Forget iPhones for a minute - think about cars

Most of the tech world has been quite rightly fawning over the worst kept secret in the sector for a few years – Apple’s long awaited move into the mobile communication market, with its iPhone.

[Watch Apple’s Steve Jobs very impressive presentation on a videoclip via the BBC]

But while there is no doubt that the iPhone, and other multi-function handsets, will eventually have a major impact on the travel sector (it has email and web functionality, for starters), another announcement earlier this week could also have similar uses.

Microsoft’s deal with the Ford Motor Company to provide software that will enable drivers and passengers to voice-activate mobile phone calls and music.

[Microsoft announcement here]

The dashboard console, known as Sync, will do all these things but, as one senior company techie tells us, the possibilities for the travel sector are enormous.

Sync – in the future – could allow users to find and a book hotel, on the move, our mole tells us.

There is a general feeling in the car industry that, until now, drivers and passengers have been cocooned from the outside world.

Giving Ford customers – and, eventually, the rest of the vehicle-using world – the opportunity to continue their online habits whilst on the move suddenly seems like a very strong proposition for the travel industry.

Kevin May, editor, Travolution