At CES 2011, QNX had a concept car with their embedded OS and support for the PlayBook, BlackBerry and iPhone. The PlayBook demonstration was dipped in weak sauce and really only showed climate controls and some basic media player functionality. Other than that, the demo showed some pretty basic support for short text-based messages and a cross-platform user interface which could be embedded in a variety of different car models.
If this sort of system is going to work, it’s going to have to have a lot in the way of voice controls. You can’t have drivers using a touchscreen while driving. Also, RIM is going to have to figure out how the PlayBook, BlackBerry and car are all going to communicate email, calendar and app information so that it’s of use to the driver.
Ford has announced a new smartphone app that’s available to BlackBerry users and will likely complement the unannounced Ford Focus Electric. The app has a wide range of features but is mainly going to be used to monitor the car’s charge. Other features include the ability to find your car via GPS, remotely unlock/lock the doors, and download performance and system data about your vehicle. Features of the MyFord Mobile app include: Continue reading ‘Ford Announces MyFord Mobile App to Monitor Electric Charge and More’
The 2012 Ford Mustang is the next vehicle in line for the SYNC AppLink system that connects your smartphone to your var via voice control. Also featured in the upcoming Mustang will be AppLink integrated with Ford’s optional Voice-Activated Navigation System.
A few weeks ago, Ford announced AppLink as a download exclusively for 2011 Ford Fiesta owners, and it looks like they’ll be rolling it out for more models as the years move on. Currently, AppLink supports popular mobile apps such as Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBeak.
Ford has announced that AppLink, a new sync solution for smartphones, will be available as a free download beginning with 2011 Ford Fiesta owners. Ford has also announced that AppLink is compatible with all major smartphones and allows you to interact with popular apps such as Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBeak. Currently, only Ford Fiesta 2011 owners will have access to AppLink, but it will surely roll out in more vehicles soon after. To get the AppLink update added to your account, head over to syncmyride.com.
Terminal Mode is a cool system based on RealVNC’s technology that uses VNC protocol to duplicate your BlackBerry’s screen on the car’s head unit to allow you access to mobile apps and content while on the road. The system bills itself as a safe solution but is it really all that safe? Why would staring at a car’s head unit be any more safe than looking at a BlackBerry screen? Granted, you have to strain your eyes a little less, but it’s not exactly Heads Up Display. Even though the system may not truly be safer, it’s definitely cool. You can play your BlackBerry’s music while using the native music controls, and navigation apps would really come to life with something like this.
Ford Sync is a factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. It is based on the Microsoft Auto platform. The technology is currently being updated with some features that directly involve Research in Motion. Ford Sync has a text message readback feature that allows customers to hear text messages without having to take their eyes off the road. In addition to this service, Ford is has integrated the latest Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP) into SYNC for all MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles. The MAP standard outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS, and MMS messages between devices. With MAP technology, even more phones will work with SYNC to read aloud incoming texts.
In addition, Research In Motion is already working with Ford to implement MAP on BlackBerry smartphones and enable SYNC audible text messaging capability across their product line, in an effort to foster industry-wide adoption.
