Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Amazon looking to bring Kindle to your next car?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/amazon-looking-to-bring-kindle-to-your-next-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/amazon-looking-to-bring-kindle-to-your-next-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/amazon-looking-to-bring-kindle-to-your-next-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kindle BuickMaybe so. The online retailer and digital media monolith recently announced the Amazon Cloud Player, an application for Ford Sync that allows users to stream media from their Amazon Cloud account directly to a Ford vehicle. This foray into automotive technology got the minds at Gigaom.com thinking about what could be next for Amazon. As Kevin Fitchard writes, the logical step is to make audio versions of your Kindle library selections available in your car. As he points out, Amazon has already laid the groundwork for such a move.

Amazon pulled the sheets back on Whispersync for Voice last year. The tech pairs ebooks with an Audible book for a small extra fee, allowing users to either read along with a narrator or switch between audio and text versions on command. Fitchard says it wouldn't be some great leap to apply the same principles to a car, where voice recognition software would allow users to pause or select chapters without ever taking their eyes off of the road.

It all sounds just fine to us, but Amazon hasn't said a thing about such a move. Still, we wouldn't be surprised to see the company come down this road in the near future just the same.

Amazon looking to bring Kindle to your next car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonapplinkfordford syncford sync applinkkindleMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20475083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/amazon-looking-to-bring-kindle-to-your-next-car/20475083/article-detail.xml 20475083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/kindle-buick-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/kindle-buick-628.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Wired</em>: Ford making Sync AppLink open source, free for any automaker to use]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Sync AppLink

Automakers aren't necessarily known for their sharing skills unless some sort of mutual agreement is in place, but it seems that Ford is looking to create a universal architecture based on its Sync AppLink on which other companies (including rival automakers) can run in-car apps free of charge. With the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show going on, Wired sat down with Ford's Doug VanDagens, director of connected services, who talked about what such a tech-sharing plan could do for Ford and the industry.

Giving up some of the technology behind Sync AppLink would obviously put Ford in a place to become a bigger name in cabin tech, but on the grander scheme of things, it could help bring more apps to users. Currently, each automaker uses its own technologies, which means that creating an app for each system would be expensive and time consuming - a reason why current in-car apps are limited to bigger names like Pandora and iHeart Radio. Ford's plan would not only make it easier for app developers and automakers, it would also open the door for more aftermarket head units to improve infotainment capabilities as well.

When asked by Autoblog, a Ford rep at CES said that while other automakers could potentially use their open-source software, Ford didn't necessarily expect it to happen.

To get the full boatload of details about Ford's proposed tech-sharing plan, head on over to Wired.

Wired: Ford making Sync AppLink open source, free for any automaker to use originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ces2013 consumer electronics showcesfordford syncford sync applinkinfotainmentsyncsync applinktechnology sharingWed, 09 Jan 2013 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20421270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/20421270/article-detail.xml 20421270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630.jpg <![CDATA[AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/applink-software-for-sync-comes-to-fiesta-first-adds-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/applink-software-for-sync-comes-to-fiesta-first-adds-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/applink-software-for-sync-comes-to-fiesta-first-adds-iphone/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sync AppLink

It's a good day for Ford Sync users. The Blue Oval has officially announced two big leaps forward for the company's infotainment system for smartphone users. For the first time, Apple users will find that their iPhone is now fully compatible with Sync. Previously, the system was only usable with devices that used RIM or Android operating systems. What's more, users can now control the applications on their smartphones using a hands-free, voice-operated system. So far, there are only a handful of apps that will gel with Sync voice activation, including Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak (a Twitter client), though Ford says that there are more on the way.

The new and improved Sync will first show up in 14,000 Ford Fiesta models, though the free Sync application will eventually be equipped on every Sync-equipped Ford and Lincoln vehicle. Fiesta owners can get the ball rolling by logging into their Sync account online and pointing their browser toward the Update and Customize section of the site. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone

AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 fiesta2011 ford fiestaapplinkfiestaFordford fiestaFord Syncford sync applinkiphonesmartphoneSync applinkMon, 27 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19773977/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/27/applink-software-for-sync-comes-to-fiesta-first-adds-iphone/19773977/article-detail.xml 19773977 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630.jpg <![CDATA[SYNC updated with stock quotes, horoscopes and more [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/sync-updated-with-stock-quotes-horoscopes-and-more-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/sync-updated-with-stock-quotes-horoscopes-and-more-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/sync-updated-with-stock-quotes-horoscopes-and-more-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford SYNC with Applink - Click above to watch the video after the the break

Ford's excellent SYNC infotainment technology is undoubtedly already one of the best systems on the market. But there's clearly been one glaring omission that's been keeping the Microsoft-developed system from attaining its true position as the ultimate automotive killer app that the world has been waiting for: horoscopes.

Good news, all you budding astrologers... Ford has seen fit to add daily horoscopes to all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with the cloud-based SYNC app Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI). There's no cost and all the driver needs are an active owner account on www.syncmyride.com and a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.

Horoscopes not your thing? No problem! There will also be access to stock quotes, movie listings, airlines, rental cars and hotels. If this kind of thing tickles your wattle fancy, we suggest you check out the video and press release after the break.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SYNC updated with stock quotes, horoscopes and more [w/video]

SYNC updated with stock quotes, horoscopes and more [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford syncford sync airlinesford sync applinkford sync horoscopeford sync microsoftford sync moviesford sync traffic directions informationFordSyncFordSyncAirlinesFordSyncApplinkFordSyncHoroscopeFordSyncMicrosoftFordSyncMoviesFordSyncTrafficDirectionsInformationsyncThu, 27 May 2010 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19494020/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/27/sync-updated-with-stock-quotes-horoscopes-and-more-w-video/19494020/article-detail.xml 19494020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/applinksync_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/applinksync.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Ford Fiesta to include AppLink, voice-control Blackberry and Android apps [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/2011-ford-fiesta-to-include-applink/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/2011-ford-fiesta-to-include-applink/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/2011-ford-fiesta-to-include-applink/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford SYNC with AppLink - Click above for high-res image gallery

On our way to Stanford last week, we came across a murdered-out Toyota Prius with an "I♥OPEC" vanity plate. Prime Twitter fodder if we've ever seen it. Unfortunately, even with our smartphone streaming navigation directions and a podcast through the Ford Fusion's SYNC system, we couldn't safely tweet our find. Well, Ford's about to rectify that issue with the introduction of AppLink, a downloadable upgrade to the SYNC infotainment system that allows drivers to control their smartphone apps through voice commands.

AppLink will be exclusive to the 2011 Ford Fiesta when it hits dealers later this year and, at launch, it will only work with Blackberry and Android-powered devices running SYNC software. When it does arrive, the first three supported apps are Stitcher, Pandora (bye-bye XM/Sirius) and Orangatame's OpenBeak Twitter program. More apps are sure to be available in the following months and Ford has setup a developer channel on SYNCMyRide to get programmers going.

For those of you currently rolling in a SYNC-equipped Ford or Lincoln, AppLink will be available as a download sometime next year, and for all you Apple fanboys, fear not, iPhone integration is on the way. Make the jump for all the details and a brace of videos showing off the technology.


Gallery: Ford SYNC with AppLink


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Fiesta to include AppLink, voice-control Blackberry and Android apps [w/videos]

2011 Ford Fiesta to include AppLink, voice-control Blackberry and Android apps [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestaAndroidblackberryfiestafordford fiestaford sync applinkFordFiestaFordSyncApplinkI.C.E.ICEin car entertainmentin-car electronicsIn-carElectronicsInCarEntertainmentiPhonelincolnopen beakopenbeakpandorastitchersyncsync applinkSyncApplinktweettwitterTue, 20 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19443579/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/2011-ford-fiesta-to-include-applink/19443579/article-detail.xml 19443579 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/applinksync_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/applinksync.jpg -1 2