Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC

Ford and SYNC have combined to be the peanut butter and jelly of automotive tech combo deals. 80% of the vehicles Ford sells now has the infotainment system, helping the Blue Oval and Microsoft reach 1 million sales of the infotainment system in less than two years.

Since Microsoft created the SYNC software, it has just as much reason to celebrate its success as Ford. Microsoft CEO and Detroit native Steve Ballmer decided the best way to celebrate was to get his hands on SYNC vehicle number 1 million; a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 41 mpg sedan was delivered by none other than Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Mulally reiterated his support of SYNC, saying that Ford would "continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers' lifestyles." SYNC already interfaces with navigation and entertainment systems, and 911 Assist helps call emergency services in the event of an accident. SYNC will receive further updates this summer when it gains the ability to deliver traffic, directions and information services.

[Source: Ford]

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Microsoft getting into the car WiFi biz

The Internet has been invading every aspect of our lives, but until recently most of us have gone without a connection to the World Wide Web inside our cars. That's changing with third party companies and OEMs beginning to offer 3G WiFi solutions for automobiles, and Microsoft says it's working on an even better idea. The Seattle-based software giant is working with the Universities of Massachusetts and Washington to develop a more reliable WiFi experience that enables the reception of multiple signals simultaneously to cut back on choppy service.

Microsoft's WiFi solution would leverage fledgling municipal wireless infrastructures to bring the Internet to your car. The Ballmer boys are betting that WiFi services will spread like wildfire in the future, and its new technology will be able to utilize multiple signals at the same time to make in-car Internet as smooth as what you get at home. On the surface, in-car Internet sounds ridiculous, but think of all the iPhone-like apps that could make your life easier. Weather, navigation, information, show times, and even gaming for your passengers would be a click away. You could even read Autoblog in the parking lot while your spouse goes shopping.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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Microsoft To Release Forza Motorsport 2 on May 29

Gentlemen, start your game systems! Americans will be able to buy the 2.0 version of the famous Forza Motorsport driving simulator starting on May 29.

The Microsoft Game Studios' "fully customizable" driving simulator game was designed by "top automotive engineers, professional racecar drivers and experienced programmers" so you can experience heat and pressure changes, aerodynamic load — and "dramatic damage and wear" — just like in a real car on a real road. The company says it offers "deeper and more realistic physics than ever before."

Among the locations you can select are the Suzuka and Sebring racetracks, Laguna Seca and Silverstone, and New York City streets. Some 300 cars from more than 50 manufacturers are collectible in the game and can be personalized, tuned and modified extensively — then taken into online competition through Xbox live.

A demo is downloadable at the Forza Motorsport Web site for those who can't wait until the end of the month. On the site you can also see the complete list of all 310 cars that will be playable as part of the game.

© Source: insideline
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