sync

Pandora is leaving no car behind, but will the expansion of Spotify derail the momentum? Audi brings its RS line back to the U.S., in small form, while BMW expands use of carbon fiber. And we take a ride in an espresso cup.

• First Android Car Radio USB Connection on Way

• Spotify launch in US

• Pandora increases its auto offerings

• BMW opens online art-car gallery

• Mercedes-Benz restructuring Smart

The battle between telematics services is starting to heat up with Ford treading into GM's territory by adding live operator assistance to Sync.

Ford's cloud-based Sync Services is an automated system that lets drivers use voice commands to look up businesses, directions, traffic updates, and other information, such as sports scores, stock quotes, and horoscopes. Sync Services can send turn-by-turn directions to vehicles.

However, even with 14 million business listings, Sync Services isn't perfect. Looking up nearby businesses or entering directions is a hit-or-miss experience, and around the third or fourth time you scream "Starbucks" … Read more

A Washington state technology company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Ford today in federal court.

Eagle Harbor Holdings, and its subsidiary MediusTech, claim Ford used several automotive technologies in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles without authorization.

According to the lawsuit, Ford uses patented technologies such as Sync, Active Park Assist, Blind-Spot Identification System with Cross Traffic Alert, Integrated Control System for Stability Control, and MyKey.

"Our representatives began meeting with Ford in 2002 to discuss and disclose our patented automotive systems technology and its applicability for use in Ford vehicles," Jeffrey Harmes, general counsel for Eagle Harbor … Read more

Setting up your Gmail or Google Apps account using Google Sync on your iOS device has many advantages. One of the advantages is that you are able to receive push e-mail, calendar and contact updates. Google recently added some new features to its Google Sync solution for iOS users, one of which was the ability to choose which e-mail address sent e-mails appear to be from.

Before we begin, make sure you have your Google Apps or Gmail account set up using Google Sync on your iOS device. If you are unsure how to do so, read this post.

… Read more

The Samsung PX2370 review is consistently the most popular monitor review on CNET. Not surprisingly, since it's the monitor I recommend the most, on nearly a daily basis, through other monitor reviews and nearly every monitor-related blog post (kind of like this one).

The PX2370's design, price, performance, and features make it one of the best TN displays we've ever reviewed. As with most hit movies, though, living up to the magic of the first film in a sequel is daunting to say the least.

The Samsung SyncMaster S23A550H, Samsung's 2011 follow-up to the PX2370, thanks … Read more

Apple this afternoon made available a second beta of iOS 5 to its developers. It's the first update Apple's provided to the upcoming operating system since taking the wraps off it at the company's annual developers conference earlier this month.

Besides bug fixes to the first beta, the new version of the software brings the Wi-Fi Sync feature to the Mac. In order to use the feature, developers need to use a beta version of iTunes 10.5 as well as OS X 10.6.8, which Apple released yesterday, or the latest developer preview of Lion.… Read more

Car Tech Live 221: Is the honeymoon over for hybrids? Ford puts Sync apps in more cars. New Volvos may brake for animals. And we drive the Kia Optima Hybrid. (podcast)

• CNET drives the Kia Optima Hybrid

• Volvo technology will brake for animals

• The worst cities for keeping your car are mostly in California

• In-car TV stumbles again

• CNET's LOLcars gallery!

Now that other infotainment contenders are stepping up to the plate, Ford plans to up its game and double down on its voice-activated Sync platform.

Ford announced it will quadruple the connectivity team responsible for developing its in-car connectivity services. The expanded team will help implement Sync throughout its global lineup of vehicles, which is installed on approximately 70 percent of all Ford vehicles sold in the U.S., according to the manufacturer.

The expansion is necessary to maintain Ford's position as a leader in infotainment systems now that Toyota and GM are finally offering competitive solutions with the … Read more

The bottom line: Firefox 5 Mobile brings both familiarity and power to the Android browser scene, but it's Firefox's killer Sync that will drive attention to Mozilla's new mobile browser.

Review: Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review for Firefox 5 for desktops.

Mozilla's foray into the Android Market ports much of the desktop Firefox experience to your mobile device. The look and feel of the desktop browser have been remarkably replicated, and the browser itself doesn't feel alien compared with other Android browsers.

If you have a Maemo phone, … Read more