Ford Upgrades Sync Destinations App
LAS VEGAS -- Ford Motor Co. is launching the next version of Sync Destinations, its free mobile app for Sync Services subscribers, giving Ford vehicle owners the ability to easily send destinations to their vehicle using their smartphone.
With the addition of Ford Sync AppLink support, the app enables drivers to use simple voice commands to get on-the-go traffic reports to any of their favorite destination points. Users can report traffic incidents to share with the entire Sync Destinations community, get to-the-minute incident reports, and leverage their smartphone's data network to download turn-by-turn directions and destinations directly to their vehicle.
"Sync Destinations is an indispensible tool that cuts travel times and helps Ford owners save money by using less fuel," said Doug VanDagens, global director of connected services at Ford. "The app not only makes the Sync experience better, it makes it easier than ever to navigate with Sync Services."
With the first version of Sync Destinations, Ford owners had the capability to get on-the-go access to their cloud-based Sync Services account. Drivers could add, save and manage destinations or saved points like they do using www.syncmyride.com. Locations added using Sync Destinations were easily accessible through Sync Services in the vehicle.
Under the new version, Sync Destinations combines with Sync AppLink to leverage the power of the smartphone's data connection to download directions into the vehicle using simple voice commands. Users can also access traffic and incident reports while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Users simply speak the commands "Mobile Apps," "Sync Destinations," followed by "Traffic to" and the name of a saved destination to instantly get the fastest route to their destination. The command, "Directions," followed by the name of a saved destination enables users to download voice-guided turn-by-turn directions into the vehicle.
Need to know traffic incidents around your location? Simply say, "Incidents around me" to get a report of all known incidents and events around your current location.
Drivers also can use the SYNC Destinations app's community reporting feature to "Report an accident" to other fellow SYNC Services drivers to forewarn them of potential traffic delays.
Sync Destinations and Sync Services navigation are powered by Inrix's traffic intelligence platform and the world's largest community of drivers. Inrix analyzes real-time data from 50 million vehicles and hundreds of public and private sources to provide Sync owners with voice-controlled access to the latest traffic reports and best routes based on current and expected conditions. Inrix Traffic Forecasts leverages unique analysis of real-time, historical data with analyses of traffic-impacting local events like holidays, weather, concerts and sporting events to deliver insight into what drivers can expect on the roads hours, days and months in advance.
This new version of Sync Destinations continues to be a free download for Sync Services subscribers and will be available for iPhone users on the Apple App Store. Owners with active Sync Services accounts can download and use this app. This version of Sync Destinations will also be made available for BlackBerry and Android users in the first quarter of 2012.
