Tag Archives: Ford Sync

Ford SYNC Integrates with Amazon Echo at CES



Ford logoIn our previous post, we touched briefly on the latest version of Ford SYNC, and how the platform will integrate with Amazon’s Echo (Alexa) service. In this video, Todd spoke with Jack from Ford who gave some more detailed information on how SYNC will be able to integrate with Echo:

  • Voice recognition allows drivers to give hands-free voice commands using Alexa
  • Drivers will be able to access third-party services and functions thru Amazon Echo that allow them to do things like turn on garage lights in connected homes
  • Drivers will be able to use home or office-based Echo units to ask about the status of their SYNC-enabled cars to get information like battery charge rate, etc.
  • Alexa integration will allow drivers to ask their cars where nearby stores, restaurants, and other locations are and seamlessly get directions to those locations that are then sent to the car’s built-in navigation system

Ford is planning on adding Alexa/Echo integration to Ford SYNC 3 in the summer of 2017.

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Ford SYNC Brings Multiple Apps to the Dashboard at CES



Ford logoIt might seem surprising to find a car manufacturer like Ford at CES, as the convention is primarily focused on gadgets and consumer technology. But Ford has been present at CES for several years now, focusing on its Ford SYNC in-dash system. Todd met up with Stefan from Ford where Stefan showed off some of the latest developments in SYNC. Including:

  • Integration with Amazon Echo (Alexa voice commands)
  • Driver Score app calculates a score based on your driving behavior that could be used to negotiate coverage rates with insurance companies (SYNC only provides scores to vehicle drivers, it doesn’t report directly to outside parties)
  • Speed Pass+ integration allows drivers to find nearby Speed Pass-enabled fueling stations where they can see which pumps are available and select and set up a pump before pulling into the station
  • SYNC has a built-in mobile navigation app that integrates with third-party apps so drivers can select the navigation app(s) they prefer to use

Ford SYNC is currently available in many vehicles and will be added to more vehicles as the company continues to roll out and improve the platform.

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New Ford SYNC Connect Brings Smartphone Connectivity to Cars



Ford LogoThis week at the L.A. Auto Show, Ford announced its new SYNC Connect technology which will allow vehicle owners to control certain car functions from their smartphones. Key features of Ford SYNC Connect include:

  • Lock and unlock
  • Remote start, including scheduling a future start
  • Vehicle status, including fuel, oil and battery levels, along with tire pressure readings
  • Vehicle location – where your car is parked is displayed on a map

Ford SYNC Connect will first be rolled out with the new Ford Escape in spring of 2017, with other vehicles to follow. Users will communicate with SYNC Connect using free apps downloaded to their smartphones. Those smartphones will then connect to special modems built into Ford vehicles that’ll allow them to access different car features remotely. SYNC Connect is activated thru a two-step authentication process that helps to protect personal information, confirming setup on the vehicle touch screen and on the mobile application.

SYNC Connect plays a key role in Ford Smart Mobility, an evolving line of car technology that Ford is developing into the future. Smart Mobility covers more than just smartphone connectivity, including things like autonomous driving, enhanced customer service, and “big data” aggregation.

Learn more about Ford SYNC 3 at the official SYNC website.


Ford Acquires Software Developer Livio for In-Dash App Connection



Livio Connect API
Livio Connect API

Ford has been the innovator on connected in-dash infotainment since they first announced their new systems in 2007. So now with all the other car companies coming up fast on in-app systems, Ford needs to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Today, they have continued their strength with purchasing Livio for an undisclosed sum, but less than 10 million dollars.

Livio is a company which links applications for iOS, Android and Blackberry to your car. Livio takes the devices Programming interfaces and makes sure they can talk to the Ford Sync system. Livio created Sync Applink for just that purpose.

Ford_logoFord is also getting a product that is an industry standard. This would give app creators a single platform to work with, resulting in faster development of higher quality apps. Consumers – in turn – would have a safe way to access digital content on the go.

“With the additional expertise Livio provides us, Ford intends to continue to lead the next generation of in-car connectivity with technology advancements that give consumers more options to access their devices on the go,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation.

Livio was co-founded by Jake Sigal and Massimo Baldini in 2008. Their motto: More music, less work. based in Metro-Detroit, the company has grown since.

Find out more: Todd and Don interviewed Livio on the CES Live Feed


Ford Sync is Moving Ahead



Ford Sync Developer Program Ford has been busy this year with Sync. It now includes apps like the Wall Street Journal, Aha Radio, Glympse, Amazon mp3 and USA Today. Newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and USA Today are read to you. Ford has open up Sync to developers and is excited about what they will bring to the Eco-system. The Tech Podcast Network is working on their own Ford Sync app.

Ford does it’s updates via a USB stick which they provide to Ford drivers free of charge. According to the Ford representative most users where able to do the update themselves.

The majority of new Fords now being sold have Ford Sync in them. One of the great things about Ford Sync is that it works in a noisy environment. You can use it in a convertible with the top down going down the highway. Ford believes that listening to their customers and developing and maintaining a quality product is key.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Glympse Safely Lets You Share Your Location While Driving



We have all had this happen at one time or another. You are in your car, driving towards you destination, and are running late. Wouldn’t it be great if you could easily let your co-workers know where you are at, without having to pick up your phone?

Glympse allows you to do exactly that. They have created the first location-sharing app for Ford Motor Company’s SYNC in-car connectivity system. It uses the AppLink interface. Drivers use simple voice commands to activate the app and send a Glympse to their worried co-workers or family members. Ford announced this at CES 2013.

It is very easy to use. Press the SYNC voice button on your steering wheel. Say “Send Glympse”. The app will talk you through the rest. You will need the Glympse app installed on an iOS or Android-based smartphone. Your car will automatically recognizes the app when your phone is Bluetooth-paired or USB-connected. You can send a Glympse to your friend’s email, mobile number, Facebook, or Twitter.

When your friend, or co-worker, gets a Glympse from you, it will show him exactly where you are at. He can monitor your vehicle’s process, and estimated time of arrival, via a real-time dynamic map. After the user-defined time limit expires, the location is no longer updated.

This article written @ GeekNewsCentral.com and if seen anyplace else has been illegally re-posted.


The Ford Flex



The 2013 Ford Flex has the newest technology and sophistication that you now expect from Ford. It is a three row, seven passenger vehicle with a sleek new front end and modern interior. It has a standard 3.5 liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, which delivers 20 more horse power and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy than the standard fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoast V6 engine. Mark Fields, president of The Americas said “With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look, we’re offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model.” The Ford Flex not only has the technology that gets you where you are going safely, it also keeps you entertained while doing so. Ford Flex has the first production rear seat inflatable belts to improve safety. The belts are inflated by cold compressed gas which is stored in a cylinder below the seat. The belts inflate within 40 milliseconds in event of a crash. They are designed to reduce neck, head and torso injuries for rear seat passengers. The Ford Flex also has radar enabled adaptive cruise control (ACC) and a collision warning with brake support system. It also has a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross traffic alerts. These technologies help drivers to avoid accidents by warning them with both visual and audio alerts. Normally the ACC system acts as regular cruise control, but it is constantly scanning the area in front of the vehicle. It can sense a vehicle up to 150 feet away, if that vehicle slows down as little as 1/4 of a mph, the system will recognize that and slow your vehicle down automatically. When the traffic clears the vehicle automatically resumes the set speed. The driver has the choice of four settings depending on the weather and road condition. Ford Flex also has rain-sensing wipers to increase safety. If an accident does occur the Ford Flex has 911 Assist which is automated emergency calling service that is free for life of the vehicle.

The Ford Flex features the SYNC with new generation of MyFord Touch, making it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings. The screen has a cleaner, clearer display. The words are larger and easier to read. The functions are clearer and easier to navigate. A user has multiple ways to manage and control the system, including voice commands, menus accessed through the steering wheel control system, touch screen, buttons or knobs, what ever they prefer. The base SYNC package includes hands-free, voice activated calling via a Blue-Tooth -connected mobile phone or USB-connected digital music player.

The SelectShift advance gearbox offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. The option is available through a thumb shift integrated into the steering wheel. The EcoBoost engine are fundamental to Ford’s strategy of providing technologically advanced high output, smaller displacement power train that delivers great fuel economy and uncompromised performance for drivers around the world. In 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost engine technology. Fuel economy is increased by up to 4 percent by the use of EPAS (electronic power-assist steering which improves steering performance because it is powered by an electric motor connected to the battery instead of the vehicle’s engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems. The battery management system operates the vehicle’s power supply system in a more economical manner to save fuel. The alternator and system voltage can be controlled based on battery condition, vehicle operating state and electrical load status. It provides feedback to the vehicle regarding the batteries condition including temperature.

The Ford Flex has been redesigned outside as well as inside. The new front end rounds out the previously boxy edges. There are three new colors for the 2013 model year, Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown. The signature Ford blue oval has been removed from the front end which now solely bears the Flex badge.The Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. If you like technology, lots of room and sophistication then take a look at the new 2013 Ford Flex at your local Ford dealership you will love what you see.