Ford SYNC 2.0: Now With 911 Assist

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas over the weekend, Ford and Microsoft announced the first round of updates for the popular SYNC hands-free system. Wait a second: SYNC has only been available for a few months and they’re updating it already? Does that mean you have to get a new one for $395?

No, it does not. SYNC’s software is updateable, so anyone with a current SYNC system can get the updates installed. How, they haven’t said. What’s new? Two features that take direct aim at GM’s OnStar system.

A 911 Assist feature will use a connected cell phone to dial a local 911 operator after a crash. The system will detect when air bags deploy and then dial 911. Ford says because it dials 911 directly — and then uses a pre-recorded message to tell operators what has happened before allowing the driver to talk or, in case the driver can’t talk — it is faster than “competitive systems” that use operators to reach local 911 centers. This is one of OnStar’s most talked-about features. 

The other SYNC update provides vehicle maintenance reports for drivers. The report is delivered to you via email or by text message.

Since both features use the driver’s own cell phone, there is no monthly fee for either. The updates will be available later this year. 

Comments

Second feature not necessary.

My car has the maintenance reminder system.
So I don't need to be charged for a text message.

It's not just a reminder. It will email you a full report on the car. not just when it needs to go into service. You can set it up to do email so you don't get a text charge as well.

Automatically dialing 911 sounds like a great update. What happens when the cel phone gets no or bad fuzzy signal?

Howdy again...

Maybe after Ford's preliminary "debut" of SYNC other automakers such as Hyundai, Kia and maybe even Toyota will pick up on this service and offer it as an option. That truly will kill GM's OnStar monopoly with it (service).

Good!

Peace<-AladdinSane-

I thought some other vehicle did equipped with Onstar other than GM, but they did pay GM to get it.

I think that Acura is the other company using Onstar. BMW and Mercedes have their own SOS systems.

I think this is great, but if it is through your cell phone people are required to learn how to connect their phones to the system. What happens if the driver is in a rush and forgets to pair the phone, but then has a crash and is SOL?!?!

Other than that, it's a great feature, I think it will prove more handy with younger people and with the states that requires hands-free phone using while driving.

I'm hip to BMW and Benz having their own type SOS systems, plus Acura with OnStar. What I meant is having SYNC branch out to other automakers, such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, etc...down the line after Ford's "debut" with it.

Peace!<-AladdinSane-

BTW, this thing does not work for those people who loves music from other countries.

I see this being a major problem.

"do you need help"

"no"

"dialing 911"

hahahha I'm sorry, but OnStar is amazing and you can't beat it.

Now maybe in this 2.0 they will add additional phones to their usability because as it is, only about 40 or so phones currently SYNC across main 4-5 carriers... that is not a whole lot of selection. for example, forget dialing 911 with your Treo - Treos do not work with SYNC.