What does Ford Motor Company have in common with Google, Apple, and Amazon? Ford shares a spot with them on Fast Company's Top 10 list of "Most Innovative" companies in Mobile technology, and becomes the first automaker to ever be recognized in the category.

Fast Company ranked Ford fifth in the mobile technology category for the introduction and evolution of SYNC, the industry-leading connectivity system co-developed with Microsoft, as well as the recent reveal of MyFord Touch, an innovative user interface that promises to redefine the in-car experience.
"The automaker has taken a great leap forward" says Fast Company.

Ford developed SYNC in response to the explosive growth potential of the mobile device and embarked on a strategy to build a software-based connectivity platform that could leverage the increasing power of the phone and improving data networks. MyFord Touch expands on the system's device connectivity features by delivering a graphical, touch, and voice-controlled user interface that maximizes SYNC's capability and provides an intuitive and safer way for drivers to interact with the car.

-New MyFord driver connect technology blends Ford signature in-vehicle features into a cohesive experience, featuring intuitive controls, more voice activation and interface personalization
-MyFord Touch interface includes dual 4.2-inch LCD screens with corresponding five-way button steering wheel controls and an 8-inch touch screen all controlled by simplified SYNC's voice commands.

-Intuitive driver connect technology provides access to ever-expanding in-vehicle functionality while minimizing driver distraction and improving interior aesthetics.

-MyFord driver connect technology launches this year on 2011 Ford Edge and goes global with availability on 2012 Ford Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard equipment on new Lincolns beginning with 2011 Lincoln MKX

In addition to introducing MyFord Touch at the recent 2010 International CES, Ford became the first automaker to announce hands-free command and control of smart phone apps. Pandora, Stitcher, and OpenBeak are the first to implement the SYNC Application Programming Interface (API), enabling drivers to voice control the apps through SYNC's Bluetooth connection.


Ford of Clermont is very proud of this recognition from Fast Company, and it is truly an accomplishment to be named amongst some of the leading technology innovators and mobile application developers. We welcome you to be a part of this growing customer experience and be the first to interact with your car personally.

Labels: 2010 Ford Edge, Mobile Technology, MyFord Touch, Sync Technology

Ford always thinks differently and reinvents the way it approaches research to deliver the products that people want. That is why it is now roping in university students broadening its advanced research and innovation through open collaboration on Ford SYNC, the industry-leading in-vehicle connectivity system. Ford of Clermont, your neighborhood Minneola Ford Car Dealer, in Florida believes that this unique collaboration will result in new strategic insights which will enhance the in-car experience for drivers, and drive demand for new features in Ford vehicles.
Researchers from Ford and students of University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) will work together to create and enhance in-car applications and provide valuable insights into the dynamic of current driver trends. Ford would sponsor the UDM/Ford Innovation Contest to conceive a new application for SYNC that addresses an unmet customer need – no hardware or software necessary. The contest would educate students on the basic operation of SYNC and challenge them to envisage a future SYNC application that solves a consumer problem.
At the University of Michigan, students would start beta testing Ford prototype software platforms for a winter course on embedded automotive telematics. The course would have 25 to 30 students of multiple disciplines in small teams collaborating on the Ford developmental platform and build upon its connectivity capabilities – creating social networking interfaces, accessing cloud services and mobile network management.
Ford of Clermont, your neighborhood Clermont Ford Car Dealer for new Ford vehicles and used cars, located near Oakland and Minneola in Florida, feels that the collaboration with university students is an essential part of delivering innovative ideas. It will redefine the driver experience, making drivers and their vehicles connected-content generators, not just isolated travelers. This is not all. There’s more. Keep on checking these pages to learn more about the innovative ideas Ford has in store for their vehicles, and to check our updates on special offers and more!

Labels: beta testing, Ford Sync, Student research, University research