Ford motor Co. along with Microsoft have developed Sync which allows voice commands to receive cell calls and text messages along with MP3 control. I am against texting and cell phone use in general while driving even hands free distracts and they all should be made illegal. I don’t know how many times I have followed a car that failed to use its turn signals because the drivers did not have enough hands to steer hold the cell and operate the turn signals. Ford is working on a number of improvements to this system but is the public willing to pay extra for them. The sync by itself is $395 and is installed on about 70% of their vehicles. It is standard on many hi line models and Ford feels it helps sell the more expensive, and more profitable, models. With voice activated GPS, and cell phones along with other toys on the market I am surprised this is as successful as it is when you are able to customize your options, at a lesser cost, but I imagine the fact it is built in is a huge selling factor. Kia is announcing a Microsoft based system next year. Kia has been selling well and keeping the cost down has been a factor behind this. I don’t know if I would stray from a successful business model in this economic climate. Everyone is looking for the edge that will put them ahead of the competition without a significant increase in cost.