rides

Ford is going to turn its rides into rolling WSiFi hotspots via its next generation in-car connectivity technology, SYNC. SYNC will utilize the owner’s compatible USB mobile broadband modem (air card). The SYNC platform will produce a secure wireless connection - which will be accessible to anyone within the vehicle equipped with a Wi-Fi-enabled device. However, drivers would be prudent to resist temptation.

Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Solutions Organization outlined the plan in a statement, “The speeds with which technology is evolving, particularly on the wireless front, makes obsolescence a real problem. We’ve solved that problem by making SYNC work with just about any technology you plug into it. By leveraging a user’s existing hardware, which can be upgraded independently from SYNC, we’ve helped ensure forward compatibility with whatever connectivity technology comes next.

Ford SYNC security is set to WiFi Protected access 2 (WPA2). It requires that users enter a randomly chosen password. Piggybacking is prevented by requiring every new device SYNC sees for the first time to be specifically authorized by the user to join the network.

New SYNC real-time information delivers personalized news updates to drivers mobile phones while helping them navigate around trouble spots, saving time and fuel. Other features include: traffic, direction and information, industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customers Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. Debuting this spring, it will provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports, and weather. The models equipped with the latest version of SYNC have yet to be revealed.