Microsoft - Ford showcase mobile voice software

Microsoft and Ford have showcased a voice-activated music and telephone calls for car drivers system at the Detroit auto show. The new software, called "Sync", which will be bundled in 12 Ford models this year, accepts voice dialling commands from the owners stored contacts list in English, French and Spanish, and play music they want to hear from their MP3 players.

Microsoft already provides similar technology to Italy' Fiat under a similar arrangement outside the US.

The world's largest auto maker General Motor's is developing its own technology in-house to provide similar features, called Onstar system.

While Ford hopes to revive flagging US car sales with the new technology, for global software giant, Microsoft, the agreement is part of its quest for fresh markets beyond home and office computers, which it already dominates.

Bill Gates says Sync will "enhance the pleasure and safety of driving" In-car electronics are an increasingly important area in the battle for share in the US auto market.