At the Consumer Electronics Show this week, Ford announced the next-generation AppLink system for the SYNC infotainment system. In addition to improved menus and simplified controls, the updated AppLink provides smartphone access to vehicle data. The new AppLink will be offered on the 2015 Ford Mustang. A round of cool new apps is also coming, that will take the integration of cars and smartphones to amazing new levels.
1. Domino’s Pizza and Ford are collaborating on an app that will allow voice-activated ordering via a registered “Pizza Profile.” Sure, some might say that’s the same as a “phone call,” but the app will allow customers to create an online profile with preferences, enabling one-button ordering.
2. ADT’s Pulse app can provide home and business security system monitoring via voice commands. Home systems can be armed, disarmed, and access can even be automated or granted remotely.
3. Ford and Parkmobile have teamed up as well, enabling SYNC users to pay for parking from their smartphones.
4. An additional collaboration with Parkopedia gives users the ability to locate nearby parking spots, including pricing information. Rather than searching the block, Parkopedia’s real-time updates provide information on available spots in the vicinity.
5. By linking the Gracenote music metadata system with the HABU smartphone app, SYNC can make it easier to navigate large music collections, and even enable you to select a playlist based on your mood. Simply telling the car you want to hear “relaxing” music or “upbeat” music will be enough for HABU to choose from your library automatically.
