands such as
'Play genre: Rock," "Play [artist]," or "Play track: [song title]." You can also operate your music player with controls on the steering wheel and radio console.

Most popular media players and file formats are SYNC-compatible
SYNC supports a variety of devices including iPods, the Zune, PlaysForSure players and most USB drives. Supported audio formats include MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV and PCM. Excluding the Shuffle, iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Zune is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

USB device charging
Long trip? You may run out of gas, but you'll never run out of music. That's because your media player automatically charges whenever it's plugged in to the system's USB port and the vehicle is running.

"Play Similar" feature
In the mood for more music in the style of your current selection? With the simple voice instruction "Similar Music," SYNC will create a virtual playlist based on the genre and style of the current song.

Podcast and Audio Book Support
Subscribe to podcasts? Listen to them as you drive. Or make the most of your time on the road by listening to that spy novel or business bestseller that's been on your list.

Bluetooth streaming audio
If your phone or media player supports Bluetooth streaming audio, SYNC can wirelessly stream music tracks from that device to your car's sound system.

Come back and see us as next week we bring you the 3rd and final part of our mini-course... next week's SYNC feature: Personalization

Labels: Ford Sync, Microsoft Sync, Sync features, SYNC technology, what is SYNC?

For those who love to see all these cool technological features decorate your car, we've decided to create a little 3 part mini-course on one of the most proficient and amazing advancements in the market today - We introduce you to Microsoft's SYNC technology. Enjoy Part 1...

What is SYNC? Got-to-have voice Technology.
SYNC your phone, music and more. Introducing SYNC - a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communication and entertainment system for most Bluetooth mobile phones and digital music players. Some of SYNC's unique attributes are:

Smart voice recognition: It's true - SYNC lets you operate your mp3 player and Bluetooth -enabled mobile phone with simple voice commands. And SYNC understands English, Canadian French and Spanish.

Never Obsolete: As the technology evolves, SYNC's capabilities can grow. Upgrades and new features will be made available to make your driving time more fun. So, SYNC is designed to accommodate your life, not the other way around.

Factory-installed: Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, SYNC is available exclusively on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles starting fall 2007.

SYNC's Functionality and Features:

PHONE: SYNC your car with your phone to stay connected - while living life in the fast lane.

Most Bluetooth - enabled mobile phones are SYNC-compatible
Most Bluetooth - enabled mobile phones support hands-free calling through SYNC. Wondering if your mobile phone is compatible with a new SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle? Or shopping for a new mobile phone? You can print a list of SYNC-compatible mobile phones and features that includes ones manufactured by LG, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Sanyo and Sony Ericsson.

Simple voice commands, hands-free calling
Most Bluetooth®--enabled mobile phones support hands-free calling through SYNC. Answer an incoming call? One touch is all it takes. Make a call? Simply press a button, then say a name from your contacts phonebook. Call waiting, call history, call holding, call privacy and more. Simple voice commands and SYNC does the rest -all hands-free. Want to see how easy it all can be?

Uninterrupted connections
In the middle of a phone call while entering your car? No need to hang up and call again to resume your conversation. Simply touch a button and SYNC will instantly connect to your Bluetooth®--enabled phone. The system can also transfer the call back to your phone as you exit your vehicle.

Advanced calling features
With SYNC, you'll enjoy many of the same features offered on your mobile phone, including caller ID, call waiting, conference calling, a caller log, a list of contacts, a signal strength icon, and a phone battery charge icon – all conveniently located on your radio's display screen.

Stay tuned in next week as we bring you Part 2 of our little 3 part mini-course...
next week's SYNC feature: Music/Player

Labels: Ford Sync, Microsoft Sync, Sync features, SYNC technology, what is SYNC?

The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 delivers a new standard of "custom cool," combining the smooth handling and legendary durability of America's best-selling truck with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson, the industry leader in motorcycles.

Labels: 2010 Ford F-150, Ford News, Ford Special Edition Custom Vehicles, Harley Davidson

2010 Fusion Hybrid and 2009 Escape Hybrid make Kelley Blue Book's (http://www.kbb.com/) "Top 10 Green Cars" list.

Both the Fusion and Escape Hybrids do everything great hybrids should do - in terms of providing excellent fuel economy - and at the same time, drive like conventional vehicles.
The recognition is not only based on fuel economy and powertrain, but features such as comfort, convenience, safety and value for the money. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid provides 41 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, making it North America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan.

The Fusion Hybrid handily out-economizes both the Toyota Camry (EPA estimated 33 mpg city/34 mpg hwy) and the Chevy Malibu (EPA estimated 26 mpg city/34 mpg hwy).
Another factor that distinguishes the Fusion Hybrid from other hybrid vehicles is SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach drivers on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid. In addition to smart technology, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid offers a variety of advanced safety features. The vehicle received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and delivers available segment-exclusive safety and driver-aid technologies, such as Ford SYNC with 911 Assist and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Further enhancing its "green" sheen, the Fusion Hybrid features sustainable interior materials including seats that are made from eco-friendly fabric and filled with soy-based seat foam.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid earned a spot on kbb.com's inaugural "Top 10 Green Cars" list last year. This year marks the brand's second consecutive win. Aside from its high quality carbon footprint rating and its compact size, the Escape Hybrid is easy to drive around town and is comfortable on long highway trips. The Escape Hybrid provides 34 mpg in city driving, and like the Fusion Hybrid, features comfort-designed seats with soy-based foam that substitutes for petroleum-based products, and seat fabrics are made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials.

Labels: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, KBB, Kelley Blue Book, Top 10 List

The 2010 Ford Edge is one of the stronger choices in the midsize crossover SUV segment. It is comfortable and spacious and offers confidence-inspiring handling, while the engine is one of the better in its class. Power comes from Ford's award-winning and powerful 265hp 3.5L V6, mated to a six-speed automatic. There are three trim levels, SE, Limited, and Sport. All wheel drive is optional across the range, with the FWD models getting EPA numbers of 16mpg city / 24mpg highway. AWD models fare at 15 / 22, respectively.

Some of the standard features on the Edge SE are all the power features, an advanced ABS system, A/C, 17-inch aluminum wheels, four 12V power points, AdvanceTrac with RSC, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Six airbags are integrated into all Edge trims, and have helped the Edge earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick designation for 2007.

The Limited and Sport editions have options like chrome exhaust tips, fog lamps, a six-CD, MP3-capable sound system with four speakers, automatic headlamps with wiper activation, a Message center with trip computer and compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed and audio controls, aluminum instrument panel finish, unique cloth seats with six-way power driver manual driver lumbar and driver / passenger recline and a Reverse Sensing System.

Also available as options are the Audiophile sound system with nine speakers and six-disc CD / MP3; Dual electronic climate control; Fold-flat six-way power passenger seat; Unique brushed aluminum center stack; EasyFold™ second-row seats; Heated and memory seats and exterior mirrors; Leather-trimmed seats; and a Chrome beltline.

Labels: 2010 Ford Edge, 2010 Ford Edge Texas, Ford Edge Crossover SUV, New Ford Vehicles