We basically bought the Focus to try out the Sync system and we've mostly been impressed with it. While we've blogged about using Sync a few times, no one has actually got around to demonstrating how to use it. Oh, Magrath and I had big plans of doing a fancy video done by our crack video staff, but we never got around it. So when I got the keys last night, I figured I'd finally do the long-awaited Sync how-to video. So here, enjoy.
And I only had one take with this and no way to edit, so don't give me any crap. But I think my few missteps show some of the system's limitations.
That Flight of the Conchords song is actually just called "Bowie," but that didn't work either. Only brought up "Bones" by the Killers. The Conchords' "Leggy Blonde" brought up "We Belong" and "Move Along." Their song "Mutha'Uckas" was a no-go.
Again, not perfect, but Sync offers something nobody else does. The phone works pretty well too, expect that video sometime next June.
redliner says:
12:09 PM, 10/30/08
Good job James. Thanks for the vid.
As far as Sync is concerned, I hate to say it, but its just OK. Having sync would not make me any more or less likely to buy a ford product. Many other automakers have similar (although less sophisticated) systems that perform a similar function.
benson2175 says:
12:19 PM, 10/30/08
That dash and gauges hurt my eyes and send chills down my spine. I get an industrial refrigerator vibe from it for some reason.
compliance says:
12:31 PM, 10/30/08
Do they lock out the ipod controls when it's hooked up?
Lots of OEMs do that and it's the worst. The iPod is out anyway, what is the difference between using it to navigate vs. those dash buttons? Other than the fact that the dash buttons don't work as well.
hokiejm says:
12:39 PM, 10/30/08
I thought that each Focus had Synch. Imagine my dismay when I recently rented a Focus without Synch!! I was anxious to try it out. For an economy car, the Focus is pretty good and I managed to get 33mpg. Synch would just make it better.
carfreak8394 says:
05:04 PM, 10/30/08
hokiejm,
as far as I know, Sync is standard on the SES Focus and optional on the SE.
prndlol says:
08:20 PM, 10/30/08
How big is the library of Sync voices? I want one with a heavy accent and maybe a bad cough.
autoboy16 says:
01:13 PM, 10/31/08
Great video!
Sync is much better than the Cassette deck converter I've been using for about a year. I'm half compelled to save up for a new iPod rather than a Zune unless Microsoft can make something more compelling or manufacturers make cars with Zune Jacks... I wonder how this works for the iPhone that has both features of an iPod and a phone....
-Cj
jriz says:
03:19 PM, 10/31/08
I believe the iPhone works the same way.
estreka says:
03:19 PM, 10/31/08
I have to say, I'm actually impressed. I have your typical mid-western whitey accent and I've been frustrated by many voice recognition programs (Dragon's "Naturally Speaking" in particular comes to mind). Sync actually seems to understand you much of the time.