Ford Sync

So what's all this about then? Will my Ford run Windows now?

Not quite. Ford and Microsoft's deal announced at the Detroit Motor Show is for a new platform called Sync - it lets users use Bluetooth-enabled devices such as mobile phones, iPods and USB storage devices in their car. Although some high-end cars already have Bluetooth capability, Sync is claimed to be a one-stop-shop facilitiy for every conceivable gadget. It's voice-commanded, so drivers can call out the name of an artist or track and Sync will play the requested song on your iPod. Because Sync is fully upgradeable, Ford owners will never need to worry about whether their car or is compatible with the latest phone or music player that hits the market. It will even read out text messages and syncs the car with the user's phonebook. Expect to see Sync fitted in production cars later this year.