Ford Inducts SYNC Into Computer History Museum

Written by: Blake Z. Rong on June 19 2012 11:00 AM

Usually when things go into museums—especially history museums—they’re either considered impossibly significant, or outdated relics. Depending on your level of frustration with Ford’s SYNC system, either one of those could be the reason for its induction into the Computer History Museum.

A first-generation SYNC system joins the likes of the original Apple iMac, the Enigma machine, Pong, and Steve Ballmer’s banshee scream as notable exhibits in the history of modern computing. Lofty company indeed, but the Microsoft-developed SYNC system has come a long way since its debut in 2008. In two short years it was available in every Ford product, and by 2012 more than 4 million vehicles had it equipped. By 2015, Ford estimates, over 9 million vehicles will carry SYNC.

“As cars have transformed into mobile platforms for consumers’ communication and entertainment needs, the intersection of automotive and computing developments is becoming an increasingly important area for the museum to consider,” said Alex Bochannek, the museum’s curator. “Ford Motor Company’s collaboration with Microsoft on SYNC technology is an example of this changing landscape.”

Rumors that the next Ford Fusion will trade its SYNC for a Tandy TRS-80 with the optional $1199 floppy disk drive and available 128k memory expansion are still unsubstantiated.

Source: Ford