Microsoft and Ford are to launch a factory-installed communications and entertainment system that will allow drivers to shuffle downloaded music, search for addresses, and even have text messages read to them.
Microsoft Auto, the technology group's automotive division, will provide the technology, based on its software called Sync, on a dozen 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models making their debut this year in the US. The Detroit-based carmaker said the technology would be available on all of the three brands' models in the near future. It's still unclear when the technology will arrive in European models.
Sync will support up to 12 mobile phones or digital media players and allow drivers, through voice commands or steering wheel-mounted controls, to dial numbers or operate their media players.
Mobile phones will be connected to the system via Bluetooth wireless connections, while a USB 20 port will support the command and control and charging of digital media players such as the Apple iPod.
The system will also accommodate personal digital assistants and is an enhanced version of on-board technology that Microsoft provides to Italy's Fiat Auto under a similar deal announced last year.
Microsoft set up Microsoft Auto in 1995, and initially developed products such as a personal computer mounted on car dashboards, which failed to find commercial success.
The company currently provides screen-based navigation systems for a number of other carmakers.
Ford, in the middle of its radical downsizing and restructuring Way Forward programme, is revamping its model line-up as it makes a big effort to reverse the ebb of market share to competitors.
Onboard electronics are a growing front in the war for US market share.
Other companies are developing their own technology, such as General Motor's proprietary OnStar system.
Microsoft estimates that North American drivers spend on average an hour and a half a day in the car, or 9 per cent of their waking time.
"What drivers want are simple solutions to stay connected while they're on the road," said Velle Kolde, a senior product manager with Microsoft.
The system will be upgradable, allowing drivers to continue using it as they acquire new phones or media players.
Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman, said Sync would help "revolutionise the driving experience by providing a simple system that intelligently connects mobile phones, music players, and more."