Photo: Ford Motor Company
Ford claims its Sync technology is the industry’s first system to widely and most affordably offer voice-activated technology to control smartphones. Currently available in 12 million vehicles globally, the carmaker has announced a new feature today, which will allow users to access their cars remotely through a smartphone app.
In just a couple of words, the American carmaker wants future buyers to be able to communicate with their vehicles without necessarily being around it. Lock and unlock, remote start, and even a scheduled future start are part of the options that will be available starting next spring, once the new 2017 Ford Escape is revealed.
The system is rather simple, as the app is connected to a built-in modem in the vehicle. Thanks to it, owners can remotely access features via their smartphones. Vehicle status, including fuel, oil and battery levels, along with tire pressure readings will also be shown on the app, while the new system will also have a localization feature.
“New SYNC Connect provides convenience to Ford owners through an easy-to-use app,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “The technology helps you seamlessly integrate your vehicle into your lifestyle. Get locked out? Cold outside? Forget where you parked? No problem. Just use your smartphone.”
One may worry about security as the industry is still trying to figure out ways to make sure technological improvements will not weaken new cars against hackers and thieves. Owners who will opt for Sync Connect will have to go through a two-step authentication process to protect personal information, confirming setup on the vehicle touch screen and the mobile application.
The new feature is one of Ford’s key enhancements part of their Smart Mobility plan to deliver the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, customer experience, and big data.
The system is rather simple, as the app is connected to a built-in modem in the vehicle. Thanks to it, owners can remotely access features via their smartphones. Vehicle status, including fuel, oil and battery levels, along with tire pressure readings will also be shown on the app, while the new system will also have a localization feature.
“New SYNC Connect provides convenience to Ford owners through an easy-to-use app,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “The technology helps you seamlessly integrate your vehicle into your lifestyle. Get locked out? Cold outside? Forget where you parked? No problem. Just use your smartphone.”
One may worry about security as the industry is still trying to figure out ways to make sure technological improvements will not weaken new cars against hackers and thieves. Owners who will opt for Sync Connect will have to go through a two-step authentication process to protect personal information, confirming setup on the vehicle touch screen and the mobile application.
The new feature is one of Ford’s key enhancements part of their Smart Mobility plan to deliver the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, customer experience, and big data.
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