I had the opportunity to rent a car recently that had Microsoft's Sync technology. Always curious, I plugged in my iPhone, and gave it a whirl.
At first, I was confused because the system was active but confused while Sync cataloged the content on the iPod. After it finished cataloging, though, the system became properly responsive.
I did not try to bluetooth connect the phone part of the iPhone, though, so I have no experience with that.
Pushing the button on the steering wheel woke Sync and it asked me what I wanted to do. I had to tell it to use USB (where the iPhone was tethered), and then ask it to play a specific audiobook. I gave up after two minutes of getting the wrong audiobooks or the wrong part of the book I wanted.
Turning to music, I asked it to "Play artist Blue Oyster Cult," expecting it to play a selection of songs. After three minutes of frustration, repeating myself or rephrasing or speaking louder or softer, I caved to Bill Gates' wishes and settled on the Steely Dan that it eventually selected.
After a while, though, I asked it to "Play Artist Yes," and it had no problem with that request. Encouraged, I tried BOC again, and was stymied.
Of course, pressing and holding the iPhone button and using Voice Command hasn't failed me yet, for BOC or any other artist, audio book, or phone contact.
Score one for Apple.
Leave a comment