Ford unveils voice controlled car

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has unveiled the company's new Focus, which will be the first UK model with the company's Sync technology system, at Cebit 2011.

"Our automobiles are more than just automobiles, just as a smartphone is more than just a phone. In fact, you could say that the new Focus is the ultimate mobile device", he said.

Sync includes a screen on the dashboard and controls behind the steering wheel, but is largely controlled by voice. In preparation for its European and Asian launches, the system now speaks 19 languages.

Rather than using a phone built into the car, it links to smartphones via Bluetooth. "We could never keep up with consumer electronics", said Mr Mulally. "That's why we let the consumer decide, and we'll provide that nice voice control interface."

The system can then read out text messages, make voice calls, control the car's other systems such as heating, and even provide a mobile wireless hotspot for internet access if a suitable phone or mobile broadband modem is connected.

It also includes the Applink system, which we filmed at CES in January, for controlling smartphone apps through the Sync's voice system.

In the event of an accident the GPS and phone, and voice systems work together to phone the emergency services, reading out the location of the car and requesting help. The car senses where it is, and automatically uses the correct phone number and language - even if the driver cannot speak the language in question.

It will attempt to prevent crashes before they happen, too. The Active City Stop system checks the car in front when at low speed and applies the brakes automatically if needed to prevent shunts when driving in town, while cameras track lane markers and provide steering assistance if the driver is drifting across accidentally. Cameras also monitor and read road signs automatically.

The new Focus will be on sale in 2012.