[zep]

SYNC is about to grow up, and by grow up I mean abandon Microsoft. Bloomberg broke the news that Ford will be abandoning Microsoft for BlackBerry subsidiary QNX, who supplies the majority of the industry with their OS.

QNX is less expensive to license than Microsoft technology, besides the cost reduction QNX also improves the potential speed and flexibility of the next gen SYNC system.

Improving Sync is crucial for Ford to draw car shoppers who are increasingly looking to be connected at all times. In-vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39 percent of auto buyers, more than twice the 14 percent who say their first consideration is traditional performance measures such as power and speed, according to a study by the consulting firm Accenture released in December.

Silly consumers, cars are for driving....

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-...berry-s-qnx-for-microsoft-in-sync-system.html

 

[MKZFan]

Not bad for Blackberry, maybe this is part of them having a solid and strong future?

 

[Truthiness]

How appropriate for two companies who are attempting to come back from the brink to work together. Who doesn't love to root for an underdog?

With in car technology becoming a huge thing, BlackBerry could make a lot of money if they master making usable infotainment systems for Ford. Perhaps this news will halt the dramatic fall of Black Berry stock.

 

[MKZFan]

It's a good idea. I wonder what more there is behind this deal, maybe because of them being both brands with something to offer that both want to grow made some serious behind the scene's deal that wouldn't be as possible with a brand like say... BMW.

 

[zep]

How appropriate for two companies who are attempting to come back from the brink to work together. Who doesn't love to root for an underdog?

With in car technology becoming a huge thing, BlackBerry could make a lot of money if they master making usable infotainment systems for Ford. Perhaps this news will halt the dramatic fall of Black Berry stock.

Its software from QNX, a subsidary of Blackberry, and this is not exactly a new venture for them either.

QNX supply's software for...

Standard Blue Tooth in all Acuras
Standard Blue Tooth in Honda Accord, Odyssey and Pilot
Audi Multi Media Interface in A8L, Q5 and A6
BMW uses QNX based infotainment in 7 series and all M models
UConnect in the Chrysler Pacifica
Functions of GM's OnStar is based on QNX software
Hyundais Mobis MTS-1 navigation system
Range Rovers digital instrument cluster and dynamic operating modes
Porsche's PCM system (central control of EVERYTHING)

You can check out all their different applications here Customers

and you can check out all thier automotive solutions here QNX in Automotive

 

[golfball]

I think this is good news since the Microsoft software sucked anyways

Its the reason Lincoln and Ford have been getting all those bad reliability reports.

 

[alcatraz]

Does anybody know what the first vehicle to receive the new system will be?

 

[golfball]

Ford has denied ditching Microsoft for BlackBerry's QNX to power its new in-car infotainment systems, though pointing out that it is "not married" to Microsoft and suggesting that the field is open for who might supply the next-gen tech it's currently working on. Rumors that Microsoft had been shown the door broke over the weekend, with suggestions that the SYNC system Ford used in millions of car dashboards had seen a steep fall in user-satisfaction.

However, while the rumors painted the decision to ditch Microsoft as a done-deal, that's not the case according to one Ford exec this week.
"SYNC 1 and 2 was done with Microsoft but we are not married with them" managing director Pin van de Jagt told CNET while at MWC this week. "For us, it's a supplier, so every time we keep evaluating is it the right partner."
Exactly what SYNC 3 might bring is unclear at this stage, with van de Jagt saying that Ford is in the midst of putting together its requirements for the next-gen infotainment system.

lies!

 

[MKZFan]

Does anybody know what the first vehicle to receive the new system will be?

My guess, the new MKC