Near-Future Fords to Feature Windows Automotive 441
dpbsmith writes "The Detroit Free Press reports that a Windows Automotive software suite named Sync will be featured in some cars available Spring 2007, all 2008 Ford models, and Lincoln and Mercury models later. The software does not, apparently, run the engine or do anything directly connected with transportation. It will, rather, allow the user to 'use their vehicle as a computer in key ways, such as hands-free cell phone calls or downloading music or receiving e-mail.' Bill Ford and Bill Gates were reported as saying that having high-definition screens in vehicles, speech recognition, cameras, digital calendars and navigation equipment with directions and road conditions will set car companies apart from their competitors in the future. 'There are going to be those who have it and those who don't. And even those who get it later are going to be a generation behind,' Ford said."
Non-critical software on a shared data bus? (Score:4, Interesting)
There was a submission to the RISKS digest a while ago - I cannot recall the exact details, but the problem was that non-critical software was able to cause what was effectively a denial of service attack on the car-wide shared data bus ring, and THAT stopped the brakes from working.
If a software can affect a component or module which is necessary for a critical function, then that software *is* critial. Given the existance of for example shared data buses, pretty much everything is in fact critical.
It won't run the car -- heh heh heh (Score:2, Interesting)
What we have here is an excellent example of why Windows is just *not* trusted for "critical systems". Even Ford is showing their lack of trust in Windows by relegating it to non-critical vehicle operations, regardless of how well it is advertised to work.
I guess embedded vehicle control systems are just too important to be trusted to Windows.
So, one "boo" for using Windows *at all*, but one "thank g-d" for avoiding it where vehicle safety is concerned.
re. cell phones, tv, and "heads-up" displays: most folks get distracted by stuff at the side of the road or conversations inside the car. Now we're adding yet more distractions. Look, let's just do it right: put a PAS (pedestrian aiming system) in the heads-up display and install "Grand Theft Auto"!
\burt
What Sort Of Warranty, And Who Backs It? (Score:4, Interesting)
My question, based on less-than-satisfactory experiences as a customer with both companies, is "What happens when something goes wrong?"
Will Ford say that it's not their responsibility to fix the troubles from Microsoft? Will users have to sign an EULA that says "This car comes with no warranty"?
What if people try to get repairs for the system under the warranty, and Microsoft shafts Ford on supporting their stuff, the way Microsoft has shafted everybody they've ever partnered with? Can even Microsoft hold off a lawsuit from a major carmaker?
What about when things go wrong? (Score:3, Interesting)
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/12/10525917 31421.html?oneclick=truestory [smh.com.au]
I can hardly wait until "I got locked in my car" becomes a standard excuse for why you're late for a meeting.
Re:What Sort Of Warranty, And Who Backs It? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:"Found On Road Dead" happens even more (Score:3, Interesting)
Didn't Dylan write a song about this?
Tangled up in Blue.
KFG
Re:This is going to.... (Score:1, Interesting)
Then I shall invent my new product, "tire spikes" ala Spy Hunter. When you are lined up parallel to another car, press the button and it will spike their tires. It's the people who press the buttons. When the United states has more deaths from doing this than drunk driving, then it will become an issue..
No karma mark down for joo
Re:They still don't get it (Score:3, Interesting)
Well said, except that I like rear wheel drive (drive one and you'll see what I mean - it doesn't push like a pig around corners). So cloning the low- and mid-range Japanese models sold in the US isn't a great idea in my book. But no one has mentioned Ford's Australian division that produces (reputedly) good-quality rear-wheel drive midsize sedans. Import those and you'll be competing with the Euro car makers at 2/3 of their prices. Make sure to offer manual and hybrid drivetrains as well.
-b.
Re:This is going to.... (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:They still don't get it (Score:3, Interesting)
There is another problem: it is the American car buyers. They don't want a simple, balanced, efficient car. They won't buy them. That is why you can't get a BMW 318i here anymore, and never could get a 316 or a 1 series or an Audi A3.
Re:Priorities (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:They still don't get it (Score:2, Interesting)
Eh? You are unaware of the new diesel engine and fuel regulations here in the USA, I take it? We're getting much cleaner fuel, which should mean it will be easier to import those sweet European diesel powered vehicles. The only question is whether the European cars will be able to pass our safety requirements.
The EPA is also switching the way they rate vehicles fuel economy, which means we'll get betters numbers for MPG figures on newer vehicles.
And, sophisticated catalysts aren't necessarily a bad thing if it means less harmful emissions from the vehicle.
Your rant isn't nearly as informed as it could be, and I get the sense that you really don't know much about the industry.
One Ford was enough (Score:2, Interesting)
better warn Honda and Toyota! (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:They still don't get it (Score:4, Interesting)
So everyone says. The problem is that Ford won't ever admit that its Aussie (and possibly Euro, but Australian travel conditions are closer to American conditions) divisions kick the asses of its domestic designers. So the Australian cars won't be brought to the US unless they're an expensive "premium" product. Too much "not invented here" disease.
Besides, Australian cars are rather "simple" for American tastes - when GM brought the GTO here, everyone bitched and moaned about how bland and feature-less the car was. Very few people complimented GM on showing good taste and restraint in design.
-b.
The bills are _already_ a gen behind (Score:3, Interesting)