Ford’s Driver Alert System keeps you in the right lane, recommends java on occasion

It ain’t the first automaker to do so, but Ford’s taking a step in the ‘stay in your own lane!’ direction with a new technology package for the Explorer. The Driver Alert System is slated to launch in early 2012, and it’ll tout new lane keeping technologies, including a system that can help detect drowsy drivers. The goal here is to keep sleepyheads from destroying lives — be it their own or others — by suggesting that they pull over, rest and have a sip of coffee if they’ve been cruising along for an extended period of time. Furthermore, a camera setup will monitor one’s lane position, and if they drift too far away from the straight and narrow, their steering wheel will vibrate. It all sounds good and well, but the fact that a AAA survey found that over 40 percent of Americans have “fallen asleep or nodded off while driving” makes ‘staying at home’ seem like the sensible choice.

Continue reading Ford’s Driver Alert System keeps you in the right lane, recommends java on occasion

Ford’s Driver Alert System keeps you in the right lane, recommends java on occasion originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford brings Bluetooth text message readouts to more SYNC vehicles

Got a SYNC-tastic Ford from 2011 onwards? Then you’ll find that the latest update (G1 V3.2.2) to the dash software will let you listen to your smartphone’s incoming emails and SMS messages via the car’s audio system, thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth MAP (Message Access Profile). We’ve already seen the tech running in BMW’s iDrive dash system and in MyFord Touch-equipped cars too, so the news here is just a wider roll-out to a bigger range of vehicles — but we’ll welcome anything that keeps more eyes on the prize. Read the full PR after the break and then enter your VIN at the More Coverage link below to see if you’re eligible.

Continue reading Ford brings Bluetooth text message readouts to more SYNC vehicles

Ford brings Bluetooth text message readouts to more SYNC vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system

Fancy segregating EV charging stations by vehicle manufacturer? No? A slew of major automobile firms didn’t like the idea much either, and have agreed on a combined charging system to use as an international standard. Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen now support a single-port fast charging system that integrates all charging configurations — from spiffy quick charging setups, down to modest Level 1 rigs. The new system also crowns HomePlug Green PHY as the standard communication protocol, allowing charging stations to hook compatible EVs to Powerline Smart Grid applications. Where do all these fancy features leave you and your Leaf? Charged, of course — the new “harmonized electric vehicle charging solution” promises to be backward compatible with current industry standard J1772 connectors. Hit the break for Ford’s official press release.

Continue reading EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system

EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford’s E-Bike Concept Puts Car Tech On Two Wheels

Ford tries its hand at e-bikes. What next? A Specialized SUV?

Ford is the latest car maker to turn its talents to bicycles, and this concept E-Bike is the result. Unlike most other car-branded bikes, though, this one actually brings automotive tech to the party.

The bicycle part is pretty standard, if outlandishly styled. The frame is fashioned from aluminum and carbon fiber, the wheels look like 1980s mags, the gears are internal Shimano Alfine (11-speed), the “chain” is a carbon belt and the brakes are disks.

But the electric part is way neater. The li-ion battery inside the frame drives a 350w motor in the front hub. Also inside the hub are magnetostriction sensors. These sensors, which change shape when a magnetic field is applied (and vice versa) allow the wheel to detect when it is turning and apply power appropriate to how hard you are pedaling. These sensors come from F1 cars.

The setup can be tweaked by an app on the Android phone up on the “dash.” This app also shows you all the usual bike computer info like speed and distance, along with more car-like functions like “service reminder” and “System diagnosis.” An iPhone app is planned, which makes me think that this concept may actually make it into production.

I’m not sure how I feel about car companies making bikes. On the one hand, it shows that cycling is definitely on the up. On the other, seeing a car manufacturer muscling in is like seeing a cigarette company making candy for kids — chilling.

Ford Rides into E-Bike Market with Stunning Concept [Ford PR]

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Ford / Bug Labs partnership makes SYNC look like old news

It’s a big day for the forward-thinking folks at Ford. Over in Frankfurt, the American auto giant showcased electric bike and cloud car concepts, and several timezones away at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, the company talked up its new partnership with Bug Labs. The result is OpenXC, a platform that promises to deliver increased integration for third-party software and hardware, like new audio interfaces, safety products and environmental sensors, plugged into Bugs’ hardware and software modules. According to Ford, OpenXC makes developing for Ford vehicles far simpler than before, while lowering the cost and installation difficulty for car owners interested in adding on to their vehicles. More info in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Ford / Bug Labs partnership makes SYNC look like old news

Ford / Bug Labs partnership makes SYNC look like old news originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford electric E-Bike Concept packs a Galaxy S II on the bars, motor in the wheel

Ford E-Bike Concept

Ford already wowed us with the Evos concept, but the slinkiest hybrid we’ve seen so far here in Frankfurt has not four wheels but two. It’s a concept bicycle from Ford called — wait for it — the E-Bike Concept. It packs an electric motor built into the front wheel that can power it up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h, driven by a 9.2Ah battery. Or you can power it the conventional way by pedalling, torque conveyed to the rear wheel over a carbon belt. (Oily chains are so last century.)

Perhaps even more interesting is what rests up on the handlebars. No, that’s no iDevice — refreshingly it’s a Galaxy S II. Through some custom software, riders will be able to change suspension modes and of course monitor battery charge, not to mention get a little assistance from Google Navigation and maybe pump out some Pandora too. The word “Concept” in the title here and the spindly frame design should give you a clue about when this thing will see production — probably never. But, we’ll be back with an update if that ever changes.

Ford electric E-Bike Concept packs a Galaxy S II on the bars, motor in the wheel originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Evos cloud-connected concept car unveiled at Frankfurt

Ford Evos cloud-connected concept car unveiled at Frankfurt

The 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show doesn’t kick off until tomorrow, but already Ford’s unveiled the tasty hunk of conceptual automotive design it teased us with a few weeks back. It’s called the Evos, it’s loaded with technology and, while it doesn’t look much like any of the current autos you’ll find down at the local Blue Oval dealer, it’s actually said to be the precursor of a new model that’s coming in just four months time. Join us after the break for more details.

Continue reading Ford Evos cloud-connected concept car unveiled at Frankfurt

Ford Evos cloud-connected concept car unveiled at Frankfurt originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spotify to lay down beats for Ford (update: it’s a hack)

It’s only been two months since Spotify made its stateside debut, and it’s already getting in bed with an American staple. No, it hasn’t struck a deal with Beyonce or Britney, but the fine folks at Autoblog are reporting that the streaming music service will make its way into vehicles sporting the Ford SYNC AppLink system “in the near future.” Details are otherwise vague, but we’d be interested to hear how the outfit’s “exclusive automotive advertising partner” feels about the deal.

Update: Turns out this partnership isn’t of the official kind. The folks at Spotify were actually on hand at the TechCrunch Disrupt Hack-a-Thon to show off “how easy it is for developers to create voice-enabled smartphone apps using the SYNC API.” Looks like Chevy’s got nothing to be jealous about after all.

Spotify to lay down beats for Ford (update: it’s a hack) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spotify to lay down beats for Ford

It’s only been two months since Spotify made its stateside debut, and it’s already getting in bed with an American staple. No, it hasn’t struck a deal with Beyonce or Britney, but the fine folks at Autoblog are reporting that the streaming music service will make its way into vehicles sporting the Ford SYNC AppLink system “in the near future.” Details are otherwise vague, but we’d be interested to hear how the outfit’s “exclusive automotive advertising partner” feels about the deal.

Spotify to lay down beats for Ford originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford’s Evos concept is the cloud-connected hybrid EV of our future (video)

Not ready for the future? Too bad, it’s here — well, at least in concept form. Debuting soon at Frankfurt’s international auto show is Ford’s Evos, a cloud-connected hybrid EV that serves as a preview of the kinds of smart and hyper-connected vehicles Dearborn eventually wants to build. Details on what powers it are scant, but we do know it’ll rock the gasoline-electric drivetrain from the upcoming C-Max Energi. And when you’ve exhausted the combined 500 mile range, you can top up that lithium-ion pack by plugging in or wirelessly through inductive charging.

With gratuitous access to data you’ve slung into the cloud, the Evos is deeply intertwined with your daily routine. It’ll change your alarm clock if your morning meeting is canceled, continue music playback from other devices where you’ve left off and even suggest alternative routes based on your schedule and past driving history. Oh and it’ll monitor your heart rate too. Don’t believe us? Proof of that and more reside in the video after the break, which’ll hopefully tide you over til September — when we get to see if it lives up to the hype in person.

Continue reading Ford’s Evos concept is the cloud-connected hybrid EV of our future (video)

Ford’s Evos concept is the cloud-connected hybrid EV of our future (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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