New technology takes automobiles farther than ever
Published 12-5-2007
Cars have come a long way since the early 1900s. Since then, we have adapted heat and air conditioning settings, radio and even anti-lock breaks. However, there have been many more technological advances that now lead the industry.
Sync is an entertainment system that allows the driver to utilize voice-activated technology to help keep their eyes on the road. Though only available through Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, Sync is one of the industry’s newest leading technological devices that is also highly adaptable.
As awarded by “Popular Mechanics,” Sync is one of only 10 products honored in 2007 to receive the “Breakthrough Award” for benchmarks in design, creativity and engineering.
The 2008 Ford Focus will be the first automobile to see this entertainment function pre-installed. Stacey Anderson from Summit Information Services says that Sync will be “a smarter way to use devices.”
Sync, powered by Microsoft, uses advanced technology to connect phones, digital media players and other electronic storage devices. It is a program that is built into the steering wheel and dashboard and feeds off of commands by anyone in the car, and makes it easy to keep every passenger alert. Sync has no monthly fees and is inherently bilingual.
Bluetooth enables cell phone connection with the touch of a button or a simple command. After the command “dial” is said, the system replies and is then prompted to dial the number to any name you say. In addition, Sync can read any incoming text messages aloud, alternate between multiple mobile phones and enter a privacy mode.
A USB port enables digital media player applications. After the prompt “USB” is commanded, the program then responds and the prompter is allowed to say whatever genre, band, album or song they want played. Sync is also capable of shuffling your music on command.
Like any new technological device, there are some minor glitches. Even though Sync is able to react to voice-activated commands, it can be somewhat picky over the voice it responds to. Words must be said very clearly and in a normal tone of voice, otherwise Sync will ask you to repeat until it is understood.
In addition, phones that don’t have Bluetooth technology have to get another feature installed with Sync to make it adaptable. Currently, Sync will only be in the 2008 Ford models, but will be available for installation in older models in the near future.
More information about Sync can be found at www.syncmyride.com.
The 2008 Ford Focus has some other nifty features that make it one of this year’s leading technologically advanced vehicles.
The 2008 model achieves better mileage than in the past. It will deliver 24 mpg through city driving and 33 mpg in the highway setting versus the previous model’s 23/35 in the automatic transmission. The 5-speed manual has also received an upgrade in mileage from 24/33 to 24/35.
Mood lighting enhances the ambience in the car through the cup holders and front and rear foot wells. This factory installed option lets the customers enjoy red, aqua, blue, purple, green, white and yellow lighting schemes by the flick of a switch on the dashboard.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) has also made some new advancements in the automotive industry.
The EZ GPS, crafted by Cobra, is pre-equipped with street mapping of North America and most of the metropolitan areas in Canada, without any additional downloads. It runs for $399 and is ready to go out of the box. Turn-by-turn route guidance is offered by voice and reading instructions. No touch screen typing is required, and since it is not installed in your car, it is also portable. It is easily transferable from car to car as the user sees fit. It stores trip data and automatically redirects if a turn is missed.
TomTom’s G0910 has portable technology as well, and for $499.95 is easily mounted with the use of suction cups to the windshield. The 4 inch touch screen is bright and reader friendly with a light sensor that automatically adjusts itself to be seen. Additionally, there are 12 GB of space available to upload music and digital photos of your choice. The GO910 is also one of the first GPS systems to utilize Bluetooth technology, meaning that it can read your text messages to you over its speaker in 8 different languages.
The Garmin Nuvi 660 is also one of the industry’s highest rated GPS. It’s slim design and innovative features allow the 660 to sustain a stiff price ($964.27), but it is well worth the money. The innate bilingual dictionary allows for easy word and phrase translations in Spanish, German, French, Italian and Portuguese. The 660 also has a unit and currency converter for more useful traveling. At an additional cost, it transmits real-time traffic alerts through XM, MSN or NavTraffic.
For those long grueling road trips, passengers are able to enjoy the company of the television. Monitors range anywhere from 6”-17” in size and can be placed virtually anywhere. Past arrangements had a bulky screen dangling between seats, but new technology allows for more sleek operations. Flipdown, headrest, visor, consoles or in-dash monitors can be purchased for your entertainment.
TracVision is also making satellite TV accessible for the automobile industry for $2,995. DirectTV can be accessed with up to 185 channels, and additional space for local networks is available. With the purchase of DirectTV’s Total Choice Mobile Package, 70 channels of XM radio are also included. Five inch high domes are easily installed on the vehicle’s roof in order to receive satellite. DirectTV’s technology is also highly compatible with any of the industry’s video systems, and easily controlled by a remote.
Thought that internet usage in the car was impossible? TracNet and Microsoft have made it happen. The TracNet 100 allows users to access high-speed internet through your in-car video TV monitors. The receiver and wireless keyboard are moveable and make it easy to stay connected on the road. The receiver also has a built in wireless connection making your personal laptop ever more transportable than before. The receiver works off of the required mounted antennae for an easy configuration. The internet service runs for a flat rate of $1,995 with additional costs to the wireless connection and MSN TV service.
Car stereo technology has come far since the installation of 8-track devices. Ten Technology accommodates all iPod usage in the car stereo setting with their invention of the flexible Dock. The dock plugs into the car’s accessory jack and, with a flexible arm, securely holds your iPod in place as you travel. It plays your music through your speaker system and charges the iPod battery while plugged in.
XM and Sirius radio services have also made it possible to receive satellite radio through your car system. With programmable channels, these small screens fit against your dashboard or any other desirable location. Hundreds of channels can be chosen from to entertain the car and, with the press of a button, can be changed instantly without having to scan for a station. For a small monthly fee and installation fee, the satellite radio has become one of the leading technologies in the automotive industry.
Dolby Technologies has always been the leader in state-of-the-art car stereo mechanics and continue to maintain their reign. Dolby Digital has a surround sound option, typically heard in theaters. In addition, their low frequency bass utilizes a sub-woofer for optimized listening. Normally, it is built into rear seat entertainment systems.
Car wrecks can be virtually avoided with the new collision avoidance systems. Normally, a sensor (installed in the front or back of a vehicle) scans for imminent danger. When an obstacle is detected a warning is issued, or depending on the system, a collision avoidance maneuver is executed.
Warning devices can be a visual display in the windshield, audio signals, vibrations, stiffening of speed controls or LED displays. Among the systems in development, leading car manufacturers seem to have a tight grip on collision avoidance.
GM and Delphi Delco offers a system in select models with sensor fusion combined with the help of a GPS. The digital map locates the direction of the vehicle and other vehicles, and any other road symmetry available in the surrounding area. The system uses a heads-up display with visual and audible warnings. The cruise control is also adaptive with this sensory feature and it automatically adjusts to maintain speed in avoidance of an accident.
Alternatively, Honda created a collision mitigation brake system that predicts rear-end collisions. The system decides the probability of an accident through driving conditions, distances and speeds. Visual and audio warnings are also used. If need be, the system will initiate avoidance by braking to reduce speed.
Toyota’s self-parking cars are among the most popular of the collision avoidance technologies. Starting with the Toyota Prius, the car has the ability to actually park itself with the help of electronic power steering and sensors. The car is then guided easily into parallel parking spaces that are everyone’s worst nightmare.
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