Microsoft and Kia will unveil a Ford Sync competitor at CES next week.
Named Uvo, it is based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, now known as the Windows Embedded Auto software platform. According to AutoNews the Kia version will have features unique to the South Korean automaker.
Uvo"s competitor, Ford SYNC, originally announced at CES 2007, provides consumers with hands-free voice controlled music players, hands-free calling and steering wheel music controls. Ford"s offering is also based on Microsoft"s Auto software platform and the exclusive agreement the pair had ended last year. If you"re not familiar with Ford SYNC then we"ve included a promo video below that demonstrates the basic feature set. At the moment the details of Kia"s Uvo are unknown but we expect Microsoft and Kia to unveil their product next week.
Ford recently announced its plans to introduce a mobile hotspot into its range of cars. Ford also confirmed that their SYNC service will be available in an open-source platform soon, to encourage developers to bring new types of downloadable applications to consumer"s cars.
Neowin will be live from CES 2010 next week covering the latest and greatest gadgets and technology announcements.