Ford SYNC-Equipped Vehicles Hit 10M Mark
Six years after it was first introduced, Ford’s SYNC can now be found in 10-million vehicles worldwide.
The American automaker began developing its SYNC technology in 2005, before smartphones such as the iPhone became commonplace. First announced at the CES show in 2007, the presentation featured the Apple iPod, Motorola RAZR and Palm TREO smartphone. Subsequently, two days later Apple arguably changed the tech world by introducing the iPhone.
But now that smartphones are readily available, SYNC’s success has grown exponentially thanks to the capabilities of its AppLink, which uses voice-activated technology to link between smartphone applications, hands free.
SYNC is now available on nearly the entire lineup of Ford cars and trucks, along with Lincoln products. The American automaker will continue advancing its SYNC technology with cloud connectivity, onboard sensors and data access. Natural language processing and machine learning are also in the works to help personalize and make the driving experience more convenient.
“We have literally turned the car into a platform for app developers, who work with us to add value through new features delivered at the speed consumers expect,” said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company executive vice president of global marketing. “With more than 1 billion smartphones now in service around the world, we expect mobile connectivity will continue to be a foundational element of our strategy going forward.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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