Sync Applink gets new NPR app, Destinations hands-on
Filed under: CES, Etc., Technology, Ford, Infotainment
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 | CommentsFord says SYNC base is now 4M, will reach 13M by 2015
Filed under: Technology, Ford
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 | CommentsA day in the life of Ken Block and his SYNC-equipped H.F.H.V.
Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Specialty
Ken Block has extended his tireless Ford promotion to SYNC, equipping his Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle with FoMoCo's infotainment system to star - along with DC BMX rider Kelly Bolton - in his latest video.
The day-in-the-life comes in three acts, beginning with Block driving one of his Gymkhana-prepped Fiestas to LA's Cars and Coffee, followed by a brief lunch, filming of the previously released Gymkhana 4 and wrapping up with a parking lot smoke fest where Block and Bolton do what they do best. Although we're not sure what we're impressed with more: Bolton doing a backflip off a ladder after Block topples it going sideways or the fact that Ken was able to drive his hardly street-legal H.F.H.V. around LA for the day. Check it all out after the jump.
Continue reading A day in the life of Ken Block and his SYNC-equipped H.F.H.V.
A day in the life of Ken Block and his SYNC-equipped H.F.H.V. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord extending MAP text support to more models
Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford, Infotainment
In the sixth major software update to Ford's SYNC system, the automaker is extending Message Access Protocol (MAP) Bluetooth support to select 2011 and 2012 models, giving drivers the ability to have text messages and emails read aloud in their SYNC-equipped vehicles.
MAP Bluetooth support has been available on a number of Ford vehicles since its introduction this year, but the software update (G1 V3.2.2) extends the functionality to supported a number of bluetooth equipped smartphones to allow users to hear SMS, MMS and email messages over the stereo. The update is set to roll out later this month and you can get all the details in the press blast below the fold.
Continue reading Ford extending MAP text support to more models
Ford extending MAP text support to more models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord making live operators standard with Sync service
Filed under: Technology, Ford
After a successful round of beta testing, Ford is ready to put you in touch with a live operator by way of its Sync Services system. Should you feel the need to speak to an actual person, Ford will put you in touch with an operator who is standing by, as it will henceforth be included as a standard feature in Sync's suite of functions.
Live operators can assist with turn-by-turn direction while also sending any relevant information about your destination to your phone. According to Ford, relaying the live information will help drivers keep their eyes on the road while the person on the other end does the data digging. Customers who are new to Sync will receive 60 complimentary sessions, while current Sync customers will receive a set number of complimentary sessions based on how much time is remaining on their agreement. Full details posted after the jump.
Continue reading Ford making live operators standard with Sync service
Ford making live operators standard with Sync service originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord SYNC modified for autobahn speeds
Filed under: Etc., Europe, Technology, Ford
Ford had to implement a few tweaks to its SYNC navigation system before introducing it to Europe. Automotive News reports that the company's engineers have programmed the software to understand 10,000 commands in 19 languages, but SYNC also had to be calibrated to work at higher speeds. Developers discovered that the navigation couldn't warn drivers about which exit to take while cruising along with traffic on the autobahn. As a result, the system had to be reworked to tell pilots about their upcoming exit a little farther in advance.
Ford claims that 2 million vehicles in Europe will have SYNC on board by 2015. That seems plenty feasible given the fact that 3 million cars, trucks and SUVs have been sold with SYNC in the U.S. since 2007. Ford is set to introduce SYNC at the IFA consumer electronics trade show in Berlin later this week, and European buyers will be able to option their purchases with the system starting next year.
Ford SYNC modified for autobahn speeds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord slashes Sync price by $100, coming to all models in three years
Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford, Infotainment
With Ford stepping up to become the first automaker to support the Safe Drivers Act of 2011, the Blue Oval is putting its money where its mouth is by dropping the price of its Sync system from $395 to $295.
The updated pricing will extend first to the 2012 Explorer and Edge, and will be available on all trim levels of the Edge, with the SEL, Limited and Sport models coming standard with the system and the SE now available with Sync as an option. The pricing will later extend to the 2013 Escape, Flex, Focus and Taurus.
In addition to the standard infotainment and navigation functions, Ford is touting the hands-free capabilities of Sync as a safety feature, along with 911 Assist and the Sync Services subscription plan which includes turn-by-turn directions, traffic reports and business searches, all of which can be performed without ever taking your eyes off the road.
Ford plans to make Sync and the new pricing strategy available on every North American model by 2014, and expect a host of upgrades and refinements to happen in the process. Hit the jump for the full details.
Continue reading Ford slashes Sync price by $100, coming to all models in three years
Ford slashes Sync price by $100, coming to all models in three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsOnNotice? Ford beta-testing live operators through Sync
Filed under: Technology, Ford, Lincoln, Infotainment
Sync Services - Ford's lesser-known on-demand, voice-activated news and information service - has begun running a very OnStar-like beta. The new system allows registered Sync customers to connect with a live operator to fulfill business searches and address entry, but don't think of it as a replacement for the standard cadre of voice-activated features.
Ford has found that 70 percent of all Sync Services calls are for business searches and address input, and in the latter's case, the system is best used if Sync's voice-translation function doesn't input the proper address. All owners have to do to use the service is ask for "Operator" and the Live Operator Assistance feature connects them with a living, breathing human being. Addresses can be sent to the car for turn-by-turn navigation, along with POI searches, and for the time being, it's free for all Sync Services customers. Make the jump for the full details.
Continue reading OnNotice? Ford beta-testing live operators through Sync
OnNotice? Ford beta-testing live operators through Sync originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord named in patent infringement case over SYNC, safety systems
Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, Ford, Lincoln
Eagle Harbor Holdings has named Ford in a lawsuit, contending that the automaker infringed on seven of its patents after talks between the two companies stalled out in 2008 - and the claimed infringements strike right at the heart of Ford's recent tech expansion.
In addition to claiming that Ford cribbed its technology for Active Park Assist, Stability Control, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Alert and MyKey, the small Bainbridge Island, WA tech firm claims that the technology behind Ford's incredibly popular SYNC infotainment system. Specifically, the voice control and remote MP3 player connection technology.
According to Eagle:
"Our representatives began meeting with Ford in 2002 to discuss and disclose our patented automotive systems technology and its applicability for use in Ford vehicles," said Jeffrey Harmes, general counsel for Eagle Harbor Holdings, LLC. "These meetings continued until 2008, when Ford stopped communications with us. In early 2009 we informed Ford that its automotive audio systems infringed on our patents. In March 2010, we again informed Ford that its automotive electronics systems, including Ford SYNC, infringed on our patents. Unfortunately, despite our many efforts to communicate with Ford and resolve these issues, Ford continues to refuse to license its use of our patented technology. Ford is ignoring our patent rights and continues to use, without permission or license, Eagle Harbor's technology."
Those talks also included Volvo - at the time, owned by Ford Motor Company - but it's unclear if Eagle will pursue the recently sold Swedish automaker for similar tech infringement.
A Ford spokesperson tells Autoblog, "We were just served with this lawsuit late last week and we have not yet had an opportunity to review the details. We believe it would be premature for us to comment until we have had a chance to do so."
It's unlikely that Ford will have to stop production of its SYNC and advanced safety-equipped vehicles, but if Eagle wins the suit or settles out of court, we wouldn't be surprised to learn of the Blue Oval cutting a hefty check.
Ford named in patent infringement case over SYNC, safety systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord talks Sync tweaks, adding airbag seatbelts to more models
Filed under: Etc., Technology, Ford, Lincoln
Ford says that it's in the process of responding to customers who feel that the company's Sync and MyFord Touch systems are cumbersome or difficult to use. According to the Detroit Free Press, the company's internal quality evaluations have discovered a few issues. While speaking to reporters, Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas, said that the automaker is committed to improving the connectivity options in its vehicles, adding that by and large, customers enjoy the features. So far, it's unclear exactly what changes Ford will make to Sync and MyFord Touch/My Lincoln Touch moving forward, but we'd wager that software engineers will focus on further improving the software's voice-recognition system, though many Autoblog staffers hope they also reevaluate MyFord Touch's control scheme.
Fields also made it clear that the Blue Oval plans to expand its Sync AppLink service to the 2012 Fusion, F-Series, Expedition and even the Mustang. Currently, the $395 option is only available on the Fiesta, and it allows buyers to download various smartphone applications straight to their vehicle.
Finally, the Dearborn-based automaker said that we can also expect to see more seatbelts with integrated airbags crop up across is Ford and Lincoln lines. Right now, the safety device is only an option on the 2011 Ford Explorer.
Ford talks Sync tweaks, adding airbag seatbelts to more models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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