Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/ford-focus-electric-test-drive-and-myford-mobile-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/ford-focus-electric-test-drive-and-myford-mobile-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/ford-focus-electric-test-drive-and-myford-mobile-hands-on-video/#comments Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)

This is the production version of Ford's Focus Electric for the US market, and we got the chance to take it for a proper test drive last week. Don't fret, though -- Engadget hasn't suddenly turned into a car site. While we'll be happy to share our driving impressions, we're mostly interested in how Ford interfaces the vehicle with our favorite mobile devices and social networks -- tech that we've covered before, known as MyFord Mobile. Hit the break for the details, including our hands-on video.

Gallery: Ford Focus Electric hands-on

Continue reading Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)

Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidappAppleBill FrykmanBillFrykmanBlackBerryelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVFacebookFocusfocus electricFocusElectricFordFord FocusFord Focus ElectricFordFocusFordFocusElectricGooglehands-oniOSMicrosoftMicrosoft Value ChargingMicrosoftValueChargingmobilepostcrossMyFordMyFord MobileMyfordMobileRIMsocial networkingSocialNetworkingtelematicsTwitterValue ChargingValueChargingvideoTue, 17 Apr 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[MyFord Touch update rolling out now, promises to be 'faster, simpler, better']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/myford-touch-update-rolling-out-now/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/myford-touch-update-rolling-out-now/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/myford-touch-update-rolling-out-now/#comments MyFord Touch update rolling out now, promises to be 'faster, simpler, better'
It's been a few months since Ford promised us that juicy refresh to its whips' infotainment system, but it looks as if the wait is about to come to an end. The Built Tough manufacturer says it's finally shipping those 2GB USB sticks (plus an SD card if you have Navigation) to proud owners of MyFord Touch-equipped rides. Included in the fresh update -- which promises to be faster, simpler and better -- are things such as easier controls, audio support for tablets, improved Sirius commands and the ability to jam listen to Audible audiobooks. Folks rockin' the Nav add-on will also see bits like updated map views, additional 3D landmarks as well as better graphics. So you should probably be hitting up your mailbox more often than usual to grab your stick as soon as it arrives, and if you'd like to prepare yourself, then head on over to the source where an installation walk-through video awaits.

[Thanks, Letalis]

MyFord Touch update rolling out now, promises to be 'faster, simpler, better' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarsfordFordSyncinfotainmentinfotainment systemInfotainmentSystemminipostmyfordmyford touchmyford touch updatemyford touch upgrademyford updatemyford upgradeMyfordTouchMyfordTouchUpdateMyfordTouchUpgradeMyfordUpdateMyfordUpgradesoftwaretouchupdateupgradeMon, 05 Mar 2012 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford promises more AppLink love at CES, Evos on the show floor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/ford-promises-more-applink-love-at-ces-evos-on-the-show-floor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/ford-promises-more-applink-love-at-ces-evos-on-the-show-floor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/ford-promises-more-applink-love-at-ces-evos-on-the-show-floor/#comments
At CES last year, Ford's big news was twofold: the company unveiled its first EV in decades, the Focus Electric, and it spent plenty of time talking up AppLink, which brought a new degree of smartphone integration to Sync. We recently made a little stop by the company's Detroit R&D center where we were told not only to expect an announcement at the 2012 CES regarding a suite of new apps in AppLink, but to also get ready to see a hot concept car. Sadly, though, it's a car we've already seen: the cloud-connected Evos will be making its North American debut. But, maybe we'll get lucky and Ford will find room to unveil a second new car at the show. Its booth should certainly be large enough.

Ford promises more AppLink love at CES, Evos on the show floor originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applinkcesces 2012Ces2012evosfordminipostmyfordsyncFri, 11 Nov 2011 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Focus Electric hooks up wirelessly with AT&T, incurs jealous looks from T-Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/ford-focus-electric-hooks-up-wirelessly-with-atandt-incurs-jealou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/ford-focus-electric-hooks-up-wirelessly-with-atandt-incurs-jealou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/ford-focus-electric-hooks-up-wirelessly-with-atandt-incurs-jealou/#comments AT&T is keeping up its wheeling and dealing this week, signing an agreement with Ford to provide the built-in wireless connectivity for its upcoming Focus Electric hatchback. The deal's pretty simple, really. Ford has put together a comprehensive MyFord Mobile application to go with its EV, which will allow you to keep track of and schedule charging, while also serving up status notifications, range information, and nearby recharging stations' locations, the latter facility being provided with the help of MapQuest. All that data exchange will need a nice dumb pipe to carry it between the Focus and your smartphone and AT&T is obligingly fulfilling that role -- and don't worry if your phone doesn't support the app (works with Android, BlackBerry and iOS), Ford's got a web interface too. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Ford Focus Electric hooks up wirelessly with AT&T, incurs jealous looks from T-Mobile

Ford Focus Electric hooks up wirelessly with AT&T, incurs jealous looks from T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-electricappattcarcloudconnectionconnectivityelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfordford focusford focus electricFordFocusFordFocusElectrichatchbackmapquestmobile appMobileAppmyfordmyford mobileMyfordMobilewirelessThu, 24 Mar 2011 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandora for Mini Connected and SYNC AppLink now available for iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/pandora-for-mini-connected-and-sync-applink-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/pandora-for-mini-connected-and-sync-applink-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/pandora-for-mini-connected-and-sync-applink-now-available/#commentsPandora for Mini Connected now available for streaming to your ride The Mini Connected app finally hit the App Store back in December, enabling those with suitably equipped little German/British autos to connect their iPhones and iPods and do what nature intended. Well, everything nature intended except for streaming Pandora. Now that solemn right is a possibility too, with the latest version of Pandora available in iTunes. Update that, plug your iPhone into your Mini, and you can get your stream on, just like we did at CES. However, if you're more of a domestics guy or gal you don't have to feel left out, because this new version supports Ford's SYNC AppLink as well. And, yes, we had some quality hands-on time with that, too.

Pandora for Mini Connected and SYNC AppLink now available for iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleapplinkAppStoreconnectedfordiosiphoneipod touchIpodTouchitunesminimini connectedMiniConnectedmyfordpandorasmartphone integrationSmartphoneIntegrationsyncsync applinkSyncApplinkTue, 25 Jan 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dealers holding MyFord Touch classes for confused car owners]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/dealers-holding-myford-touch-classes-for-confused-car-owners/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/dealers-holding-myford-touch-classes-for-confused-car-owners/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/dealers-holding-myford-touch-classes-for-confused-car-owners/#commentsDealers holding MyFord Touch classes for confused car owners To us, MyFord Touch is a great way to manage your auto: four-way controllers on the steering wheel for navigating through simple, color-coded menus; a central touch panel; even voice recognition so that you can live out those Michael Knight fantasies. However, some folks, folks who apparently didn't spend their childhoods mashing thumbs into D-pads, are finding it all a little confusing. Consumer Reports recently railed against the system and Ford is looking to make the transition from knobs to buttons a little easier. Many dealers now offering tutorial sessions that owners of Touch-equipped cars can attend, a 45 minute thrill ride that'll let you and your salesman get just that much closer. Because, really, after we finally finish haggling and sign the paperwork there's nothing we want to do more than spend another hour in the dealership.

Dealers holding MyFord Touch classes for confused car owners originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classdealerdealershipfordinfotainmentmyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchsynctelematicstouchFri, 21 Jan 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's Vertrek concept gives us an idea of what the company's future dashboard might look like]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/fords-veritek-concept-gives-us-an-idea-of-what-the-companys-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/fords-veritek-concept-gives-us-an-idea-of-what-the-companys-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/fords-veritek-concept-gives-us-an-idea-of-what-the-companys-fu/#commentsFord's Veritek concept gives us an idea of what the company's future dashboard might look like Sure, we're fresh from sampling Ford's next evolutions of MyFord, the Mobile and AppLink systems, but those are due to start hitting cars in the next months and years. Sometimes it's fun to look a little further down the road, and that's what the company's Vertrek concept is doing, giving us a taste of exterior styling to come in the company's C-segment cars (like the C-MAX), plus a taste of some future innovations in the drivetrain department, most notable being an alternator that boosts its output under braking to provide a regenerative-like effect despite this not being a hybrid.

While the exterior is quite striking -- showing clean, sharp, dynamic lines and the impossibly small mirrors of a concept -- it's the interior that caught our eye. Yes, futuristic interiors like these rarely look little like their subsequent production successors, but we can get some ideas of what Ford is looking at going forward, starting with what looks like an LCD (or possibly OLED) gauge cluster, something that's increasingly common now. The concept still has MyFord five-way controllers on the steering wheel stalks, but nestled down between the seats and duplicated on the dash is an Audi MMI or iDrive-like jog wheel. Interestingly there's the silhouette of what can only be an iPhone displayed on the center, perhaps giving an indicator of where the current media is coming from. We'll see if we can track the thing down on the show floor and find out.

Update: Thanks to KC for pointing out that we made a little typo here. It is the Vertrek, not the Veritek as we originally spelled it. Our hopes for a Minmay Special Edition have just been dashed.

Gallery: Ford Veritek concept

Continue reading Ford's Vertrek concept gives us an idea of what the company's future dashboard might look like

Ford's Vertrek concept gives us an idea of what the company's future dashboard might look like originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowfordinfotainmentmyfordnaiasnaias 2011Naias2011smartphone integrationSmartphoneIntegrationveritekvertrekMon, 10 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Focus Electric and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-focus-electric-and-mytouch-mobile-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-focus-electric-and-mytouch-mobile-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-focus-electric-and-mytouch-mobile-hands-on-video/#comments Ford just made some tire marks on the stage at CES unveiling its Focus Electric, the first new major vehicle announced at the show. We of course knew it was coming, and we have all the details right here of both the car itself and the MyTouch Mobile app, but we were given an opportunity to get up and close with them both. Click on through for some impressions -- both in visual and textual formats.

Gallery: Ford Focus Electric launch

Continue reading Ford Focus Electric and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)

Ford Focus Electric and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011featurefeaturedfeaturesfocusfocus electricFocusElectricfordhands-onmyfordmyford mobilemyford touchMyfordMobileMyfordTouchvideoFri, 07 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford unveils Focus Electric with MyFord Mobile smartphone integration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-unveils-focus-electric-and-myford-mobile-smartphone-integra/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-unveils-focus-electric-and-myford-mobile-smartphone-integra/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-unveils-focus-electric-and-myford-mobile-smartphone-integra/#commentsFord unveils Focus Electric and MyFord Mobile smartphone integration Ford just made industry history by being the first major auto manufacturer to unveil a new model at CES, the Focus Electric. But we already knew it would. What we didn't know were the details of the thing, but now we have them. And a lot of pretty pictures. Ford is saying the car will manage a range of 100 miles and that it will offer an MPGe rating (a conceptual equivalency of miles per gallon for an electric or otherwise non-traditionally powered car) higher than the Volt and comparable to the Leaf, but crucially it's saying that it can be recharged on a 240 volt outlet in four hours or less. The Leaf can take up to seven hours with the same amount of current -- though of course CHAdeMO support there handily trumps that. More details below, along with details of some pretty blue butterflies.

Gallery: Ford Focus Electric

Continue reading Ford unveils Focus Electric with MyFord Mobile smartphone integration

Ford unveils Focus Electric with MyFord Mobile smartphone integration originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallybreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011electric vehicleElectricVehicleevfocusfocus electricFocusElectricfordkeynotemyfordmyford mobilemyford touchMyfordMobileMyfordTouchsmartphonesmartphone integrationSmartphoneIntegrationFri, 07 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally tells us why CES is important (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/ford-motor-company-ceo-alan-mulally-tells-us-why-ces-is-importan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/ford-motor-company-ceo-alan-mulally-tells-us-why-ces-is-importan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/ford-motor-company-ceo-alan-mulally-tells-us-why-ces-is-importan/#comments Each year we see more and more cars at CES, more and more infotainment systems, and more and more reasons to get excited about driving to work. But each time Ford is the company with the biggest presence, and this year there's more Blue Oval than ever with the first CES unveil of a whole new car, the upcoming Focus Electric. Alan Mulally was kind enough to take a few minutes to speak with us about just what the heck the company is doing here and, more importantly, what kind of surprises are coming from his keynote speech on Friday. It's all in the video below. And, yes, more of that Mustang too -- which just so happens to be painted in our favorite color.

Continue reading Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally tells us why CES is important (video)

Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally tells us why CES is important (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallybreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011exclusivefeaturefeaturedfeaturesfordmyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchsyncvideoThu, 06 Jan 2011 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford SYNC AppLink hands-on in a little green Fiesta]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/ford-sync-applink-hands-on-in-a-little-green-fiesta/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/ford-sync-applink-hands-on-in-a-little-green-fiesta/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/ford-sync-applink-hands-on-in-a-little-green-fiesta/#commentsFord SYNC AppLink hands-on in a little green Fiesta (video) It seems like Ford just can't let another year go by without introducing some sort of tweak to SYNC, and this year is no different. The company is showing off part of the SYNC extensions it described last year, AppLink. As the name implies it enables apps running on a smartphone to connect (or, you know, link) to the car itself. The posterchild is definitely Pandora. When running the standard Pandora app your phone can connect over Bluetooth to the car. When that happens you take control over the app through the car itself, with simple voice commands ("thumb up"), with buttons on the wheel (track skip), and even the preset buttons on the main console to pick any of your top 10 stations. And, yes, while doing this your phone's screen is disabled to prevent you from fiddling when you should be driving.

The demo itself unfortunately didn't go so well, with the phone timing out when attempting to load Pandora (which can be blamed on the crummy network here) and the car not correctly deciphering our voice (which can be blamed on the constant cacophany that envelops us). But, beyond those issues we were left quite impressed with the prospects here. Other compatible apps include OpenBeak and Stitcher News and compatible phones include Android and BlackBerry devices. iPhone support is coming soon, but you'll have to have a Ford Fiesta at the moment to use it, though the Mustang is next on the list. Yeah, we'd go with the latter too. Full details in the PR after the break, and we have a video demo coming shortly.

Update: Video is added!

Gallery: Ford SYNC AppLink

Continue reading Ford SYNC AppLink hands-on in a little green Fiesta

Ford SYNC AppLink hands-on in a little green Fiesta originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplinkblackberrycesces 2011ces2011featurefeaturedfeaturesfordinfotainmentiphonemyfordsmartphonesmartphone integrationSmartphoneIntegrationsyncvideoWed, 05 Jan 2011 00:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/windows-embedded-automotive-hits-version-7-powers-nissan-leaf/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/windows-embedded-automotive-hits-version-7-powers-nissan-leaf/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/windows-embedded-automotive-hits-version-7-powers-nissan-leaf/#commentsMicrosoft's Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers the Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global We know how patiently you've been waiting for this day, but it's here. It's really here. Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive 7 is out, appearing in the download queues of "select car makers and suppliers in the automotive industry." What does it offer? Why, Silverlight support for fancier UIs, real-time text-to-speech technology, and better expandability for third-party plugins. In bigger news, Microsoft is confirming that Windows Embedded Automotive (an earlier version) is the brains behind the Nissan Leaf's Information Hub, which not only handles infotainment duties but also gives charging status and power consumption figures. Finally, the MyFord system is going global, shipping to Blue Oval vehicles in Europe and Asia in 2011. That's after 2.5 million Sync-equipped cars have hit the road. Highway domination? Nearly complete.

Continue reading Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global

Windows Embedded Automotive hits version 7, powers Nissan Leaf, takes MyFord global originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>embeddedembedded systemEmbeddedSystemfordinfotainmentleafmicrosoftmicrosoft windows embeddedmicrosoft windows embedded automotivemicrosoft windows embedded automotive 7MicrosoftWindowsEmbeddedMicrosoftWindowsEmbeddedAutomotiveMicrosoftWindowsEmbeddedAutomotive7myfordnissansyncwindowswindows embeddedWindowsEmbeddedTue, 19 Oct 2010 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's SYNC learns 100x more voice commands, integrates Nuance technology]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/fords-sync-learns-100x-more-voice-commands-integrates-nuance-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/fords-sync-learns-100x-more-voice-commands-integrates-nuance-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/fords-sync-learns-100x-more-voice-commands-integrates-nuance-t/#comments We'll be honest -- we weren't the biggest fans of SYNC from the onset, but that had more to do with its insistence on playing Run DMC on our request for Naughty By Nature during a cross-town CES run than anything else. Now, Ford remains one of the few automakers that actually bothers to update their navigation systems on a consistent basis, and while SYNC is still far from perfect, it's getting a rather significant update today. The introduction of MyFord Touch brings the amount of commands that SYNC understands up to 10,000 -- that's a pretty big jump from 100, where it began. Following in BMW's footsteps, Ford is also integrating voice control technology from Nuance, which allows drivers to speak "more naturally" to the system rather than having to memorize a few hundreds first-level snippets. Unfortunately, we still think voice control within vehicles is too slow; much like Windows Vista, there are simply too many confirmation prompts, too many forks in the decision tree and not enough of an overall benefit to chose it over handling things with your digits. Feel free to disagree and pick this up on your 2011 Ford Edge, but be sure to view the video past the jump before getting all hot and bothered.

Continue reading Ford's SYNC learns 100x more voice commands, integrates Nuance technology

Ford's SYNC learns 100x more voice commands, integrates Nuance technology originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford syncFordSyncmyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchnuancesynctouchvideovoicevoice commandsvoice controlVoice recognitionVoiceCommandsVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionThu, 15 Jul 2010 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[In a world of automotive cellphone hate, Ford promotes SYNC as the solution]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/in-a-world-of-automotive-cellphone-hate-ford-promotes-sync-as-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/in-a-world-of-automotive-cellphone-hate-ford-promotes-sync-as-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/in-a-world-of-automotive-cellphone-hate-ford-promotes-sync-as-t/#commentsIn an age of automotive cellphone hate, Ford promotes SYNC as the solution Texting while driving may not be banned where you are yet, but it probably it will be soon, and Ford is pretty okay with that. As we saw at CES this year, the company is promoting SYNC and MyFord as solutions to distracted driving, enabling the car to read text messages to you so that you can keep your eyes on the road. The blue oval is working to get RIM digging Bluetooth MAP, enabling streaming of text messages to cars, functionality said to be coming in "all new BlackBerry smartphones." Beyond that Ford is touting its new "Do Not Disturb" button to block all incoming calls and text messages while still allowing outgoing calls and use of the phone for providing data to the car. This is in addition to already disabling much of the phone's functionality whilst in motion, keeping you focused on what you should be doing: shaving, reading the newspaper, and eating breakfast.

Continue reading In a world of automotive cellphone hate, Ford promotes SYNC as the solution

In a world of automotive cellphone hate, Ford promotes SYNC as the solution originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordinfotainmentmyfordsynctexttextingtexting while drivingTextingWhileDrivingFri, 09 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Eco-Route plots most fuel efficient path, tells you how much longer it'll take]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/ford-eco-route-plots-most-fuel-efficient-path-tells-you-how-muc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/ford-eco-route-plots-most-fuel-efficient-path-tells-you-how-muc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/ford-eco-route-plots-most-fuel-efficient-path-tells-you-how-muc/#comments Ford's been slowly but surely tweaking its MyFord Touch interface for months now, and the latest stroke of genius to come across will surely light up the faces of treehuggers. In an effort to provide more routing options to drivers, the automaker is showcasing its new Eco-Route function in the 2011 Edge, which may or may not cause velitation with the good folks over at Garmin's similarly titled ecoRoute project. At any rate, the new addition allows motorists to choose between the fastest route, shortest (distance) route or most fuel efficient route, and it places the estimated time of travel for each within eyesight. We're guessing that most of you would simply select the method that requires the smallest investment of time, but those with nothing but may enjoy the new option. And somehow, somewhere, Mother Earth is blowing you a carbon-free kiss. Check out a brief demonstration video after the break.

Continue reading Ford Eco-Route plots most fuel efficient path, tells you how much longer it'll take

Ford Eco-Route plots most fuel efficient path, tells you how much longer it'll take originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-routeedgefordFord Eco-RouteFordEco-routegpsmyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchnavnavinavigationThu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next-gen dashboards get Tegra 2, Moblin, Atom, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/next-gen-dashboards-get-tegra-2-moblin-atom-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/next-gen-dashboards-get-tegra-2-moblin-atom-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/next-gen-dashboards-get-tegra-2-moblin-atom-we-go-hands-on/#comments Intel Atom processors, capacitive touchscreens, NVIDIA Tegra 2 graphics, Moblin installs... sounds like a suite of hot next-gen ultra-portables, right? Think again. Those are just some of the technologies used in the dashboards of cars that will be appearing on showrooms in the coming months and years, dashes that were largely on display at CES -- minus the cars themselves, usually. There we were treated to mobile glimpses of Google Earth, Pandora, and Slacker Radio on the go, plus the ability to lock and unlock your car via Ye Olde Internets. It's the future, and it's coming soon, so click on through already and get a sneak peek.

Continue reading Next-gen dashboards get Tegra 2, Moblin, Atom, we go hands-on

Next-gen dashboards get Tegra 2, Moblin, Atom, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced icp conceptAdvancedIcpConceptaudiaudi a8AudiA8blackberrycesces 2010Ces2010connected carConnectedCardashboardfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfordgooglegoogle earthgoogle mapsGoogleEarthGoogleMapshughes telematicsHughesTelematicsinfotainmentiphonejaguarmyfordnext gen telematicsnext generation cockpit conceptnext generation dashboard coneptNextGenerationCockpitConceptNextGenerationDashboardConeptNextGenTelematicsnvidianvidia tegra 2NvidiaTegra2range roverRangeRoversatellite navigationSatelliteNavigationtegrategra 2Tegra2visteonThu, 14 Jan 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[MyFord Touch coming to 2011 Ford Focus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/myford-touch-coming-to-2011-ford-focus/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/myford-touch-coming-to-2011-ford-focus/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/myford-touch-coming-to-2011-ford-focus/#comments The 2010 Detroit Auto Show has just kicked off and Ford's plans for the 2011 Focus have been made official. While others might care more about the 155bhp or new six-speed dual-clutch transmission, we're best pleased by the inclusion of the MyFord touch control system. This setup was designed to drag the car dash into the modern touchscreen era, and our comprehensive hands-on revealed it to be a most impressive bit of tech. Two displays flank the analog speed gauge, but the pièce de résistance is an 8-inch, 800 x 480 optional screen landing in the center of the dash. Endued with a web browser, it'll connect via 3G or 4G modems and concurrently act as a WiFi hotspot. Add in a bunch of forthcoming apps and compatibility with any Bluetooth device, and you've got a tech lover's dream system. The next generation Focus should enter production near the end of 2010, giving us a full year to write a "vroom, vroom" app for our smartphones.

MyFord Touch coming to 2011 Ford Focus originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011dashdashboarddetroit auto showdetroit auto show 2010DetroitAutoShowDetroitAutoShow2010focusfordford focusford focus 2011ford syncFordFocusFordFocus2011FordSyncgpsmicrosoftmicrosoft autoMicrosoftAutomyfordmyford syncmyford touchMyfordSyncMyfordTouchnavigationsatnavsyncTue, 12 Jan 2010 04:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from Ford CEO Alan Mulally's CES keynote]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/live-from-ford-ceo-alan-mulallys-ces-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/live-from-ford-ceo-alan-mulallys-ces-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/live-from-ford-ceo-alan-mulallys-ces-keynote/#comments
We're getting our engines warmed up for Alan Mulally's CES keynote address. We're crammed in our seats and eager to see if there's anything new to learn about Sync or MyFord after our extensive hands-on time yesterday. The crowd is filtering in and we're about to get rolling, so buckle in and join us, won't you?

Continue reading Live from Ford CEO Alan Mulally's CES keynote

Live from Ford CEO Alan Mulally's CES keynote originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallycesces 2010Ces2010featurefeaturedfeaturesfordkeynoteliveblogmicrosoftmyfordsyncThu, 07 Jan 2010 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[MyFord dash and Sync App Ecosystem hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/myford-dash-and-sync-app-ecosystem-make-us-want-a-blue-oval/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/myford-dash-and-sync-app-ecosystem-make-us-want-a-blue-oval/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/myford-dash-and-sync-app-ecosystem-make-us-want-a-blue-oval/#commentsMyFord dash and Sync App Ecosystem make us want a blue oval
You've read the PR, seen the press shots, and probably snickered a little at the quote from Ford's Derrick Kuzak indicating that his company's latest tech "will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again." After getting a chance to play with a few entrants into the company's so-called Sync App Ecosystem, and getting behind the wheel of a MyFord-equipped mockup vehicle, we're not laughing -- but we are smiling. It's impressive tech, so read on through to see some videos and check our impressions.

Gallery: Ford Sync App Ecosystem and MyFord

Continue reading MyFord dash and Sync App Ecosystem hands-on

MyFord dash and Sync App Ecosystem hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010featurefeaturedfeaturesfordford syncFordSynchands-onmicrosoftmicrosoft autoMicrosoftAutomyfordsyncThu, 07 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[MyFord Touch yields three screens and a Ford from Microsoft Auto 4.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/myford-touch-yields-three-screens-and-a-ford-from-microsoft-auto/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/myford-touch-yields-three-screens-and-a-ford-from-microsoft-auto/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/myford-touch-yields-three-screens-and-a-ford-from-microsoft-auto/#comments User experience -- the focus of any savvy consumer electronics company (though not all) looking to differentiate itself in a marketplace saturated by imitators. Now an auto company is hoping to capitalize on this fundamental tenant of modern consumerism: Ford. With the introduction of MyFord, the Detroit institution will attempt to refashion the driver's interface so as to more closely align with the rich graphic displays found on today's consumer electronics. Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, says "it's not just a technology; it's an experience... that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again." Powered by the second generation of Ford Sync that is itself built upon Microsoft Auto 4.0, MyFord Touch offers improved voice recognition, touch-sensitive buttons, touch screens, and thumb-wheel controls that replace most traditional knobs and switches scattered about the driver's cockpit. MyFord also boosts connectivity with the help of an SD card slot and WiFi. Information is displayed on a pair of 4.2-inch full-color LCDs flanking an analog speedometer with five-way navigation buttons on each side of the steering wheel crossbar that give the driver control over data on the corresponding left- or right-side display; vehicle data on the left (fuel economy, mechanical status, safety features) and infotainment on the right (audio setting, climate controls, phone communications and navigation menus). An 8-inch touchscreen LCD at the top of the center console stack is the centerpiece of phone, navigation, climate and audio/entertainment functions and features fingertip slider controls for adjusting the audio volume and fan speed -- voice commands can also be used in most cases.

In yet another blow to makers of personal GPS navigators, Ford is also making its existing Traffic, Directions & Information application standard on all MyFord and Sync-equipped cars. Enhanced 3D map-based navigation is enabled by upgradeable SD cards (supplied by TeleNav) containing the map database and voice data, 3D map graphics, and enhanced point-of-interest data from Wcities. Naturally, the navigation system takes full advantage of those 3x MyFord LCDs to displays visual cues like street names, directional arrows, and distance makers in addition to spoken turn-by-turn directions.

Expect to see MyFord branded as MyLincoln Touch and MyMercury Touch on respective Lincoln and Mercury branded rigs kicking off with the 2011 Lincoln MKX set for reveal at the North American International Auto Show next week.

Gallery: MyFord Touch yields three screens and a car from Microsoft Auto 4.0

MyFord Touch yields three screens and a Ford from Microsoft Auto 4.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoauto 4.0Auto4.0center consoleCenterConsoleconsoledashboardfordgpsmicrosoftmicrosoft autoMicrosoftAutomyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchnavigationsyncsync 2.0Sync2.0telenavtouchscreenThu, 07 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST