When voice-activated controls first came onto the scene you often had to speak just as robotically as the machine that was listening, but Ford is working with its software partner and voice recognition expert, Nuance Communications, to improve this technology. Nuance Communications has also worked with Apple to develop Siri.
Ford says it can offer its SYNC system in 17 different languages and is now capable of adapting to more regional accents after just a few words have been spoken. The system is supported by a dictionary that contains the various pronunciations of words that has been built up following thousands of different voice recordings.
Christof Kellerwessel, Global Chief Engineer, Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe, says: "People rightly consider their accent a key to who they are as a person. Practically ensuring that you can easily communicate with your vehicle, whatever part of the country you are from, helps ensure a more convenient journey."
The SYNC system can easily pick up on different users with the same car and adjust to the driver's accent. When the ignition is switched off a file is then saved to the on-board memory. This file is then updated if other users speak to the SYNC system.
Anything else?
The latest SYNC 2 system is available to order on a number of new Ford models including the new C-Max and S-Max models. In addition to advanced levels of voice recognition it also includes an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment interface.