(Image source: Mobiledia)  

BY ERICA COGHILL

Ever get that urge to read a text message while at the wheel?

Well, if you’re driving a Ford, don’t bother.

A new update to the company’s not-so-new voice activated technology, called Sync, will give drivers the ability to have their vehicles read their texts to them. San Francisco’s KNTV has the scoop...

“It can read your text messages out loud, this is actually video from my car, itself, the update will work on any Ford 2010 or newer for now, it will work best with Blackberry or Android.”

So work best for Blackberry and Andorid or only Blackberry and Android? Mashable reports iPhone users are out of luck...

“So far BlackBerry phones are the most notable devices compatible with the technology required.  Some Android phones also support the technology.  iPhones do not.”

But why?  Well, CNET says it’s all because of MAP - Message Access Protocol, a bluetooth technology in Ford’s Sync system.  

“If you haven't heard of MAP, you're in good company. MAP is a Bluetooth protocol designed specifically for message streaming in automobiles, which is why most smartphones are not equipped with that profile.”

But one blogger says, if you’re an iPhone owner without Ford Sync, so what. With Siri, who needs Sync?

“It just dawned on me that Apple's Siri could trump a system like Ford's Sync system. If voice recognition in a phone is growing in it's capabilities why would one want to pay extra to have it built into their car when they could carry it around all the time?”

But as The Stir points out, remember, not EVERYONE has an iPhone.

“...the majority of people don't have this feature for their cellphones -- and very few of them can do all of this totally hands-free. So, Ford Sync wins. It's genius. And it's shocking that it's only coming out now. There are far too many accidents and deaths because of people texting and driving.”

So for those of you with compatible smartphones, you can get the new technology by downloading the upgrade from the Ford Sync site onto a USB drive. Then, follow along with the print-out instructions.