Although we have our eyes on the Detroit show, the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is next week in Vegas, and one of the big announcements there will be Kia's UVO voice control system -- the first serious challenge to Ford's Sync technology.
Very likely, the UVO user experience will be similar to Sync. Both systems were developed with Microsoft. Hyundai-Kia formed its partnership with Microsoft in May 2008, and at the end of that year, Ford's exclusive development contract with Gates and Co. expired.
Kia hasn't announced which model in its current lineup will get UVO first, but we'd be very surprised if it wasn't a Forte.
Automotive News (sub.req), Autoblog
estreka says:
05:22 AM, 01/ 1/10
I'm surprised anyone is looking forward to Detroit.
firstclass says:
09:31 AM, 01/ 1/10
Sync and UVO both fail because for the most part their just entertainment systems. I only want to talk to my car if I’m Michael Knight and I just so happen to be driving Knight Industries 2,000 (kitt). I have my cell phone for synk and it can do more and I really don’t need it when driving. That is to say Sync/UVO is a novelty right now. That’s why UVO won’t be missed in Detroit.
The 5.0 mustang will probably be the biggest news at the show if Cadillac’s concept doesn’t generate any excitement.
brn says:
11:24 AM, 01/ 1/10
"Kia to Launch UVO to Rival Ford's Sync"
should read
"Microsoft to Launch UVO to Rival Microsoft's Sync"
It's strange that MS is competing with MS.
firstclass, I wouldn't call Sync a fail. Like the product or not, it has sold a lot of car for Ford.
inlinesix says:
03:30 PM, 01/ 1/10
Ford has sold a lot of Sync equipped autos. Not a selling point for me.
ptcdawg says:
07:06 PM, 01/ 2/10
I like a car that drives well, not one that plays my compressed audio well.
firstwagon says:
04:30 PM, 01/ 3/10
It's a gadget. People who view cars as transportation love gadgets.
It was a great idea on the Focus. It's a dull car that needs something to make it interesting.
It might work well for Kia too. A lot of their line up (but not all) is pretty dull too.