CES: Voice Control Comes To Mustang With Ford SYNC Phone App

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Ford announced Wednesday that it’s 2012 line of Mustangs would all come with its SYNC software system pre-installed, allowing drivers to control their entertainment consoles via the voice activation software of their smartphone with the SYNC Applink phone app.

At first, the set up seems deceptively simple: Just plug your phone into your car and talk. But as Ford prefects its smartcar technology, these devices are becoming easier to handle. (Last year, Ford took on criticism over safety concerns with the My Ford Touch system, which was a little too complicated to operate while driving.)

What’s nice about SYNC is that it acts as a barrier between the driver and their phone. As soon as the phone is plugged in, the screen is blacks out and is only controlled via the car’s 8-in entertainment touch screen. To call up your Pandora app, drivers use the voice activation software and are able to find their favorite channel, skip or “Thumbs Up” songs with their voice. (You can also skip with the controls on your steering wheel.) (More on Time.com: Are You Ready For 3D Radio?)

Currently available for all 2011 Ford Fiestas, the SYNC app includes access to phone apps like Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBreak as well as the voice-activated navigation system, which will deliver news on current weather conditions, gas prices and traffic problems.

AppLink is currently compatible with Android and BlackBerry devices, and will be available for the iPhone in early 2011.

More on Time.com:

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