Ford’s SYNC AppLink Brings Android and BlackBerry Apps to Your Car

Today Ford is releasing SYNC AppLink, a downloadable software upgrade for Ford SYNC systems that will allow hands-free voice control of popular applications for the BlackBerry and Android smartphones. The first car to get SYNC AppLink support will be the 2011 Fiesta, available later this summer.

Back in January, Ford announced the next evolution of the Ford SYNC system, MyFord Touch. When MyFord Touch was announced, Ford also said it would support third-party mobile applications for a seamless connected experience. This is exactly what the SYNC AppLink does.

Pandora (Pandora), Stitcher and OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile apps that will be available. Using AppLink, BlackBerry and Android (Android) users can access and control their applications using their voice and in-dash car controls, rather than having to connect a phone to an line-in jack and fumbling with the phone while keeping an eye on the road.

Furthermore, Ford is launching a new Mobile Application Developer Network so that Android and BlackBerry developers can build in SYNC support for their applications. The possibilities for this sort of integration are tremendous. Just imagine the potential of leveraging a geolocation app with an in-dash navigation system!

Check out this video that shows Ford SYNC AppLink in action with Pandora and Stitcher:While there are adapters that you can purchase to better integrate the Pandora and smartphone experience for third-party head units, this is one of the most seamless examples of app-to-phone integration that we’ve seen on the factory level.

Check out an extended demonstration of Pandora using SYNC AppLink:This technology will debut with the Ford Fiesta 2011 this summer in the U.S. AppLink will roll out to other models in the SYNC ecosystem next year. By fusing the connected car and the mobile phone, Ford is bringing a whole new level of synergy to the SYNC system.

What do you think of SYNC AppLink? Let us know!

How to get turn by turn directions with Ford SYNC

If you have just purchased a new Ford Taurus, you may have noticed the new SYNC feature. SYNC is a GPS built right into your dashboard. If this is your first time using a global positioning system, you may need a few pointers. Check out this video and learn how to access step by step directions and get where you need to go.
You Will Need
* 2010 Ford Taurus with SYNC
Step 1: Get directions
Rely on SYNC for detailed directions. Simply say “Services” to dial into the voice-activated network, and then “Directions.” Then, just speak your destination. The system provides spoken, turn-by-turn directions over the audio system. It can also access a location you’ve already programmed.
Step 2: Find a place without an address
If you’re heading to a business but don’t know its exact address, just say the name, and SYNC will point you in the right direction. You can even search for a type of business near your current location, and SYNC will offer the closest options.
Step 3: Get the lay of the land
Bypass traffic, avoid road closures, and get the lowdown on detours with personalized updates. Just say “Services” and then “Traffic,” and you’ll receive a real-time report broadcast over your vehicle’s audio system. You can also set personalization features to text you traffic alerts for destinations that you program in beforehand. Knowing about potential hazards beforehand can save you time and aggravation.
Step 4: Stay connected
Stay connected with personalized weather conditions and forecasts, news updates, and sports reports — all using easy voice commands. You never know what might affect your route.
Step 5: Stay safe in an accident
Stay safe. In the event of an accident, SYNC automatically contacts 911 when the airbag is deployed so the vehicle’s occupants can communicate with the emergency operator.
Step 6: Drive with confidence
Wherever you’re headed, set out secure in the knowledge Ford can help you get there — quickly and safel

Ford F-150, Edge, Explorer To Get EcoBoost Engines

Ford said Monday it will add its popular turbocharging system — EcoBoost — to three more engines by the end of 2010, with the F-150 also getting the blower for its V6.
Ford also said that by 2013, it expects to be producing approximately 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally, about 200,000 more than originally expected.
Plans call for an EcoBoost engine to be available in 80 per cent of the company’s global nameplates and 90 per cent of North American nameplates. About half of the 1.5 million EcoBoost engines are expected to be sold in North America, while the rest are to be sold in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific regions.
The next three EcoBoost engines include:
1.6-litre four-cylinder that will be offered in the European C-Max people mover.
2.0-litre four-cylinder for the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge CUV.
3.5-litre V-6 for the F-150. Ford engineers have upgraded the 3.5-litre V-6 for rear-wheel-drive applications. The EcoBoost F-150 is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy along with the power and towing capability of a V-8.
“We are trying to get in front of the pack in leveraging EcoBoost for fuel economy,” said Dan Kapp, Ford’s director of powertrain research and advanced engineering. “It’s going to be a trend in the industry, and we can’t rest on our laurels for one minute. We are going to keep wringing more efficiency out of EcoBoost.”
The three new engines will increase the number of global nameplates available with EcoBoost to 11. EcoBoost is available now in the Ford Flex and Taurus and Lincoln MKS and MKT.
EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and cut vehicle weight, while giving drivers the performance of a bigger engine.

Ford brings back "Swap Your Ride" with 0% financing, $1,000

Ford has some good news if you've been eying its products and happen to drive a vehicle from another manufacturer. The company's "Swap Your Ride" campaign is back in full swing, and will run wide open until the end of next month. All you have to do to qualify for zero-percent financing and a $1,000 trade-in bonus is simply hand over the keys to your old set of wheels.

Expect to see a new slew of ads featuring Mike Rowe on your television promoting the incentives soon. And come visit us here at Hillcrest to Swap Your Ride!!