Up until recently, Ford has been the leader in social mobile technology with its SYNC system and its once exclusive Microsoft partnership. Starting this summer, Kia plans on jumping in the game, too, with the arrival of its 2011 Sorento, offering a voice-activated system similar to Ford's.
Like with Ford, Microsoft has also formed a partnership with Kia. Kia's infotainment system will be known as UVO, which is short for "Your Voice," according to Kia officials. UVO will offer advanced voice-and-touch activated features. With UVO, drivers and passengers can quickly and directly access music files, change radio stations, make or answer phone calls, send and receive SMS text messages and operate a rear-view camera, when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Pricing hasn't been announced as of yet. However, Ford charges $395 for their feature, which is available in a number of Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles.
This new social technology has driven Ford to be the forerunner in making their vehicles apart of the new media. Ford has plans on enhancing its SYNC system soon, offering Twitter messages and Internet radio services through Pandora and Stitcher. According to Ford officials, the upgraded system will connect to OpenBreak, which can read text messages aloud. Ford is definitely leading the technology curve, as it relates to social media. Its no wonder why Ford's new-vehicle sales are turning around faster than many of its competitors. We guess their improved quality adds to this, too. (To enhance the images, click on the photo).
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