Voice Operated Vehicles: Coming in the not-so-distant future Amber Mitchell Matt Charles Kenny VanDyke

SYNC Ford installs SYNC, a voice operated in-car technology, into some of its cars in 2009 Developed by Microsoft and Ford Allows various portable devices to be operated with simple voice commands Will also read aloud text messages

SYNC 2010 This year’s version has the ability to: – Keep up with Twitter – Download turn-by-turn maps – Stream internet radio Will also be able to use many of the iPhone applications with your voice

Successful? I think so Ford has attributed the company’s turn around with the SYNC technology So successful that it is being implemented on many of Fords vehicles.Fords vehicles. The LA Times reported that “…cars with SYNC technology sell twice as fast as cars that don’t have SYNC”

Marketing Application The Big 3 continue to research this technology On Star Scenario – Driver: “Where is the nearest gas station?” – On Star “Chevron is 0.5 miles. Shell is 0.6 miles with a discount code you can save 15%” Cars are slowly becoming advertisements on wheels

Discussion Does anyone have SYNC in their car? Do you like? Dislike? What do you guys think of the SYNC technology? How far can marketers take this technology to sell products?

Questions? Thanks for your time!