Ford Motor Company has developed a sophisticated in-vehicle electronics system that takes "smart" electronics a giant step closer to reality. The automaker demonstrated a specially equipped Lincoln LS that can recognize a driver's lifestyle preferences even before the vehicle is started.

The vehicle made its worldwide debut at Convergence 2000 today. Using a personalized and secure key fob called iButton from Dallas Semiconductor, about the diameter of a dime, and advanced software technology from Sun Microsystems and Sensoria, allows the LS to program a driver's preferred stations, memorize electronic phone books, adjust the temperature and seat, and instantly display the day's errands.

The equipment Ford is showcasing on the Lincoln LS will dovetail into much of what Wingcast, the telematics provider created by Ford and QUALCOMM Incorporated, is doing.

With the iButton, a driver will be instantly recognized by his or her vehicle by touching a marked location on the console. On the iButton are "markers" that tell the vehicle the driver's preferences for music, temperature settings, seat position and even the type of shift pattern in a transmission he or she may enjoy.

The system in the Lincoln LS knows what telephone numbers are most important to the driver, quickly highlighting them on the center console screen until the driver requests the message be retrieved with a voice command.

Wireless short-range technology will recognize the driver's Palm-held information, whether in a briefcase or purse. With that information, the vehicle will remind the driver of a conference call, then dial the number if requested. This communications link is made possible through the use of software that enables devices such as a Palm to "talk" to a cellular phone and vice versa.