Hyndai Genesis Audio System - OK, I'm Impressed

CarDomain Senior Account Executive Dima Ariss was one of a lucky few to land the opportunity to sample Hyundai's new Genesis sedan recently, and snapped off a couple camera phone pics of the impressive Lexicon factory navigation sound system. Lexicon is a Harman International company (Infinity, JBL, Harman Kardon, Crown, etc), and builds some of the premium audio systems found in select Mercedes, BMW, and Land Rover cars as well as the stout Rolls Royce Phantom. The Genesis is a quite an impressive car and has really shocked the auto industry, and the audio system easily competes with those found in much more expensive vehicles. We've got a full feature list and a few more pics after the jump. Although not directly called out in the features by name, I'm going to assume this car will eventually come equipped with the future Hyundai Microsoft Sync system as well, but maybe with a different name. Hit the jump for the rest of the details!

Sync to Ford: "It's Not You, It's Me...."

We knew Ford's contract with Microsoft's Sync wasn't forever exclusive, and it would eventually start integrating into other auto manufacturer's OEM multimedia systems. Well, it's still a little ways off, but it is happening. And I was actually a little surprised to hear who's next in line for the tech: Kia and Hyundai! Now, I'm a bit of a car snob and years ago you'd often hear me claim "You'll never catch me in a Hyundai!", but honestly, that opinion has changed considerably over the last 10 years as Hyundai has continued to really raise the bar (and prices) on their model offering in both looks and quality.  And now, starting as early as November, Hyundai has permission to start offering the Microsoft Auto technology on all new models. Hyundai will use the tech to integrate voice command capability of portable music players and mobile phones. Now true, this doesn't help the aftermarket much, but in a way it does. It forces aftermarket manufacturers to develop new technology that customers demand, which means eventually all cars can have the option of cool tech like that offered on Sync-equipped vehicles.

Source: Huffington Post via Ubergizmo

Long Term Review: Ford Sync Powered by Microsoft

I travel for my day job... A lot. Too much. And with that being the case, I often rent cars. As a matter of fact, an Avis associate told me I rented 48 cars in 52 weeks from them. So as you can see, I get to ride in a bunch of different cars. Some of them are way cool and some of them are WAY lame. My most recent rental was more on the WAY cool side....

For a “long” term rental, Avis rented me a new Ford Edge, which came equipped with the Sync system in it. I have heard a TON about this powered-by-Microsoft system available in Ford vehicles, but had yet to get the opportunity to experience it. As a long time Windows Mobile user, I've used Voice Command for quite some time and I LOVE it. Imagine my surprise when I loaded up Sync to find that it uses the same commands as Windows Mobile Voice Command. Slick!

Microsoft and Alpine Ink Deal, Focus On World Domination

Alpine and Microsoft announced an official agreement to cross-license technologies and patents in order to further develop and enhance their product offerings. Alpine has been using a version of Windows Automotive on their line of navigation products in both the OEM and aftermarket since 2002, and this agreement basically makes it easier for the companies to improve their products even further.
Most of us are aware of Alpine's huge success in the car audio world, and Microsoft has pretty much taken the OEM automotive industry by storm with it's Ford Sync systems (which is a very impressive system to say the least). Right now Sync is only available in Ford brand vehicles in the US, but at the end of this year that agreement ends. Microsoft is eagerly looking forward to opening up the software and technology to other car manufacturers as well. And if they have a partner like Alpine behind them.. Whoo-boy, look-out.

Of course, the article also mentions the fact that the Microsoft is going after Linux users for patent infringement based on claims from Microsoft that the Linux OS is infringing of 42 of MS's patents (they haven't said which patents yet, however). MS has struck deals with a few manufacturers already based on their claims, so this deal between Alpine and MS could just be a result of MS patent sting operation. I can only imagine how badly off Alpine's navigation program would be if Microsoft suddenly pulled a Soup Nazi on them and refused access to their OS.

Thanks for the tip, Ben! Full press release after the jump.

in the forums!

Source: Information Week & ME Mag

Play Michael Bolton...

You might have seen the Ford Sync commercial where the guy and his buddy are talking about the voice activated features of his new Ford Focus Sync system, when his buddy says "play Michael Bolton" and a Micheal Bolton song goes on, at which point the guy quickly says "play Korn" and a Korn song comes on.

I got my first chance to check out the Sync system at the Microsoft Auto booth at CES.  One of the software programmers from Microsoft ran me through the system and gave me the skinny. My demo vehicle was the Mercury MKX, and on a side note I have to mention I'm pretty impressed with the quality and design of today's Fords both inside and out. I walked away impressed with Sync, and also wondering when the aftermarket guys (Kenwood, Alpine, Clarion, Sony, etc.) would be licensing the technology. 

Lots more info and some pics after the jump.