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Along for the Ride by Gregg Murray

Ford’s SYNC technology was a huge step forward for the automotive industry. Now, Ford will embrace Generation Y by bringing social media into the automobile using its SYNC technology in 2010.

Ford’s SYNC technology allows drivers to operate features of their cars hands-free. SYNC is very important because new technologies have contributed to a rise in car accidents. People are texting, e-mailing, and in some instances changing the radio frequently while driving. These distractions take the drivers attention off the road. SYNC lets drivers do everything through voice recognition technology, allowing them to pay more attention to the road ahead.

Ford is positioning itself to attract Generation Y drivers by bringing social media directly into the car. The new SYNC feature will allow drivers to use Pandora internet radio, Stitcher for listening to podcasts, and OpenBeak which will allow drivers to tweet.

By partnering with Pandora, Ford has offered Generation Y consumers a great alternative to AM/FM radio. Traditional radio as we know it is dying because of a lack of quality content. Pandora offers radio options that will keep the listener from constantly changing stations. Ford's SYNC technology will force other car companies to go in a similar direction. The major players in the automotive industry will now need to figure out how to bring social media into the car.

By integrating social media into the vehicle, Ford has made it possible for drivers to not leave their social lives while on the road. This technology could be viewed as yet another distraction from driving. Using it, however, is a much safer alternative than taking your eyes off the road to text a friend.

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