Ford Motor Company has confirmed a partnership with Microsoft under which the car maker will launch a factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system built for compatibility with almost any mobile phone or music player.

The Ford technology is based on Microsoft's Sync, which allows users to control mobile devices using voice commands or the vehicle's steering wheel or radio controls.

"Sync is what today's generation and today's drivers demand in connectivity, " said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of product development at Ford.

"Not only does it offer hands-free phone operation and iPod, Zune or MP3 player connectivity, it is built on a software platform that is upgradeable and will allow us to offer new features simply by upgrading the software."

The system features Bluetooth and USB 2.0 support and will play formats including MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV and PCM.

Sync will debut on the Ford Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred, Edge, Freestyle, Explorer and Sport Trac, Mercury Milan, Montego and Mountaineer, and Lincoln MKX and MKZ.

The technology will be on all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the near future.