Hasta La Gadget!

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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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]

See Also:

• Behold! The Car-Crushing Monsterbike
• Cycle Law: Should Bikes Be Treated Like Cars?
• Cash for Clunkers: BMW M Bike Disappoints
• Audi's Wooden Granny Bike Costs Almost $7000

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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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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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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