SYNC Guide

What is VOYO? The World’s Most Advanced Connected Car Technology We have developed the world's most advanced, aftermarket connected car system. At the core of the VOYO platform is the ability to acquire and utilize the large amounts of complex data produced by modern cars. The VOYO controller is based on a specialized, high speed data logger that is typically used by auto companies in their development work. VOYO connects to the OBD-II port of your car, generally located underneath the dash. Any car built since 1996 has one, and most of VOYO’s Standard Features will be supported in a wide number of cars. For certain models/years of GM, Ford and Toyota, you will have the option to add our remote controlled Relays that increase VOYO's fuel savings and add unique security features. Additional makes/models are planned post Kickstarter. Depending on the vehicle, you may also have the option to upgrade to our Premium Pack services. See below for more details on VOYO hardware, Standard Features, Premium Pack services and supported vehicles. By the time your VOYO ships, you will be able to download the free VOYO phone App. It will provide you with a whole new digital experience and allow you to collect a wealth of information about your car as well as control its systems. The App will also guide you through the set up process and confirm that VOYO is correctly installed. The whole system is plug and play and is connected in under 2 minutes. No tools or automotive experience are required. Click here for VOYO's Kickstarted page.

Ford SYNC 3 - the Hot Dog Challenge

Ford SYNC 3 Voice Recognition Demo

MyFord Mobile Android Watch App

Ford SYNC 3 Easy Navigation: Video

Ford SYNC 3 with AppLink Delivers Voice Control of Smartphone Apps

ALL-NEW FORD SYNC 3 CONNECTIVITY SYSTEM LAUNCHING ON 2016 FORD ESCAPE AND FIESTA THIS SUMMER SYNC® 3 – Ford’s all-new communications and entertainment system – features faster performance, conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface Other new features include seamless integration of AppLink™ for a simple way to control smartphone apps, Siri Eyes-Free capability for Apple iPhone, software updates via Wi-Fi, and enhanced 911 Assist® for subscription-free emergency calling in the event of a significant accident SYNC 3 to launch in North America on 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta – on sale this summer – providing a safer way for Ford customers to connect their smartphones while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel Ford announced today its all-new SYNC® 3 technology debuts this summer in North America on the 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta. The new communications and entertainment system is faster and easier to use with enhanced response to driver commands. With the debut of SYNC 3 for Escape and Fiesta, Ford is launching its newest in-car connectivity technology as an option in one of its highest-volume vehicles, Escape, and in its most affordable car, Fiesta. “SYNC always has been about providing a safer way for our customers to connect their smartphones in order to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Motor Company vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Customers continue to tell us they want this technology, and they want it to be fast and easy to use – like a smartphone. SYNC 3 delivers on that request.” SYNC 3 features all-new hardware and software, building on the capability of the industry-leading technology that launched in 2007. Ford SYNC is now in more than 12 million vehicles on the road globally. Click here to see SYNC 3 in action. Easy-to-use voice recognition brings more capability Ford SYNC – the industry’s first system to widely and most affordably offer voice-activated technology to control smartphones – is becoming more capable by minimizing the number of steps needed to carry out commands. Selecting music, making a call or searching for a destination is easier than ever, thanks to SYNC 3’s simpler command structure. Ford was first to bring voice control to in-vehicle apps with AppLink™, and the experience is further improved with SYNC 3. AppLink allows customers to connect their smartphone to their vehicle and control compatible apps using voice commands or buttons on the vehicle display screen. AppLink automatically discovers smartphone apps including Spotify, Pandora, Glympse, NPR One and iHeart Auto (iHeartRadio’s automotive app), and displays each app’s unique graphics and branding. Music and news apps are automatically displayed along with other media sources – just like AM/FM or SiriusXM. Additionally, when connected to an Apple iPhone, SYNC 3 offers seamless integration of Siri Eyes-Free capability. Drivers can seek Siri’s help by holding down SYNC’s Push to Talk steering wheel button – much as they would on an iPhone to initiate a Siri session. Intuitive interface SYNC 3 is optimized for hands-free use. Plus, the all-new capacitive touch screen technology offers an experience similar to a smartphone or tablet. Quicker response to touch, as well as voice commands and smartphone-like gestures including pinch-to-zoom and swipe are central to SYNC 3 – along with crisp, modern graphics. On-screen complexity is reduced and control options used most are prioritized. The home screen features three zones – Navigation, Audio and Phone. Tile-like icons dominate, with a quick access function tray along the bottom making for a more straightforward user experience. Phone contacts are searchable via a simple swipe of the finger to scroll through the alphabet. With One Box Search, users can look up points of interest or enter addresses in much the same way they use an Internet search engine. Additional features, including subscription-free 911 Assist As with earlier generations of the technology, SYNC 3 provides subscription-free emergency service 911 Assist®. The customer’s Bluetooth-connected phone is used to dial 911 in the event of a significant accident – alerting first responders with vehicle location. With SYNC 3, the car relays additional information – including if airbags deploy, whether the crash is front, side, rear or rollover, and the number of safety belts detected in use – to help emergency call-takers dispatch appropriate resources to the scene. SYNC 3 now also features the ability to update software via Wi-Fi. Once a vehicle is set up with credentials for a home Wi-Fi network accessible in a customer’s driveway or garage, it can automatically download updates.

As you've probably already noticed, we've added new forums for the SYNC 3 system, which will aid in people better understanding which SYNC model you're using when helping with technical questions.

Ford SYNC Now Speaks the World’s Most Spoken Language Ford’s global in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC® will have Mandarin voice recognition capability with the arrival of the new Focus in China Extensive research was undertaken to ensure SYNC understands a wide range Mandarin accents, including the Beijingers’ drawling “er’s” at the end of words Customers of the New Focus will soon be able to make calls or play their favourite music using simple voice commands in Mandarin Ford SYNC Forum – When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and Ford has enabled its global in-car connectivity system in China to speak as the Chinese speak. The award-winning Ford SYNC® system in the New Focus will be able to speak and understand Mandarin – a language spoken by more than 1.2 billion people. SYNC’s hands-free technology allows customers to connect almost any mobile phone or digital media player to their Focus via Bluetooth® and USB connection respectively. Chinese drivers can then make calls or play their favourite music via a steering wheel-mounted control and Mandarin voice commands, all the time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. The New Focus is the first Ford vehicle built in China to feature the SYNC connectivity platform, and is also the first Ford vehicle in the country to have voice recognition in two available languages – English and Mandarin. The all-new Ford EcoSport will follow suit when it goes to market. Originally introduced in North America with three languages, Ford is working with voice technology partner and industry leader Nuance Communications to expand the reach of SYNC globally with an additional 16 languages, providing voice recognition capability in more languages than any other automaker offering voice control. SYNC is now installed in more than 4 million Ford vehicles. With this popular technology launching across Europe and Asia this year, Ford projects an additional 9 million vehicles will be equipped with SYNC by 2015. In China, where a recent survey showed that more than 60 percent of mid- to large-size car owners own a smart phone, SYNC offers a viable solution to those looking to be connected on the go. “We’re excited that SYNC will be available in Mandarin to our new Focus customers,” said Dave Schoch, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor China. “We’re committed to bringing global technologies to China and to making them user-friendly. SYNC in Mandarin delivers value to the customer through smart and convenient features that help keep them connected to their digital lives in a safer, simpler and smarter way.” SYNC goes local SYNC can recognise up to 150 unique voice commands in either Mandarin or English and cope with variations in accents and vocabulary. This allows users to take fewer steps and utilise more conversational commands to control SYNC features, making it easier to access more content by voice. Extensive research went into the development of the Mandarin voice recognition feature, with speech data recorded from about 2,000 people around China representing a broad spectrum of society and a variety of accents. They were asked to read paragraphs, give common greetings and recite numbers so that Nuance engineers can isolate the individual phoneme, or the basic unit of speech. This is why SYNC will be able to understand the wide-ranging accents from Beijing, Hebei, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Anhui, Sichuan, Chonqing, Hubei, Guangdong, Fujian and Guangxi. So whether the customer is a Beijinger who adds the “er” sound to the end of words or a Southerner who tends to blur the distinction between consonant sounds like “sh” and “s”, SYNC will have no problems carrying out the driver’s wishes. Nuance’s natural text-to-speech technology is also behind “Samantha”, the female voice of SYNC, providing drivers with a more natural, conversational experience with their Ford vehicle. All of these refinements are designed to encourage drivers to take advantage of the hands-free capabilities of SYNC and keep their focus on driving. Drive connected Powered by Microsoft, Ford’s open platform approach to mobile device connectivity has helped SYNC stand out in the industry for its ease of use, allowing for continuous improvement of the user experience. Unlike embedded connectivity systems, SYNC does not allow access to the user’s stored contact information unless his or her phone is connected, hence ensuring a high level of privacy. Using Bluetooth technology, SYNC can wirelessly connect up to eight different mobile phones to the New Focus through a process called pairing. Once paired and permission is given, SYNC will automatically transfer all the names and numbers in the phone’s contact list to the in-vehicle system. A microphone inside the cabin allows consumers to use their mobile phone hands-free while driving. Making a phone call is as simple as pushing a button and saying someone’s name. SYNC also enables New Focus customers to continue their mobile phone conversation as they get into the car – without the need to hang up – as the system will instantly connect to the Bluetooth®-enabled phone once the car is started. By seamlessly integrating with the mobile phone, SYNC includes the same features offered on the phone, including caller ID, call waiting, conference calling, a caller log, contact list, a signal strength icon and a phone battery charge icon – all conveniently shown on the New Focus’ centrally-located display screen. SYNC can recognize the user’s ringtone on supported phones and play it when a call comes in. If unique ring tones have been selected to identify specific callers, SYNC will automatically play those too. When connected to a compatible phone, SYNC can even retrieve text messages and read them aloud, including popular abbreviations and emoticons such as LOL (laugh out loud) and :-D (smiley big smile). Using voice activation, the driver can also send a reply from a predetermined list of 15 responses while on the move. Other than making and receiving calls, SYNC gives the driver full hands-free control over portable media players and USB storage devices. Users can browse their music collection by genre, album, artist, playlist or song title using voice commands. SYNC can even put together a playlist of the music the driver is in the mood for with the “Play similar” command or inform the driver of the song that is currently playing with the “What’s this?” command. The SYNC USB port also simultaneously charges the player as the music is being played. In China, over 70 percent of smartphone owners have instant messaging, music and search applications, or apps, on their phone. When paired with a compatible phone, SYNC also supports Baidu Ting and QQ Music, so that the driver can listen to their favourites on these popular music apps. Additionally, SYNC can wirelessly stream the user’s music collection on the mobile phone to the new Focus’ sound system via Bluetooth. All music played through SYNC is high-resolution digital quality. Intuitive MyFord Touch® interface First introduced in China on the Ford Edge two years ago, SYNC with MyFord Touch will also be available on the all-new Ford Kuga and the Ford Explorer. The advanced driver connect technology comes with a simplified voice recognition command structure. Utilising a flattened syntax, drivers can perform more tasks using fewer words, thanks to the improved SYNC vocabulary that recognises more than 10,000 voice commands. Consisting of an 8-inch colour touch screen in the centre stack and two 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster, the rich and interactive interface allows the driver to easily access vehicle functions, settings and information through voice, the steering wheel controls or with a simple tap on the touch screen. The touch screen display located in the centre stack has been designed with a four-corner layout that captures the activities most important to the driver: phone, navigation, climate and audio entertainment. Functions are where they are expected to be and are always visible on the screen. A single touch on the appropriate corner will bring up the desired function or, in many cases, voice command can be used to adjust the controls. “We know people want to stay connected in their vehicles, so Ford is continuing to deliver that connectivity for them responsibly and safely,” said Rod Phillips, SYNC engineering manager, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “Whether it’s SYNC or SYNC with MyFord Touch, we aim to make the voice-activated technology as easy to use as possible so that drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Ford Delivers 4 Millionth SYNC In-Car Connectivity System; 9 Million More Expected by 2015 • Ford SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles • With plans to begin offering SYNC in Europe and Asia this year, Ford projects 9 million additional vehicles will be equipped with SYNC by 2015 • Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car,” allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences • SYNC is now available on 100 percent of Ford’s 2012 retail product lineup in North America; all-new Ford Fusion and Flex are launching with SYNC as standard equipment – setting a trend for a hands-free, voice-activated future Ford SYNC Forum – Just one year after eclipsing the 3 million mark, Ford has sold the 4 millionth vehicle equipped with SYNC®, the industry-leading in-car connectivity system powered by Microsoft. Launching globally this year, Ford SYNC powered by Microsoft is forecasted to reach 9 million new customers around the world in the next three years. “SYNC has been a transformational technology not only for Ford, but for the industry,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “SYNC has been integral to keeping pace with the consumer, delivering value through a constant flow of new features that keep them connected to their digital lives in a safer, simpler and smarter way while driving.” SYNC has evolved quickly since first introduced in late 2007 and grown to provide customers even more value, with no additional cost. Soon after launch, Ford added SYNC 911 Assist™, which connects drivers directly with 911 operators after an accident. It is the only in-car, non-subscription call-for-help system. Ford’s SYNC Services launched in 2009, providing voice-activated access to a cloud-based network of information including traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions. In 2010 Ford added SYNC® AppLink™ – allowing smartphone-equipped customers access to a growing number of popular apps using voice control such as Pandora internet radio and Stitcher. Operator Assist, introduced in 2011 and available through SYNC Services, gives users access to live help with business searches and turn-by-turn directions. The upgradeable car Ford’s open platform approach to mobile device connectivity has helped SYNC stand out in the industry, allowing for continuous improvement of the user experience and the addition of new features. “Listening to customers and monitoring consumer trends has helped make SYNC a ‘must-have’ technology,” said Kuzak. “We will continuously improve SYNC based on customer feedback with the availability of software updates and upgrades.” Ford internal research has found that customers who bought 2011 models of Ford vehicles treat SYNC as a must-have technology and purchase the system 82 percent of the time. Also, more than 80 percent of SYNC users said they are likely to recommend the system to others. And using information collected in customer clinics, Ford engineers have been able to pinpoint opportunities for improvement and are acting on it with plans to soon launch a significant software upgrade for existing owners of SYNC with MyFord Touch®. “SYNC has allowed us to create the upgradeable car,” said Kuzak. “With the SYNC platform inside the car, offering our owners updates will be very similar to what they experience with their smartphones and laptops.” During the customer clinics held after the initial release of MyFord Touch, customers said they wanted the system to be faster and easier to use with simpler graphics. Ford engineers listened, resulting in a major upgrade to MyFord Touch that will roll out in a few months as 2013 model year vehicles are introduced. Engineers and developers from Ford and Microsoft often collaborate on upgrades and other projects related to the performance of SYNC to ensure functionality with the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform. “Ford and Microsoft are driven by a common vision to give consumers the ability to combine their digital lifestyle with their life on the road,” said Windows Embedded General Manager Kevin Dallas. “Windows Embedded Automotive enables Ford more flexibility and extensibility to innovate, speed up the product refresh cycle, and evolve SYNC to keep up with the fast pace of the consumer electronics industry.” The upgrade will appear first on the all-new Ford Escape, and 2013 Flex and Taurus models. Current owners of 2011-12 models of Ford Explorer, Edge, Lincoln MKX and the 2012 Ford Focus will be mailed a USB memory stick equipped with the software upgrade at no charge. In addition to faster touch-screen response time, the software upgrade will include the following enhancements: • Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance • Tablet device compatibility • Audible.com audiobook support • Connected navigation powered by TeleNav featuring new map data by NAVTEQ • Improved phone compatibility • Gracenote album cover art database featuring the latest music metadata available

Ford Trials Complimentary Live Operator Assistance for SYNC Services; Free Business Search and Address Entry Support • Ford is beta testing an Operator Assist feature for the cloud-based network of SYNC® Services, giving all registered Services users complimentary access to a live operator for help with business searches and address entry for turn-by-turn directions • About 70 percent of calls to SYNC Services are for business searches and/or directions • SYNC Services provides access to more than 14 million business listings Ford SYNC Forum – Getting directions or finding a business using SYNC® Services has become even easier thanks to a new feature called Operator Assist that allows users to instantly connect with a live person. Operator Assist is only a voice command away, making it part of the growing list of cloud-based driver aids offered by Ford Motor Company. The new feature provides customers with the ability to safely connect with a live person who can quickly access information databases to help drivers get where they’re going. Operator Assist is currently in a beta test trial phase and being offered as a complimentary feature for registered users of SYNC Services. No additional software or hardware is needed. “Ford is committed to continuously improving the ownership experience and delivering the level of connectivity that customers want,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization. “By leveraging what’s available in the cloud, we continue to innovate and improve our customers’ experience without having to touch the vehicle or inconvenience the owner.” How it works Cloud-based, on-demand, voice-activated SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes, and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions. Operator Assist is available for the directions and business search functions of SYNC Services. Seventy percent of all SYNC Services calls are for business search and directions, said David Gersabeck, product manager, SYNC Services. Using advanced vehicle sensors, integrated GPS technology and comprehensive map and traffic data, the SYNC Services automated system delivers turn-by-turn directions to the user. Further, with access to more than 14 million business listings, SYNC Services’ automated system directs users to the businesses they seek. Now, with Operator Assist, at any time during a business search or directions interaction between the user and the SYNC Services automated system, the user can say, “Operator,” confirm his or her request to speak with an operator, and connect to a live operator. This system gives Ford customers the choice of interfacing with a live operator or utilizing the interactive voice recognition system. “Our customers asked for additional assistance in situations where their voice request was not understood,” said Gersabeck. “If you want the most reliable user experience, enabling alternative methods for customers to access information will increase success, which is where Operator Assist factors into the equation.” In the event a user says an address or business that the automated system can’t identify, the user will be prompted with the option to connect to a live operator. If the user confirms he or she would like to speak with an operator for further assistance, the system automatically connects the user to the live operator. When a live operator assists with a business search, the user can choose to receive turn-by-turn directions to the business, receive a text message with name, address and phone number information about the business (applies to certain phone carrier networks), or be directly connected to the phone number of the business. When a live operator assists with address entry, the user can have the directions sent directly to the vehicle. “We want Ford SYNC Services customers to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get where they’re going or want to go,” said Gersabeck. “Being able to connect with a live person at any time contributes to that peace of mind.” The live operator services are provided by MyAssist, a leading live assistance and telematics service company for individuals and businesses based in Stevens Point, Wis.

Ford SYNC to be More Multilingual as Vocabulary Expands to Industry-Leading 19 Languages * Ford SYNC® to expand its vocabulary from three to 19 languages, as Ford announces global rollout of the in-vehicle connectivity technology * New languages will be available first in Europe in 2012 with introduction in the Ford Focus * SYNC language expansion sets an industry benchmark for automotive voice recognition capability Ford SYNC Forum – Ford is expanding the reach of Ford SYNC globally with the European launch of its popular voice-controlled connectivity system, with the capability of now offering 19 languages. SYNC was originally launched in North America in 2007 with three languages. With the additional 16 vernaculars, Ford will offer voice recognition capability, powered by Nuance Communications, in more languages than any other automaker offering voice control. The expansion brings the convenience of SYNC to a much larger audience of potential customers, said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, who kicked off the global launch of SYNC this week at the 2011 CeBIT technology show in Hanover, Germany. “We are pleased to announce that SYNC will soon be available to customers around the world,” Mulally said. “It is a smart and simple way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives.” Teaching a car to speak At the heart of SYNC is the speech engine, and Ford is working with its speech technology partner, Nuance Communications, to deliver a similar experience across the multiple languages. Ford leverages significant investments made by Nuance to support the broad dialect coverage required in larger regions such as the United States. Additionally, regions such as Europe present unique challenges, in part because of the proximity of different countries and the resulting need for multilingual solutions. For the customer, that means SYNC can recognize 10,000 voice commands in any one of the available 19 languages, and can cope with variances in accents, vocabulary and local dialects. If a German customer, for example, is driving in Italy, the system can provide directions in German but will use the correct Italian pronunciation for street names. Within each international market, a unique set of abbreviations for text messaging also has been identified. For example, “cvd,” short for “Ci vediamo dopo,” was added for SYNC to read aloud, which basically means “See you later” in Italian. “We had to make sure the system would behave as people expect in different countries and different cultures,” said Mark Porter, supervisor, SYNC Product Development. “That means we had to solicit local, native-speaking input for common abbreviations used in SMS messages as well as support different units of distance and date formats.” Song titles and artist names posed further challenges. A German owner, for instance, may have songs by artists of German, American, Spanish and other nationalities on an MP3 player. Due to phonetic differences between the languages, the system must be able to recognize a name whether it’s pronounced in German or deep southern American English. “The in-car experience needs to be global in nature, supporting a variety of languages to ensure all commands, addresses and song titles are recognized, whether you’re from Germany, Portugal or France. Localization should not equal limitations,” said Arnd Weil, vice president, Nuance Automotive. “Working closely with Ford, we’ve customized the SYNC experience across multiple languages to ensure drivers in all regions experience the simplicity and convenience that in-car voice technology has to offer.” With the language expansion, SYNC with MyFord Touch will be available in: * U.S. English * U.K. English * Australian English * European French * Canadian French * European Spanish * U.S. Spanish * European Portuguese * Brazilian Portuguese * German * Italian * Dutch * Russian * Turkish * Arabic * Korean * Japanese * Mandarin Chinese * Taiwanese Mandarin (supported through Mandarin Chinese) Software, rather than hardware, solutions As with many SYNC advancements over the years, the expanded language capabilities leverage the system’s flexible, software-based platform for a cost-effective and efficient solution. Using a single, common hardware module equipped with Wi-Fi®, SYNC can be easily configured for language on the assembly line. An on-the-line server connects with the SYNC module wirelessly, determines the appropriate software installation – including language – and downloads the information to the vehicle. Using a common module and Wi-Fi installation avoids the logistics of stocking unique modules with every possible combination of language and capability offered by SYNC. In fact, Ford would have had to produce more than 90 different hardware modules to accommodate all of the different languages installed at assembly plants around the world. Voice poised to become primary in-car communication interface With independent research firms such as Datamonitor predicting that advanced speech recognition in the mobile world will triple by 2014 with similar growth for speech recognition in vehicles, Ford is ahead of the curve with the SYNC global language expansion plan. “Ford is committed to making voice recognition the primary user interface inside the car throughout the world, helping all drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel,” said Jim Buczkowski, a Henry Ford Technical Fellow and director of Electrical and Electronics Systems for Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “This expansion of SYNC language capabilities is a huge step forward in bringing voice technology to every market Ford serves.” The Ford Focus will be the first vehicle to launch with SYNC in Europe in 2012.

I think this came out on the 2011 Fiesta first and now the Mustang. I suspect that it will make its way around to all Fords. It's a software update.