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[<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[Ford announces app developer program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-announces-app-developer-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-announces-app-developer-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-announces-app-developer-program/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford used the occasion of CES to announce that the Ford Developer Program, the automaker's own app developer program, would be open to anyone wanting to participate. Ford will provide its software developer kit to registered software writers who will then have access to code libraries and documentation to allow them to write apps to "enable two-way communication between mobile apps" and Sync-equipped Ford vehicles "including voice commands from the driver."

Several apps have already been developed by a select group of beta-testing code-crunchers. Some of the more interesting ones include the Amazon Cloud Player that will allow users to access music stored in Amazon's cloud, USA Today which will provide audio versions of the national newspaper, and BeCouply, a new app that gives entertainment suggestions to couples looking for date ideas.

Got an idea for an app but no idea how to write it? Ford has teamed with Michigan-based jacAPPS to be the "recommended mobile app development house." Read the entire press release below.

Continue reading Ford announces app developer program

Ford announces app developer program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app developmentCESces 2013consumer electronics show 2013fordmobile appssoftware development kitsyncTue, 08 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20420596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/08/ford-announces-app-developer-program/20420596/article-detail.xml 20420596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ford-applink-ces-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ford-applink-ces-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Ford and Glympse hook up to give Sync location-sharing technology]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/ford-and-glympse-hook-up-to-give-sync-location-sharing-technolog/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/ford-and-glympse-hook-up-to-give-sync-location-sharing-technolog/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/ford-and-glympse-hook-up-to-give-sync-location-sharing-technolog/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Among the numerous apps that Ford has added to its Sync AppLink system is the location-sharing service Glympse. After The app is installed on a smartphone and the phone is paired with the AppLink interface either through Bluetooth or USB, a driver just presses the Sync button on the steering wheel and says, "Send Glympse." With that, the vehicle's location is sent to the other parties he has enabled in the app.

Any 'Glympsers' can keep track of the vehicle on their own phones or on a map in a web brower and get updates via e-mail, text, Facebook and Twitter. There's a time-limit to 'glympsing' so that after a pre-set time the app will cease updating its location.

The app was introduced to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class last summer, but we won't be seeing Stuttgart's little hatch in our country for a while. The partnership with Ford gives US drivers a way to experience another OEM integration of what is sure to be our always-in-contact future. The press release below can tell you more about it.

Continue reading Ford and Glympse hook up to give Sync location-sharing technology

Ford and Glympse hook up to give Sync location-sharing technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 consumer electronics showandroidappapplinkcesces 2013fordglympseiossyncsync applinkMon, 07 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20418598/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/ford-and-glympse-hook-up-to-give-sync-location-sharing-technolog/20418598/article-detail.xml 20418598 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fordsyncglympse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fordsyncglympse.jpg <![CDATA[Lincoln now including three years of live operator Sync assist with every car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/lincoln-now-including-three-years-of-live-operator-sync-assist-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/lincoln-now-including-three-years-of-live-operator-sync-assist-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/lincoln-now-including-three-years-of-live-operator-sync-assist-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Luxury automakers are always trying to find ways to pamper car owners, and now Lincoln is getting into the game by offering its Sync Services complimentary for three years on all 2013 models. Based on Sync, this technology can give automated information such as turn-by-turn directions and traffic updates, as well as news, stock and weather updates. It also has 24-hour live operator assistance for when users want to talk to a real person.

Lincoln Sync Services joins the ranks of BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz MBrace, Lexus Enform and Infiniti Personal Assistant, and after the three years of free service, users must pay $199 per year. Lincoln points out that Lexus only offers Enform free for one year and then charges just over $260 per year after that.

Scroll down to read more about Lincoln's in-car concierge service.

Continue reading Lincoln now including three years of live operator Sync assist with every car

Lincoln now including three years of live operator Sync assist with every car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in-car concierge servicelincolnlincoln sync serviceslive operator assistancesyncFri, 09 Nov 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373432/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/lincoln-now-including-three-years-of-live-operator-sync-assist-w/20373432/article-detail.xml 20373432 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-lincoln-mkz-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-lincoln-mkz-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Ford marks 5 million Sync-equipped vehicles over 5 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ford-marks-5-million-sync-equipped-vehicles-over-5-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ford-marks-5-million-sync-equipped-vehicles-over-5-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ford-marks-5-million-sync-equipped-vehicles-over-5-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's pretty amazing how much in-car technology has advanced in recent years, and Ford's Sync system has been at the forefront of vehicle connectivity and infotainment. Since its debut on the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford says more than five million of its vehicles have been equipped with Microsoft-developed technology.

Back when Sync was shown off in 2007, smartphones were just in their infancy (the iPhone was unveiled two days later), and Sync allows customers to upgrade their mobile devices without having to replace any equipment inside the vehicle. Over the years, Ford has expanded the technology to include new features such as AppLink that adds Sync-enabled apps-like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Stitcher and Vehicle Health Report.

Down the road, Ford says Sync will get even more personal through the use of cloud computing and vehicle sensor data. Read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Ford marks 5 million Sync-equipped vehicles over 5 years

Ford marks 5 million Sync-equipped vehicles over 5 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford synclincolnmercurymicrosoft syncsyncThu, 08 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20372045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/ford-marks-5-million-sync-equipped-vehicles-over-5-years/20372045/article-detail.xml 20372045 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[Ford debuts familiar all-new Mondeo, shows wagon version [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/ford-debuts-familiar-all-new-mondeo-shows-wagon-version-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/ford-debuts-familiar-all-new-mondeo-shows-wagon-version-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/ford-debuts-familiar-all-new-mondeo-shows-wagon-version-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Ford showed the world its all-new Mondeo in Amsterdam today, alerting Europeans that a new "flagship" for the Blue Oval brand has arrived. The new Ford, a lookalike of the Fusion model available here in the United States, makes its European debut with flavors of powertrain and body style that will be unique to its target market.

First and foremost (to our car-geek eyes) is the five-door wagon variant that you see here. The Mondeo wagon retains the angular front-third from the sedan version, but tacks a rather long and useful-looking cargo space on to the back of the vehicle. The result, at least from some vantage points, isn't the most elegant load-lugger we've yet seen, but it is certainly prepared handle small-family needs in a way that a sedan just can't match.

The Mondeo will be available with Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, as well as with a hybrid-electric powertrain making use of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor. The HEV powerplant is the first such for a European Ford product, and will be available on the sedan only, to start. The company states that Mondeo will see a diesel-powered, all-wheels-driven version for the first time ever, though no timing is offered for this model.

Other niceties like SYNC, MyFord Touch, a panoramic roof and adaptive LED headlights will be available, too, causing Ford reps to gush that this Mondeo is "the most premium" model they've offered to date.

If Ford were to offer a Fusion wagon here in the U.S., ladies and gentlemen, this is what it would look like. Sadly, as ever, the wagon is a Euro-only treat. That said, cast your vote in our poll below and let us know if you'd actually buy a Fusion wagon if Ford were to ever offer one in the States.


View Poll

Continue reading Ford debuts familiar all-new Mondeo, shows wagon version [w/poll]

Ford debuts familiar all-new Mondeo, shows wagon version [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusion2013 ford mondeo2013 ford mondeo wagonfordford europefusionmondeomondeo wagonmy ford touchstation wagonsyncwagonThu, 06 Sep 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20317616/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/06/ford-debuts-familiar-all-new-mondeo-shows-wagon-version-w-poll/20317616/article-detail.xml 20317616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ford-mondeo-wagon-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ford-mondeo-wagon-628.jpg <![CDATA[Blue Oval's Farley vows to fix MyFord Touch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/blue-ovals-farley-vows-to-fix-myford-touch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/blue-ovals-farley-vows-to-fix-myford-touch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/blue-ovals-farley-vows-to-fix-myford-touch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MyFord Touch - dashboard view of screen

MyFord Touch is an enigma - not just because the infotainment system itself is difficult to understand and use, but because Ford just can't seem to figure out what to do about it. Ford's marketing chief Jim Farley tells Automotive News that despite ongoing criticism of MyFord Touch, even after a 2013 model year update, it "won't change our commitment to being a leader in infotainment. We want to be the best at it even if it means we have to improve the usability forever."

Farley goes on to say that despite all that the pundits at Consumer Reports have had to say - including writing that the system "stinks" in a recent blog post - 56 percent of buyers tell Ford that technology is an important consideration. Meaning that despite Ford's admitted inability to work the bugs out of MyFord Touch and make it more intuitive and speedy, it needs to stick with the system because it's a prime determiner for car shoppers.

Blue Oval's Farley vows to fix MyFord Touch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsfarleyfordinfotainmentjim farleymyford touchmyfordtouchmylincoln touchsynctelematicsMon, 27 Aug 2012 11:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309712/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/blue-ovals-farley-vows-to-fix-myford-touch/20309712/article-detail.xml 20309712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-myford-touch-2013-update-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-myford-touch-2013-update-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Roximity location-based deal provider app launches with a friend in Ford [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/roximity-location-based-deal-provider-app-launches-with-a-friend/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/roximity-location-based-deal-provider-app-launches-with-a-friend/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/roximity-location-based-deal-provider-app-launches-with-a-friend/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Roximity on Sync

Wouldn't it be great if your car alerted you to nearby deals as you drove by them? Austin Gayer and Danny Newman's Roximity app will appeal to you, then. The duo explains it as "a location-based alert system that allows merchants to sign up for geo-aware location deals." In other words, when you're near a place offering a deal, you get an alert on your iPhone, and since Roximity is integrating with Ford Sync, that functionality extends to Ford cars and trucks as well.

Roximity was the winning app developed during the Ford Sync App Developer Challenge at the 2011 TechCrunch Distrupt Hackathon in San Francisco. What makes it different from other deal sites, like Groupon, is that you can better tailor the deals to your interest. This way you won't get deals for vegan dining if all you want is updates on bacon cheeseburgers. Watch the video below to see Gayer and Newman explain their app firsthand.

Continue reading Roximity location-based deal provider app launches with a friend in Ford [w/video]

Roximity location-based deal provider app launches with a friend in Ford [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal alertsfordford syncgrouponroximitysyncSun, 12 Aug 2012 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298060/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/12/roximity-location-based-deal-provider-app-launches-with-a-friend/20298060/article-detail.xml 20298060 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/roximity-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/roximity-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford working on automatic "do not disturb" function to combat driver distraction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/ford-working-on-automatic-do-not-disturb-function-to-combat-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/ford-working-on-automatic-do-not-disturb-function-to-combat-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/ford-working-on-automatic-do-not-disturb-function-to-combat-dr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Driver Workload Estimator

Ford has been ahead of the curve when it comes to driver distraction - in both inviting potential sources of distraction into the car and then offering technological solutions to help keep drivers focused on the road. Ford's Sync and MyFord Touch systems are happy to make phone calls, play music from your phone, run smartphone apps, read text messages aloud, and allows you to manage almost all of it via voice activation.

However, as industry-leading as Sync's functionality may be, it's come under scrutiny from some safety researchers who insist that all such technology, even when it's voice-activated, is distracting. Ford certainly doesn't want its competitive advantage undermined, and with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration kicking around recommendations to combat distracted driving, proposed rules that could render navigation systems useless, the topic is certainly a hot one.

So that brings us to today's press release, in which Ford touts its research into what it's calling a "driver workload estimator." That five-dollar phrase is a convoluted way of saying the automaker is trying to figure out how to make its cars automatically block some of the functionality of Sync and MyFord Touch, especially incoming phone calls or text messages. Of course, Ford does not want this automatic activation of the do-not-disturb feature that's already part of MyFord Touch to make customers any more frustrated with the system than they already are. Thus the desire to incorporate biometric feedback into the system.

Ford says it can gather temperature, heart rate, and respiration through a special experimental steering wheel and seat belt. The car's computer could then use this information to augment data already coming from the rest of the vehicle to determine if it's not a good time to notify the driver that, say, her sister just accidentally butt-called her from the bar. While you could make the case that it's really never a good time for such a call, Ford is more concerned with keeping the phone from ringing when you're trying to merge into heavy freeway traffic.

And when might you be able to purchase such electronic wizardry? No time soon. We talked to Jeff Greenberg, Senior Technical Leader at Ford Research, and he told us that the company has no current production plans for the technology, as it's concerned about how customers will react to it. "We do have a lot to learn about what customers will accept," he said. Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Ford working on automatic "do not disturb" function to combat driver distraction

Ford working on automatic "do not disturb" function to combat driver distraction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>do not disturbfordmyford touchsafetysynctechnologyThu, 28 Jun 2012 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267629/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/28/ford-working-on-automatic-do-not-disturb-function-to-combat-dr/20267629/article-detail.xml 20267629 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/workloadestimatorinfographic-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/workloadestimatorinfographic-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford's SYNC inducted into Computer History Museum [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/fords-sync-inducted-into-computer-history-museum-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/fords-sync-inducted-into-computer-history-museum-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/fords-sync-inducted-into-computer-history-museum-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,



We didn't even know there was a Computer History Museum, but that didn't stop the Mountain View, California institution from inducting Ford's SYNC infotainment system into its permanent collection. The seven-year-old in-car technology, first made available as an option on the 2008 Ford Focus for $395, has since found more than four million takers and is expected to add five million more over the next three years as it gets offered worldwide.

The museum officially added the first-generation SYNC module, which is little more than a green, circuit- and module-laden board, but we'd expect there to be a touchscreen console for visitors to actually discover what it can do. Scroll down for a presser on the accolade and a video illustriously titled, Ford SYNC: How It All Started.

Continue reading Ford's SYNC inducted into Computer History Museum [w/video]

Ford's SYNC inducted into Computer History Museum [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computer history museumfordford syncsyncWed, 20 Jun 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20262266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/fords-sync-inducted-into-computer-history-museum-w-video/20262266/article-detail.xml 20262266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/synccomputermuseum_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/synccomputermuseum.jpg <![CDATA[Ford tempers expectations of improvement in J.D. Power quality survey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/ford-tempers-expectations-of-improvement-in-j-d-power-quality-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/ford-tempers-expectations-of-improvement-in-j-d-power-quality-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/ford-tempers-expectations-of-improvement-in-j-d-power-quality-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Technology can be a fickle thing for automotive companies. Done right, tech can help sell cars. Done badly, and tech can sink a whole company's image.

Ford is battling just that problem. Its Sync tech has certainly contributed to healthy sales recently, but customers started to complain with the buggy advent of the MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch systems.

An update for the system back in March promised to fix the annoying restarts, the slow responses and the underwhelming voice control. The user interface also got cleaner, easier to read menus and iPad compatibility was improved.

Unfortunately, Ford is now saying the improvements probably came too late to be reflected in the J.D. Power quality survey to be announced today.

"We'll be about the same or slightly better," Bennie Fowler, Ford's group vice president of global quality, told Automotive News Tuesday. "The dramatic improvement we're expecting will come in the third quarter..."

Ford fell from fifth place to 23rd place in last year's new-car quality survey. At least part of the reason, if not most, was due to customer dissatisfaction with the two Touch systems. That ranked Ford and Lincoln below the industry average for the number of problems per new vehicle.

Consumer Reports told Automotive News that since the Touch upgrades, complaints about Ford products are down. The magazine's auto-test chief David Champion says "Ford's basic quality remains good."

Ford tempers expectations of improvement in J.D. Power quality survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordinitial quality studyinitial quality surveyj.d. powerlincolnmyford touchmylincoln touchmytouchnavigationqualityquality surveysyncWed, 20 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20262522/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/ford-tempers-expectations-of-improvement-in-j-d-power-quality-s/20262522/article-detail.xml 20262522 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-myford-touch-2013-update-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-myford-touch-2013-update-628.jpg <![CDATA[How Ford's Sync could lower your insurance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Sync

How far are you willing to go to save a few bucks on your auto insurance? Because State Farm will gladly shave five percent from your premium if you're willing to permit the insurance company to log into your Sync-equipped vehicle to view the Vehicle Health Report. According to Motor Trend, the actuaries just want to look at your mileage, and if you can keep it in the triple digits each month, you'll be eligible for further savings.

If you're one of the four million Ford customers who have Sync'ed your ride and you're thinking this sounds like a great deal, please stop to ask yourself, "What would George Orwell do?" Sure, this program and others like it are nothing new, in fact, State Farm has been offering a similar deal for OnStar customers for some time, according to the report.

But we have to wonder just how slippery this slope will get before your insurance company starts using telematics data in ways that are much more intrusive. We can imagine surcharges for driving your car during high traffic times or parking in dangerous neighborhoods. Or perhaps you'll start being billed for mileage "overages," just like a cell phone plan. The whole concept, frankly, has us reaching for our tinfoil-lined hat.

How Ford's Sync could lower your insurance originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big brotherfordinsuranceonstarstate farmstate farm insurancesynctelematicsSun, 03 Jun 2012 14:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248770/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/03/how-fords-sync-could-lower-your-insurance/20248770/article-detail.xml 20248770 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/sync-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/sync-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford EcoSport urban CUV unveiled in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/ford-ecosport-urban-cuv-unveiled-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/ford-ecosport-urban-cuv-unveiled-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/ford-ecosport-urban-cuv-unveiled-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Ecosport production model - front three-quarter view

Ford has unveiled the production version of its EcoSport crossover at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. The small five-door utility should offer buyers plenty of functionality in a compact and efficient package thanks to a range of drivetrain configurations including a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder Ecoboost engine. The small-displacement engine is good for 118 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, which should be more than enough to move the little machine around. All told, Ford says the EcoSport will see duty in over 100 world markets, though the CUV isn't expected to show up in our neck of the woods.

The EcoSport Titanium is currently on display in Beijing, complete with 16-inch wheels and a massive chrome grille. All models feature Ford Sync with voice control, while smart keyless entry and remote start are also available. As expected, the crossover also comes laden with safety tech, including dual front and side-curtain airbags.

The EcoSport will be a cornerstone of Ford's aggressive expansion into China that will see it roll out some 15 new models by 2015. In the CUV segment, Ford of China presently only sells the Edge, but it will add the EcoSport, Kuga (read: Escape) and Explorer to its showrooms as part of this initiative. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford EcoSport urban CUV unveiled in China

Ford EcoSport urban CUV unveiled in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 beijing2012 beijing motor showbeijing 2012beijing motor showecoboostecoboost three cylinderecosportecosport titaniumfordford ecosportford ecosport titaniumsyncMon, 23 Apr 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/23/ford-ecosport-urban-cuv-unveiled-in-china/20221663/article-detail.xml 20221663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-ford-ecosport-6289_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-ford-ecosport-6289.jpg <![CDATA[Ford unveils 2013 F-Series Super Duty, now with Platinum [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/ford-unveils-2013-f-series-super-duty-with-more-tech-than-ever-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/ford-unveils-2013-f-series-super-duty-with-more-tech-than-ever-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/ford-unveils-2013-f-series-super-duty-with-more-tech-than-ever-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ford has officially served up the details on the upcoming 2013 F-Series Super Duty. Buyers will be able to snap up the latest work rig with in a new Platinum trim level that throws in niceties like SYNC, MyFord Touch, navigation and a rear-view camera as standard equipment. Power telescoping mirrors are also part of the package.

Unfortunately, the Platinum trim will only be available in Super Duty Crew Cab configuration. Even so, the cabin is swaddled in high-quality wood grain trim and premium leather seating. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is also heated for those really frosty mornings.

Outside, a smattering of chrome trim work sets the 2013 F-Series Super Duty Platinum apart from the rest of the trucks on the job site. Chrome door handles, mirror caps and running boards all add a bit of splash, as do the sizable 20-inch wheels that are newly designed for 2013.

Ford says the MyFord Touch at work in the new Super Duty is truck specific with features like a massive eight-inch touch screen display which has been optimized to function even when users are wearing thick work gloves. See below for the full press release as well as a brief video.

Continue reading Ford unveils 2013 F-Series Super Duty, now with Platinum [w/video]

Ford unveils 2013 F-Series Super Duty, now with Platinum [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford f-series super duty2013 super dutyf-seriesfordford f-series super dutymyford touchplatinumsuper dutysuper duty platinumsyncFri, 09 Mar 2012 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20189848/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/09/ford-unveils-2013-f-series-super-duty-with-more-tech-than-ever-b/20189848/article-detail.xml 20189848 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-2013-ford-f-series-super-duty-live628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-2013-ford-f-series-super-duty-live628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford makes voice control easier for iPad and other devices]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/ford-makes-voice-control-easier-for-ipad-and-other-devices/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/ford-makes-voice-control-easier-for-ipad-and-other-devices/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/ford-makes-voice-control-easier-for-ipad-and-other-devices/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ford is making it easier to access tablet devices in its cars, enabling users of iPad, Kindle, Nook and other tablets to control their devices with their voices instead of their hands.

The move is bound to set safety advocates atwitter, who argue there are already too many distractions behind the wheel. Just last month the issue again took front stage after the death of 18-year-old Taylor Sauer, who crashed her car into a tanker truck while texting. Ford, however, said the upgrade of its MyFord Touch system is out of concern for driver safety.

"Drivers are bringing these devices into the car already," said Alan Hall, a spokesman for Ford. "We're allowing them to access the content in a safer way."

Ford began shipping upgrades to its voice-activated MyFord Touch entertainment system on Monday, with the tablet compatibility built in. The automaker has taken a big hit to its quality reputation because of MyFord Touch, which consumers have complained is slow, unreliable and hard to use.

The upgrade to MyFord Touch and its underlying SYNC technology allows more devices to work with voice activation or through controls on the steering wheel, although most still won't charge. Devices including the iPad, Kindle Fire, HP Touchpad, Nook Color and Sony Tablet S need more electricity than Ford's outlets provide.

Ford hopes the iPad 3, set to be revealed today, will be compatible with the upgrade, Ostrowski said. He also said that Ford engineers will have to order iPad 3s like everyone else to find out.

Ford makes voice control easier for iPad and other devices originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefordipadipad 3myford touchsyncWed, 07 Mar 2012 13:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20187915/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/ford-makes-voice-control-easier-for-ipad-and-other-devices/20187915/article-detail.xml 20187915 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ipad2ios5heroprint-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ipad2ios5heroprint-opt.jpg <![CDATA[MyFord Touch, MyLincoln Touch upgrades shipping this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/myford-touch-mylincoln-touch-upgrades-shipping-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/myford-touch-mylincoln-touch-upgrades-shipping-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/myford-touch-mylincoln-touch-upgrades-shipping-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A few months back, Ford told us that it had listened to consumers and wanted to cure the ills of the first generation MyFord Touch. Starting today, the Blue Oval will begin shipping out USB drives to owners of 2013 Ford Taurus and Flex models, allowing them to install the latest version of the software from the comfort of their garages.

The update addresses many gripes that both the public and press have had with the MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch interface since its launch in 2010. The graphics have undergone a relatively major overhaul with bolder text and a cleaner, more user friendly UI. Just as important, the touchsceen lag we've complained about in the past should be all but eradicated and voice recognition has also improved. No word from Ford on how it's dealt with the intermittent crashes that users have experienced, but we know that it was a top priority for engineers.

Ford's wonks have also added more phone support, Audible audiobook integration, a revamped mapping and navigation system and the ability to link a variety of tablet devices to the Sync platform.

Ford is shipping both a USB flash drive that contains the update and an SD card with all-new mapping data. Ford claims the installation should take around an hour, but if you're hazy on the install process, it can be performed at your local Ford or Lincoln dealer. Make the jump for the official details.

Continue reading MyFord Touch, MyLincoln Touch upgrades shipping this week

MyFord Touch, MyLincoln Touch upgrades shipping this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flexfordlincolnmyford touchmyford touch upgrademylincoln touchmylincoln touch upgradesynctaurusTue, 06 Mar 2012 09:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20185727/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/myford-touch-mylincoln-touch-upgrades-shipping-this-week/20185727/article-detail.xml 20185727 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ford-nav-version-upgrade-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ford-nav-version-upgrade-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford attends Facebook Hackathon to create The Social Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/ford-attends-facebook-hackathon-to-create-the-social-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/ford-attends-facebook-hackathon-to-create-the-social-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/ford-attends-facebook-hackathon-to-create-the-social-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Most of us don't quite understand why we'd want Facebook in our cars, but during a recent Hackathon at Facebook's Palo Alto campus, the Blue Oval and the new Big Blue combined forces to go beyond status updates and photos sharing.

In an effort to make a truly "social" car, devs from Facebook held one of their monthly Hackathons that incorporates some of the social giant's most popular apps into Ford's SYNC system.

The all-nighter bred a handful of integrated apps that allowed you to check-in somewhere as soon as you parked your car, find a restaurant that one of your friends "liked" and even automatically stream songs that your friends have posted on their walls.

You can get a taste of what came out of the event in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Ford attends Facebook Hackathon to create The Social Car

Ford attends Facebook Hackathon to create The Social Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfordford facebook hackathonford synchackhackathonhackingpalo altosocial carsocial networkingsyncvideoWed, 29 Feb 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20182864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/ford-attends-facebook-hackathon-to-create-the-social-car/20182864/article-detail.xml 20182864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-facebook-hackathon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-facebook-hackathon.jpg <![CDATA[Sync Applink gets new NPR app, Destinations hands-on]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/sync-applink-gets-new-npr-app-destinations-hands-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/sync-applink-gets-new-npr-app-destinations-hands-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/sync-applink-gets-new-npr-app-destinations-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Applink

Our friends at Engadget got up close and cozy with the new Ford Sync Applink interface at CES 2012. Ford has put plenty of time ironing out some of the wrinkles in the voice-command system, and the company's work has paid off. Sync Applink is designed to allow users to access certain applications on their compatible smartphones without ever having to take their hands from the wheel. It sounds nice in theory, but Ford has had its fair share of issues getting the technology to produce desired results. Judging by the quick video, that's a thing of the past.

Ford demonstrated how the revised system easily pulls up the new NPR app and how users can easily shuffle through the application's various features. The app even lets users chose any NPR station in the country. How's that for snazzy?

Click past the jump to see Applink do its thing.

Continue reading Sync Applink gets new NPR app, Destinations hands-on

Sync Applink gets new NPR app, Destinations hands-on originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applinkcesces 2012fordford applinksyncsync applinkFri, 20 Jan 2012 08:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151207/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/sync-applink-gets-new-npr-app-destinations-hands-on/20151207/article-detail.xml 20151207 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-applink-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-applink-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford says SYNC base is now 4M, will reach 13M by 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/ford-says-sync-base-is-now-4m-will-reach-13m-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/ford-says-sync-base-is-now-4m-will-reach-13m-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/ford-says-sync-base-is-now-4m-will-reach-13m-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: ,

MyFord Touch

Ford SYNC is a success. The connectivity software has found its way into four million cars since its introduction in 2007. With European and Asian buyers getting SYNC for the first time this year, and North American offerings like the Fusion and Flex getting it as standard equipment, Ford expects to add nine million more users by 2015.

The prediction isn't solely based car buyers' increased access to SYNC; even in the U.S. the uptake continues to grow, from 80 percent of buyers in 2010 to 82 percent in 2011. The percentage of those recommending SYNC has remained stable at 80 percent, but that might also rise with more features and apps on the way. You can read all about it in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford says SYNC base is now 4M, will reach 13M by 2015

Ford says SYNC base is now 4M, will reach 13M by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford syncinfotainmentmicrosoftmicrosoft syncsyncSat, 14 Jan 2012 14:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147874/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/14/ford-says-sync-base-is-now-4m-will-reach-13m-by-2015/20147874/article-detail.xml 20147874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordsync4m_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordsync4m.jpg <![CDATA[Ford set to double the amount of SYNC-controlled apps at CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-set-to-double-the-amount-of-sync-controlled-apps-at-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-set-to-double-the-amount-of-sync-controlled-apps-at-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-set-to-double-the-amount-of-sync-controlled-apps-at-ces/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Evos Concept

For the fourth year in a row, Ford is going big at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and that includes the North American debut of the Evos concept, a new production car and even more SYNC-controlled apps.

Next week at CES, Ford will reveal the 2013 Ford Fusion, which is also set to bow halfway across the country at the Detroit Auto Show. Joining the Fusion will be the normal smattering of Mustangs and Focus sedans, hatchbacks and the all-new Electric, along with the Evos concept that debuted earlier this year. The Evos' presence is particularly important, as it outlines Ford's plan for a cloud-connected vehicle, and there's a chance we'll see those concepts evolved even further at CES.

Finally, Ford reps say they'll be doubling the amount of apps available through the automaker's SYNC infotainment system, so expect more streaming, more social and more connected apps to be available later this year.

Ford set to double the amount of SYNC-controlled apps at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012evosfocus electricfordford cesford evosford focus electricford syncsyncWed, 04 Jan 2012 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140582/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/ford-set-to-double-the-amount-of-sync-controlled-apps-at-ces/20140582/article-detail.xml 20140582 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-evos-concept-12-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-evos-concept-12-628.jpg -1 2