Ford Sync Software Reads Your Text Messages (NewsFactor)

There have been a number of studies on the dangers of texting and driving. It seems Ford was paying attention. The automaker just released the latest version of its free Sync software -- and it gives drivers the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while they keep their eyes on the road.

The update aims at owners of 2011 and 2012 Ford cars that are equipped with Sync software. It includes the Message Access Profile Bluetooth standard, which is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and taps features and procedures used to exchange e-mail, SMS and MMS between devices, like Sync and the smartphone.

"A limited population of phones has the capability to work with the text message readback feature of Sync," said Mark Porter, supervisor of Sync Product Development. "With our initial adoption of MAP for our latest generation of Sync and our recent efforts to integrate it into our previous variations of the system, we hope we are setting an example that encourages more collaboration between Ford, the phone makers and the wireless industry to help drivers find smarter alternatives to hand-held texting while on the road."

Calling All Smartphone Makers

According to Bluetooth Special Interest Group, MAP adoption by mobile device manufacturers is still in its infancy but the growth needle is starting to quiver. To Porter's point, Michael Foley, executive director of Bluetooth SIG, said, "We are seeing significant uptake in MAP adoption among phone makers, in particular with recent qualifications from manufacturers such as HTC, RIM, Samsung and LG."

The need for a solution seems evident, if studies from major universities are to be believed. In 2009, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute did several large-scale studies to get a picture of driver distraction and cell-phone use under real-world driving conditions. The study showed dialing a cell phone made the risk of crash or near-crash event 2.8 times as high as non-distracted driving. And a 2007 study from Clemson revealed that text messaging and using iPods caused drivers to leave their lanes 10 percent more often in a simulated driving.

Ford vs. BMW

Ford is not alone in its attempts to solve the problem. BMW is also offering a solution, and there are apps available to tackle the issue. DriveSafe.ly and SMS Replier are among the more popular apps. DriveSafe.ly, for example, reads text messages and e-mails aloud in real time and automatically responds without drivers touching their Android mobile phone.

"The dictate-back feature is coming to Sync, but at least you'll be able to get to your messages and have them read to you," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at Enderle Group. "Think of this as a path to the ultimate goal of not feeling the need to pull out your phone and look at it at any given time."

It's features like dictate-back that are coming because car manufacturers have discovered that technology like Sync is driving consumers to their vehicles. Consumers are increasingly choosing cars based on the technology that's in them, Enderle said, and Ford's Sync has been a popular addition to its cars.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/software/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20111018/tc_nf/80629

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