The way it works is a lot like many devices available from wireless networks. For example, Sprint’s MiFi, which was  tested earlier this year, allows for multiple devices to connect to the Internet from a small, card-shaped device without a physical connection to any hardware. Other devices we’ve tested allow for single- and multi-device connections via USB.

Ford’s solution is allowing for USB modems connecting to the vehicle’s SYNC system and enabling Internet connectivity for multiple devices. These vehicles can also connect to other USB devices. In essence, the user’s vehicle becomes one with the user’s hardware.

The WiFi signal is broadcast throughout the vehicle, and password protection will guard against piggybacking.

Currently, SYNC vehicles feature hands-free calling, navigation systems, emergency assistance, music searches, news and weather feeds, business search, traffic data and audible text messages.

Without built-in hardware, it’s a lot like many other devices we’ve seen. Users will have to work with their carriers to get the hardware and network coverage to make the magic happen.

Nevertheless, Internet connectivity in a moving vehicle is something we’ve waited a long time to see, and we’re glad to see Ford recognizing that need

With the holiday flying season underway and me flying out today as well, and wanted to see if I could try out some internet at 30,000 feet. Gogo Inflight Internet is now offering WiFi internet on select Air Canada, Airtran, American, Delta, United, and Virgin America flights. See here for participating aircraft.

Here are some promotional codes that will provide you with one free session of GoGo. They are good once per account. However, supposedly you can sign up with any name and any e-mail address with no confirmation system (no credit card needed either with the code), it seems like they are pretty much offering unlimited free internet until these expire. I hope I can get it to work! Via FlyerTalk.

Expire 12/31/2009
DELTATRYGOGO
AIRTRANTRYGOGO
AATRYGOGO

Expire 1/7/2010
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2472564126dvu
2285632980tlk

If you’re on a decently long flight and want to connect to the net, there are more options than ever this year. If you’re not flying Virgin America, however, they’re not free. Unless you have these coupon codes, that is.

We found a few codes for free in-flight Wi-Fi sitting on the FlyerTalk and MyMoneyBlog.com sites, good for one free in-flight hook-up per email address. However, if you’ve got a Gmail address or another email that supports period separation (kevin.purdy instead of kevinpurdy) or + sign demarcations (kevinpurdy+freewifi), you can create an unlimited number of email activations.

Here are the relevant codes for the three U.S. airlines using GoGo’s service:

• Delta: DELTATRYGOGO
• AirTran: AIRTRANTRYGOGO
• American Airlines: AATRYGOGO

There are other codes to enter if these don’t do anything for you, listed at the links below. Wondering whether your flight will have decent in-flight wireless service, free or otherwise? Check out Jaunted’s In-Flight WiFi Status Update, which also features mini-reviews of the services themselves.