CES 2010 – Microsoft Auto 4.1 and Windows® Embedded

Ford

Ford had a nice presence at the booth with various vehicles and the Dewalt Concept Truck.

The mobile version of Microsoft for Ford is called Sync. Ford Sync, coupled with Ford’s new MyFord Touch connect technology allows the driver to use voice controls, dual 4.2” LCD screens and steering wheel controls to minimize distractions while driving.

The Dewalt truck was super cool.

The Dewalt Concept truck has a system that allows contractors to store and manage their tool inventory through Tool Link and Customized On Board Storage.

Fords media website says that “Tool Link is a radio frequency identification asset tracking system developed in partnership with DeWalt, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert in embedded RFID technology. Tool Link offers owners the capability to mark and scan high-value tools using RFID tags.

When the vehicle is running, a pair of RFID antennas, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the box, scan the box for items entered into inventory job lists that the customer creates based on job application or personal need.

The data are transmitted to a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck.”

It seems cool in concept but is way overkill. The cost alone of tagging and tracking a $100 drill would exceed the cost. Besides, I have yet to meet a contractor organized enough to use this system. Hell, most of us are just happy if they show up.

I have one Dewalt drill. That is about all I can afford. No inventory tags for Timmy. I could also spray paint my truck yellow but maybe I will just start with a Dewalt sticker.

More information about all of Fords vehicles can be found at:

http://www.syncmyride.com/