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MyFord Touch to make cars true mobile hotspots
by Jaspreet Virk - January 7, 2010 - comments
The car can also became a Wi-Fi spot if a USB mobile broadband modem is plugged in one of the ports
New York, January 7 -- Ford cars are all set to become the true mobile hotspots. The company has unveiled MyFord Touch, a next-generation infotainment system that will allow users to integrate some of the cellphone applications into their cars.
Ford has used the concept behind its Sync technology to create the new driver interface called MyFord Touch.
Sync is a factory-installed in-car communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft.
This facility enables users to synchronize nearly any mobile phone and digital media player with a Windows-powered console, controlled through voice commands, the vehicle’s steering wheel, or radio controls.
Explaining the hardware
MyFord Touch has two small color LCD screens in the instrument panel.
The LCD on the left side of the speedometer displays vehicle functions like fuel economy, safety features etc. The one on right side shows entertainment and phone related functions, navigation settings, etc.
There is also one large LCD in the centre stack and it has a customizable interface. It allows users to access functions from any screen.
The users can customize the large screen to highlight their choice of functions. The settings can be saved and activated by a specific key used to start the car.
The hardware also includes steering-wheel controls, touch-sensitive buttons, and a microphone for voice commands.
The devices will be connected through a new MediaHub, which includes two USB ports, an SD card reader, and RCA jacks.
The car can also became a Wi-Fi spot if a USB mobile broadband modem is plugged in one of the ports.
Applications offered
Some applications that will be synchronized into the next-generation Sync in-car communication system include:
OpenBreak: The application formerly called TwitterBerry will allow users to post updates and photos on Twitter.
Pandora: It is an automated music recommendation and Internet radio service. Users can enter a song or artist that they enjoy, and the service will respond by playing selections that are musically similar. Pandora currently has around 40 million users worldwide.
Stitcher: It is an on demand radio system that allows users to stream their favorite podcasts and radio programs. The application will stitch together favorite news, talk shows, and entertainment audio programs into always current stations.