Ford Drivers now better connected - Ford SYNC AppLink launches on Focus ST, Fiesta S
Ford SYNC Applink™ lets drivers use steering wheel mounted buttons and voice control to access compatible smart-phone apps.
Pandora Internet Radio, Omny and Club Connect among the first apps for Ford customers in Australia
Ford SYNC Applink™ launches on Focus ST, Fiesta ST and Ford Kuga range and will roll out across the Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, Ranger and Transit range by early 2015.
SYDNEY, 8 Oct, 2014 – Ford customers in Australia can enjoy a connected driving experience as SYNC AppLink™ lets drivers use steering wheel mounted buttons and voice control to access compatible smart-phone applications. SYNC Applink™ with voice control lets users access compatible mobile apps on their smart-phone whilst keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Drive better connected with AppLink
AppLink is a new feature for Ford’s lauded SYNC platform that allows compatible iOS and Android smart-phone applications to use the vehicles display screen, steering wheel-mounted buttons and voice control system to let the user interact with mobile apps without touching, or looking at their phone.
“Applink™ gives drivers voice control over their favourite smart-phone apps whilst keeping their hand on the wheel and eyes on the road,” said Adrian McGibbon, Supervisor, Multimedia Systems, Ford Asia Pacific.
When an iOS or Android smart-phone is connected to SYNC, users can activate compatible mobile apps by pressing the voice button and simply saying the name of the app. Once the app is open, control is passed to steering wheel mounted buttons and SYNC’s voice control with app information displayed on SYNC’s centre display screen.
“AppLink is the next stage of digital device integration and is a great addition to Ford’s SYNC platform.”
Access the latest mobile apps
Ford SYNC AppLink™ gives drivers access to some of the world’s most popular internet services and ground-breaking infotainment technology through simple voice commands.
AppLink will launch with several local and global mobile apps in Australia including Club Connect, Pandora Internet Radio, Omny, Spotify, Glympse, Fairfax and ESPN CricInfo.
PandoraInternet Radio – Leading internet radio service Pandora is free radio streaming service. Simply enter a favourite artist, track, comedian or genre, and Pandora will create a personalised station that plays their music and more like it. Rate songs by giving thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback and add variety to further refine your stations, discover new music and help Pandora play only music you love. Australians will be able to access their favourite music and radio stations, share their location in real time with friends and family, and never miss the latest news and sports. All with the comfort and safety of the Ford vehicle voice control.
“Pandora is proud to be a launch partner for SYNC Applink™ in Australia, allowing customers access to their favourite Pandora stations whilst keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” says Rick Gleave, director of business development, Pandora ANZ
Club Connect – Club Connect is a suite of apps that utilises both a smart-phone, and the head unit in the vehicle, providing drivers with access to assistance services and information such, as local parking or fuel stations, to help them on their journey.
"The Australian Automobile Clubs are excited to offer Ford drivers value added services through an app integrating with their vehicle through Ford Sync Applink." said Michael Reed, CEO, Australian Motoring Services
The Club Connect App has been designed and developed here in Australia and provides the driver access to information such as fuel station locations and fuel prices, car parking locations and pricing, time-to-destination information via the Here2There® app, access to Roadside Assistance at the press of a button, and driver log information where journey’s can be recorded for Fringe Benefits tax reporting.
“The Club Connect App allows access to a suite of powerful driving applications. The apps have utility outside the car, but the Ford SYNC Applink voice command interface extends access to motorists on the road.” said Adam Game, CEO, Intelematics.
Services are delivered through two channels: a smartphone application where customers can pre-load destinations and select their Auto Club depending on the state in which they live, as well as via the head unit in the vehicle, utilising Ford SYNC voice control.
Omny – Developed in Australia, Omny is a uniquely personalised radio app available for iPhone. Omny acts like a radio station where you call the shots allowing you to combine podcasts, radio shows, music and personal updates into your own radio station. Drivers can choose and play any of their personalised stations, listen to the latest weather and email updates read aloud and hear any of their favourite radio shows and podcasts by simply speaking the name.
“As an Australian start-up, we are proud to have Omny available to our customers using SYNC AppLink from launch,” said Long Zheng, Head of Product at 121cast.
“We are enthusiastic about developing an innovative radio experience and many of Omny’s users currently listen in the car. SYNC AppLink makes it easier for Omny users to access the app while driving.”
Available now: Focus ST, Fiesta ST and Ford Kuga range
Available by early 2015: Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, Ranger and Transit range
Launch apps: Club Connect, Pandora, Omny, Spotify, Glympse, Fairfax and ESPN CricInfo
Ford Drivers now better connected - Ford SYNC AppLink launches on Focus ST, Fiesta S
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