Ford to ditch Windows voice control for Blackberry system

Ford is expected to soon confirm it will ditch its Windows-based Sync infotainment system in favour of new technology from phone specialist Blackberry. The carmaker’s head office in Detroit has refused to comment. “We do not discuss details of our work with others or speculate on future products for competitive reasons,” said Ford spokeswoman Susannah order generic viagra Wesley in an email to news outlets. But reports in the USA and Europe say Ford’s switch to Blackberry is a done deal. However, it is not known when the new technology will be introduced.

Ford’s latest model, the facelifted Focus, was launched in Spain this week and still uses the Windows software, although Ford says Focus gets Sync 2, the latest development of pra que serve o cialis the system. More than 7 million Fords worldwide currently use the Microsoft-based Sync system, which allows drivers to make phone calls and play music using voice commands. In some markets it can automatically call emergency services in the event of an accident, delivering GPS coordinates at the same time. The next-generation Sync system

will operate on Blackberry’s QNX platform. Blackberry cialis 5 mg precio bought http://pharmacyincanada-online24.com/ it for US$200 million in 2010 from its creator, Canadian company QNX Software Systems. It is used to power the Blackberry 10 operating system

It is said that QNX is cheaper to license than Microsoft’s technology and promises to improve the flexibility and speed of Ford’s infotainment technology. QNX is already in use in Audis and BMWs. Ford is believed to have made the change after worldwide studies showed it was falling behind its competition. For instance, a British customer satisfaction survey had Ford finishing 23^rd out of 32 carmakers for in-car technology. US technology consultancy Accenture says such technology is the top selling point for 39 per cent of US car buyers, more than twice the 14 per cent who say their first consideration is power and speed. Meantime, the new Focus won’t be available in New Zealand until early next year. It gets fresh styling, new technology, more fuel-efficient engines, and a more premium feel.

Apart from the exterior changes – especially the Aston Martin-like grille – the most obvious change is to the centre console. canadian pharmacy in kansas city Gone are the tiny buttons that were tricky to use on the move. These have now been incorporated into a 20cm touchscreen, with the remaining controls for the air-conditioning being redesigned and simplified. Said Ford of Europe design head Martin Smith: “We’ve responded to a clear customer desire for more simplicity inside the car, creating a clearer visual connection between the key components and significantly reducing the number of buttons in the cabin.” Focus will be the first Ford globally to offer the carmaker’s hands-free Perpendicular Parking technology, which helps drivers reverse into spaces. Also, the current Active City Stop automatic braking function now works at speeds up to 50km/h, instead of 30km/h.