Following the introduction of first Focus Electric gas-free models at dealerships, the executives at Ford and Microsoft consider the car's connectivity and recharging technologies to be the ideal innovations that can ensure solving the global transportation challenges like oil dependency and congestion.
During the Future in Review Conference (FiRe), the executives will collaborate with other technology pioneers through Friday to demonstrate technological potentials.
Ford and Microsoft together launched the first generation of SYNC in 2007. The Ford SYNC software platform is capable of providing better-connected car experience. Since the launch of initial version during the end of 2007, SYNC has been welcomed by several customers, while over 4 million Ford vehicles have already incorporated SYNC.
SYNC is a technology feature included in the gasoline-free 2012 Ford Focus Electric and is being extended throughout Ford's electrified vehicle lineup. The combination of SYNC with MyFord Touch provides voice commands, through which customers can better handle phone, navigation, and climate and entertainment functions. More options are available with plug-in hybrids and all-electric models for monitoring information such as battery state of charge.
MyFord Mobile can also be used by Ford Focus Electric customers, where major tasks are performed via Web-based interface or smartphone. By using this mobile application, a vehicle's state of charge can be monitored in addition to its current range. It also facilitates planning routes and locating charge stations.
Value charging enables MyFord Mobile app to leverage power of cloud computing. With value charging, the app monitors the instance where local utilities switch to lower off-peak charging rates, thereby promoting cost-efficient charging.
A single setting in the app can be plugged inside cars, where the network can examine utility rate schedules followed by automatic transmission of a signal to the vehicle via embedded cellular connectivity.
Source: http://corporate.ford.com/
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