Sync not impressive

from JoeUser Forums

0108081042Almost everything I saw from Microsoft at the show was pretty impressive. But Sync was underwhelming.

Sync is Microsoft's technology for integrating technology into cars. It's a great idea. But the execution is the problem. 

The Sync issues are similar to the issues I have with Windows Mobile. Over-engineering, design by committee and inelegant.

Their demo of voice recognition really highlights the klunkiness of the system. (paraphrased)

Person: Phone

Car: Phone ready

Person: Dial Mom

Car: You said Mom, correct?

Person: Yes.

Car: Did you want to dial Mom on cell phone or home phone?

Person: cell phone

Car: You said cell phone, correct?

Person: Correct

Car: Dialing mom cell phone.

...

In between each of those transactions is a beep the user must wait for to begin speaking.

It's just tedious.  I much prefer to just use the on-screen display to dial whomever. But almost everything in Sync struck me as being needlessly catered to very possible user.  One can almost imagine someone in a meeting in Redmond saying "Oh, we really should also include support for X" resulting in everything being more complicated.

4,393 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Sounds like when I try to make a call using OnStar... :/
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sounds simular to the Voice Recognition on my Cell Phone.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Like Total Recall "Drive damn it I said drive... arrrghhh". "I'm not familiar with that destination" :LOL: 
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sounds simular to the Voice Recognition on my Cell Phone.
End of quote


almost exactly..
**please say a command.**
""Call home""
**Did you say Small gnome?**
""no""
**please say a command**
""Dial home!!""
**Did you say Play Home again?**
""NO!!""
**Please say a command**
""Dial HOME!!!""
**Did you say dial Rome?**
""What ?? NO. Rome isn't even in my contacts list""
**Please say a command**
""(mutters) stupid phone""
**dialing Home phone **
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Haha! HG_E! Thats the way it goes :LOL: 
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
   @ HG.....
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
That was awesome HG! LOL
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Any gadget that keeps your focus on the road ahead and does not distract you from driving is a big plus in my book. Using cellphones, reaching for buttons, dialling etc etc and any other stuff that takes you away from paying attention to what is going on in front of you is asking for trouble. I could tell you many stories where people have lost their lives or have been seriously injured as a result. This may sound rather melodramatic to some, but if only you had seen some of the things that I have, you would understand why I feel like I do.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
MicroSoft Sync in cars gives a whole new meaning to the word "Crash." :D 

I'm glad they put in Fords. I'm a GM man and I wouldn't have bought my new car if it had this in it. I'm happy with OnStar. And having OnStar with the GPS locater only raised my Ins. 17 dollars.