CES 2009: Ford shows off future of SYNC, Best Buy partnership

On top of those new SYNC features we've already told you about, Ford showed off what its SYNC system might one day look like with configurable controls and a personal assistant "avatar" named Eva. The concept is meant to provide a more human interface with the vehicle to help drivers be safer and more efficient. Instead of the disembodied voice of KITT, Eva is an animated character on your instrument panel that converses with you in plain English. She's a little creepy, but chalk that up to the Uncanny Valley phenomenon.

Ford also says it will be taking SYNC to European markets in 2010 then to Asia Pacific and Australia.

Earlier today, Ford Executive VP Mark Fields also told us that his company is working with Best Buy to educate mobile phone customers about SYNC. CEO Alan Mulally (that's him in the red cardigan) went into more detail about the partnership later in his keynote speech at CES. Fields said sales reps in Best Buy's standalone mobile phone stores would educate customers on SYNC's new capabilities when paired with a Bluetooth-enabled smart phone and then point out what phones are compatible with Ford's infotainment system. Check out the video above, the gallery of Ford's big CES keynote below, and an official press release from the Blue Oval after the jump.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• best buy
• BestBuy
• eva
• eva sync
• EvaSync
• ford best buy
• ford sync
• FordBestBuy
• FordSync
• sync

[inuysha360]

i have about 500 unread emails... good luck eva

[crash100]

"thanks eva, now blow me!"

[fixitman21]

@fixitman21 p.s. SYNC=Microsoft. Need I say more?

[fixitman21]

You gonna talk to your car all day, or actually drive somewhere? Geeez i coulda been done with my whole day by the time you two quite complimenting each other.

BTW Eva will eventually cheat on you with a Camaro SS! LOL

[year2kill2010]

EVA:Oh my tire rotation service i totally forgot thanks for the reminder

CAR: Yea your welcome you forgetfull BITCH!!! All the driving i do for you and you cant even remember to change my damn tires.

[1337LvMons]

its Lincoln C Concept ;)

[imnevermakingavideo]

so in the future, everyone will be a spoiled bitch.

[PSPHaCkErAOD]

thats just to much, creepy

[dharper26]

Apparently cars will be much slower in the future. 20 Min to drive 4.22 miles? My work is 18 miles away and takes me twenty min.

[Benthaitakeaway]

but where we going, there isnt any roads :D