Tag Archives: Ford SYNC
Ford SYNC Will Now Read Your Text Messages To You
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has announced additional features to the SYNC telematics system. The enhancement allows drivers to listen to text messages while they are driving. The SYNC software upgrade is free and it will broaden the number of devices that are compatible with the hands-free text read-back SYNC feature.
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Categories Consumer Reports, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford SYNC
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Ford’s Sync System Connecting Soon to a Smartphone Near You
Ford’s Sync system will be able to connect with smartphones in 2012 through an option called Sync AppLink. The Sync AppLink option is already available on the Ford Fiesta, and Reuters reports that it will soon be available on the Fusion, F-150 and Expedition. The Sync-to-smartphone connection is beneficial to driving safety, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road by allowing the driver to access smartphone apps via the car’s command system. Ford plans for Sync SmartLink to eventually be a factory option for all Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Categories Ford Motor Company, Ford SYNC, Sync AppLink
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Ford SYNC Now Used By 3 Million Customers
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has sent out a press release today to announce that Ford SYNC now has 3 million customers. Ford launched the service in late 2007. Ford SYNC still has an introductory price of $395. Below is the full press release:
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Pandora Android App Update Has Ford Sync AppLink Compatibility
Pandora has updated their application for Android to support Ford Sync AppLink technology. Ford Sync AppLink is a protocol where smartphone apps can communicate with the car entertainment system. This means that you will be able to control Pandora with the physical buttons and knobs in your Ford ride. The app update is available now on the Android Market. [AppBrain via Engadget]
Categories Android, Ford SYNC, Google Android, Pandora
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Ford Developing Applink For Android and BlackBerry Phones
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is working on a new SYNC Applink software application for Android and BlackBerry smartphones for the 2011 Fiesta. The new SYNC AppLink will integrate apps using the vehicle’s voice and user interface controls.
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Categories Doug VanDagens, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford SYNC
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Ford SYNC Now Has 2 Million Users
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) hit a major milestone. Ford SYNC, the voice-activated car assistant built in to the dashboard of automobiles has hit 2 million users. Ford launched the first SYNC system in the fall of 2007 and it took about 10 months to hit the first 1 million. The Ford SYNC was built through a partnership with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). Ford SYNC was built on the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive software platform. SYNC lets drivers control devices such as mobile phones and digital media players within vehicles. Below is the full press release:
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Categories Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford SYNC, Ken Czubay, Kevin Dallas
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Ford Sales Rises 33% In December, Becomes First Auto Company To Enable iTunes Tagging
Although the automotive industry has taken a hit this past year, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has seen a 33% increase in sales. Car makers as a whole sold about 1,029,911 cars and trucks this December which is 15.1% higher from a year ago. Ford sold about 178,073 vehicles in the month of December which does not include their Volvo unit.
Another recent announcement made by Ford was that they will be the first automotive company to introduce iTunes tagging. Ford already has a partnership in place with Microsoft for their SYNC devices, but the iTunes tagging feature makes Apple Ford’s second major operating system and software partner. When using HD Radio in Ford Motor vehicles, drivers will be able to tag a song and will be able to buy it directly from iTunes.
Below is the full press release from Ford regarding the iTunes tagging feature:
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Categories Apple Inc., Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford SYNC
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Ford Working With Developers To Make A Sync Application Store
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is working with developers to put together a prototype of what could be one of the first automotive application stores. The application store will utilize all forms of social media.
“While Facebook probably isn’t the best thing to be concentrating on while driving, what if an app existed that allowed you to update your Facebook status with your location during a road trip? Or what if you wanted your phone to read someone’s Twitter feed? It’s totally doable, and using Sync you’ll never have to touch your phone, let alone look away from the road,” wrote Autoblog editor Jonny Lieberman.
Another strategy Ford has to pursue while developing an application store is to convince developers that they should spend time making applications for cars. They need to make it fun and give them a financial motive. Ford Sync has open APIs and tested them with six computer science students at the University of Michigan to make two mobile phone based applications. One of the applications showcased by the students was called Follow Me.
Follow Me is an application that helps drivers following each other keep track of where they are at all times. Sometimes there are situations where you are following a car and it goes through a yellow light, while you get stuck at the red light. The Follow Me app makes it so that you don’t lose the other driver. Another application that was made by a developer uses Sync commands to play specific radio stations using voice commands, including custom radio stations on Pandora.