• Ford to expand its Ford Developer Program to markets in Asia Pacific and Africa, opening up opportunities for developers to create new voice-activated apps for the car
• Ford continues to evolve AppLink with AppLink 2.0, the newest version of the API which will allow developers to provide new and unique services to car owners
• New Ford Kuga, dubbed the Smart SUV because of its fuel economy, high-tech features and versatility, introduced in Taiwan, the latest One Ford vehicle to come to the local market
Ford Motor Company today announced it will bring its Ford Developer Program to markets in Asia Pacific and Africa to allow developers to create voice-activated apps for the car, further reinforcing its position as a global leader in technology.
Ford also introduced the new Ford Kugato the Taiwan market. Renowned for its fuel economy, versatility and new technology, the new Kuga makes driving easier and more fun.
Ford is the only automaker at Computex 2013, and is attending Asia’s biggest computer exhibition for the second consecutive year, where it will display its most advanced class-leading technologies, which continue to enhance the driving experience for customers.
“At Ford, we constantly seek new ways to improve the driving experience for customers and, through our world-class technology innovations, we are doing exactly that,” said Thomas Fann, president, Ford Lio Ho Motor Company.
“With its global influence, Computex provides the ideal platform for Ford to showcase our most advanced technologies, which are not only user friendly but keep our customers seamlessly connected to their digital lives.”
Through the ongoing introduction of innovative and interactive features in its vehicles, Ford continues to cement its position in technology development, which has quickly earned a global reputation as a leader in this field.
At Computex, Ford also announced AppLink 2.0, the newest version of the API which allows developers to build voice-activated applications along with new and unique services that will further enhance the driving experience for customers.
Customers using Ford SYNC AppLink are able to control applications on their smartphones just by using their voice, through Ford’s award-winning SYNC voice-activated connectivity system. Advancements with AppLink 2.0 will allow access to more vehicle data, allowing free-form voice recognition, and the ability of apps to send in-vehicle push notifications similar to what consumers experience on their smartphones
To help encourage the growing community of automotive app developers, Ford has also contributed its software for AppLink to the GENIVI Alliance, becoming the first American automaker to contribute proprietary source code from one of its products to an open-source product.
The GENIVI Alliance is a non-profit industry alliance committed to driving the broad adoption of an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) open-source development platform.
Ford also announced the launch of the AppLink Catalogue app, which helps customers to easily discover apps that are available for Ford vehicles with the AppLink feature. Three new apps will be among the first to be available in Asia Pacific: global radio app TuneIn Radio, internet radio service Pandora, and Kaliki, an audio newspaper app.
A Smarter Way To Drive
Ford is also showcasing its new Ford Kuga, which has high levels of fuel efficiency and safety, as well as segment-leading smart technologies and a surprising number of standard features.
Setting itself apart from its competitors, the new Ford Kuga comes equipped with a hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and closed simply by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper.
The new Ford Kuga also makes life easier for the driver thanks to its exciting array of smart technologies, including Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Lane Departure Warning System, Active City Stop, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
One of the key highlights of the new Ford Kuga is the introduction of SYNC with MyFord Touch®, powered by Microsoft, which combines the connectivity of SYNC with a full-colour 8-inch touch screen in the centre stack and a 4-inch LCD screen. Using their voice, controls on the steering wheel or the centre stack touch screen, drivers can easily access vehicle functions, settings and information.
The new Ford Kuga also delivers strong fuel economy from two different EcoBoost® engine choices, namely: 1.6- and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines.
Also at Computex, Ford will be part of the Computex Smart Living Industry Forum on June 4, at which Edward Pleet, Connected Services Director, Ford Motor Company, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe, will discussThe Smart Living, Networked Society.
Ford Stand Packed with Interactive Fun
Visitors to the Ford stand will find plenty to entertain them, with a series of interactive features to educate people about the Blue Oval’s technology developments in a fun way.
In an effort to showcase how SYNC makes the driving experience much more enjoyable, the Ford display will offer SYNC & Drive, a voice activated feature to demonstrate SYNC with MyFord Touch’s functionalities, climate control, calling, text, and music.
SYNC Your Music, which is also requires voice commands, will be available to show the entertainment aspect of the system. Visitors will be able to create their own music track, become the Ford SYNC DJ and compete with others connected to the live DJ feature on the stand. Participants can have their photo taken, selecting from three backgrounds, and then share the album artwork and their track on Facebook.
The Ford display will also offer the SYNC words portrait, allowing people to generate their own portrait by using SYNC commands. The portrait can then be shared on Ford Taiwan’s Facebook page as well as their personal Facebook page, or they can have a hard copy printed at the show.
Ford will also have on display three Technology Development Kits, which will offer live demonstrations on how the Pandora, TuneIn Radio and Kaliki apps work.
