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Microsoft and Ford To Get in Synch

This weekend Microsoft will reportedly announce a deal with automaker Ford Motor Company to get in "Synch."

Tech news site Softpedia News reported Tuesday that the two companies will announce the agreement at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 6, and at the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 7. The result, named Synch, will provide a Windows-based, in-car navigation, information and entertainment system built on a Microsoft operating system.

Initially, Synch will only be available on two of Ford's 2007 auto lines -- the Ford Focus and the Ford Five Hundred Sedan. But the reports say that Synch support will be expanded in 2008 to cover the company's entire lineup of models. Car buyers will have access to e-mail, be able to connect to Virtual Earth, download and upload media content, or transfer information via the system's wireless capabilities.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

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