DailyTech - Ford Includes Google Maps on "Send to Sync" Feature

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Auto Ford Includes Google Maps on "Send to Sync" Feature
Tiffany Kaiser - June 9, 2010 2:12 AM

19 comment(s) - last by hughlle.. on Jun 10 at 6:53 AM

Drivers can receive directions in their vehicles at no additional cost

Ford is scheduled to release a "Send to SYNC" service that includes Google Maps later this month which allows drivers to choose a destination on Google Maps and send it to the SYNC on their Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicles for free.

"Send to SYNC" is a new addition to the Ford Service Delivery Network, which is the automaker's "cloud-based architecture," that provides a menu of voice-activated services attainable through a user's mobile phone, and will be available to existing 2010-11 Ford vehicles that already have SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI).

On the Google Maps website, users will have the choice to send their desired location to SYNC by navigating to the "Send" menu on the site. Then, when a user connects to SYNC TDI in their vehicle, they confirm the request to download the selected Google Maps location and it is stored under the "services" voice command. The latest traffic information is downloaded and applied to the chosen Google Maps directions sent to the vehicle.

"Printing paper directions from a website is a relic in our digital age," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization. "With 'Send to SYNC,' you can map a destination at home, at work - wherever you have connectivity - and when you get to your car, it already knows where you want to go.

"It's convenient and it eliminates the waste and distraction of paper maps, conserving resources while helping drivers keep their eyes on the road."

Cloud-based services offered by the SYNC TDI include news, stocks, movie listings, horoscopes, and the forthcoming "Send to SYNC" service. No vehicle software updates are ever required and no additional hardware is required either, hence, there are no extra costs involved.

In addition to Ford SYNC's partnership with Google, the auto company will also have a similar feature for Mapquest as well later this year.

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RE: Ford is making me rethink

By hughlle on 6/9/2010 7:04:18 AM , Rating: 2

souds like a fairly good idea, although for me personally, i have no difficulties reading a map or planning my route in advance, but i'm sure there are a lot of people who'll get good use out of a feature like this.

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RE: Ford is making me rethink

By Chaser on 6/9/2010 9:01:08 AM , Rating: 3

Navigation systems provide far more utility than reading a map in advance or planning a trip. In larger urban areas with six or more lanes of traffic, one ways, and other situations flipping through a map with six cars honking their horns behind you or trying to remember which turn of 15th you need to take can become rather taxing.

Having spoken directions while you are driving so you dont have to fumble through a map or being able to locate the nearest gasoline station during your trip makes any decent navigation system worth it's weight in gold.

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RE: Ford is making me rethink

By therealnickdanger on 6/9/2010 9:26:53 AM , Rating: 2

When I bought my car in 2005, I paid extra for the built-in navigation and it was the best decision I made. I don't normally have trouble finding my way around, but having navigation is the bee's knees. I can go anywhere I want, explore and investigate on a whim, then plot a course back to my hotel or other destination that I'm familiar with. I can find cool restaurants or movie theaters or whatever else I need to find.

Of course, now that my phone has built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates and all that jazz, the in-car navigation is becoming somewhat outdated (despite the new DVD I get each year).

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RE: Ford is making me rethink

By Dr of crap on 6/9/2010 10:29:22 AM , Rating: 2

I am in no way against Ford and it many virtues - but this is just over kill.
How many times do you go someplace you've not driven to before?
Maybe twice a year?
And as the poster about said, you check it out online before hand. NO one uses maps anymore.
ALL those Tom Tom and other GPS devices sold in the past years are most likely just a gift given buy someone that didn't have anything else to give. ( gift cards anyone )
And I'd guess over 75% don't get used at all anymore.
I'm just saying it's a marketing thing to get you to buy, but will not be used that much.
IMHO

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RE: Ford is making me rethink

By ClownPuncher on 6/9/2010 11:45:03 AM , Rating: 2

quote:
How many times do you go someplace you've not driven to before?
Maybe twice a year?

Personally, once or twice a month. I would definitely use this if I were in the market for a new car. Ford is proving that American car companies can be successful and competetive in the '10.

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RE: Ford is making me rethink

By Spuke on 6/9/2010 12:27:22 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
Personally, once or twice a month.

Same here. I live outside a large urban area and a navigation system is invaluable.

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RE: Ford is making me rethink

By hughlle on 6/10/2010 6:53:28 AM , Rating: 2

once a week. i have a sense of direction though, and am intelligent enough to remember where i drove and which turnings i took. all sat-nav has done for me is try and drive me off the side of a bridge. i'm better than it is :P haha

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