Microsoft Sync

Even though I leased the lowest trim level of the 2009 Ford Escape, it came equipped standard with Microsoft Sync. I gotta hand it to Microsoft; they really delivered on this one. While Sync certainly has flaws, glitches, and some especially peculiar annoyances, the computer-based voice activated audio management system does provide an experience unlike all others.

Sync's I/O interfaces include: USB (thumb drives, iPods, or theoretically anything else with audio files), Line In (for connecting any audio source with a 3.5mm headphone jack), and Bluetooth. The surprisingly long-range bluetooth connection allows for up to 10 phones to be paired. The paring between Sync and my Blackberry Curve 8330 performs beautifully in both modes. Phone mode kicks in when I receive a call or place one. The Blackberry also functions as an audio source streaming via bluetooth to Sync. Although the signal comes in at a slightly lower volume than the other sources, there is ample amperage to achieve a comfortable (or loud) listening volume.

TECHGRIPE: [After I walk away from the car far enough to lose the bluetooth pairing with my Blackberry, when I come back to the car, it won't reconnect until you turn the car off and back on again.]

The USB works well but beware...if you want to use the Line In headphone jack input, Sync will litterly say out loud, "Line In is unavailable when a device is connected to USB." So once you unplug your USB drive, you have to (once againe) use the menu and navigate to the Line In source. Once you're listening to Line In, you can go ahead and plug your USB drive back in, don't worry, it won't interrupt your music. TECHGRIPE: [C'mon Microsoft!]

Overall Microsoft Sync impresses as a top-of-the-line car audio management system. However, there are still many firmware upgrades and feature tweaks needed for this product to reach its full potential.

Verizon Customer Service?

The other day I received a call from a friendly Verizon Wireless representative. Of course, the call started with "Hello, Eric, this is Rachel from Verizon Wireless, how are you doing today?" She explained that I was eligible for an "early upgrade" on my line, which is basically a loophole in their 'new every two' policy that, until recently exploited, was scarcely known about or used. (Now, they've figured out a way to save face by handing it to you on a silver platter with a friendly phone call) I explained to her that I was already aware of my early upgrade eligibility and am waiting for a new blackberry to be released. When I asked her if she knew anything about that, she said "I don't have any specific information on any new blackberry devices or releases, but there could be a new one out next week, you never know..."

I understand that Verizon can't officially release information until a certain point in time, however, if Verizon made their representatives keep up with the industry in which they are working, they might be able to provide a better service to the customer. If the rep had read just one of the seven tech blogs I keep up with, she would know what I know, which is that the new Blackberry Niagra will likely (read: hopefully) be released in May. Sure, it's technically a rumor, but at least it's some form of information. Hell, even recommending to search the web would be better than "we don't have any information at this time".

So thanks for the (lack of) customer service, Verizon. Maybe I should have said "put me on your do not call list" but that might be a little counter-productive considering they are my wireless (and only) phone provider. Although I'm not ready to jump off the Verizon bandwagon just yet, it would be nice if they would stop disabling/blocking cell phone features such as Wifi, but hey, maybe that's just too much to ask.

Can you hear me now? Good ;)