At Automatic, we want to use the power of connectivity and smartphones to enable every driver to be smarter and safer when they get behind the wheel. We’re excited to announce that we’re partnering with Ford to do just that for Ford and Lincoln drivers.
Ford SYNC already delivers a number of compelling features like hands-free phone calls and navigation. We’re now working with Ford to enhance the existing SYNC system to deliver unique experiences built on the Automatic platform.
The first of several features available to drivers who use Automatic in supported Ford SYNC-equipped vehicles will make Apple’s Siri personal assistant application accessible on iPhone through the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel. This means drivers will not have to reach for their iPhone while operating their vehicle, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
In addition, Automatic will provide greater convenience to Ford and Lincoln drivers by enabling access to the popular If This Then That, or IFTTT service, which automates actions using the Internet. This will allow them to use the push-to-talk button to trigger an IFTTT recipe from among hundreds in the web service library. IFTTT recipes range from automatically sending a message to a loved one to remotely operating home appliances from your car — enabling you to connect your car to family, friends and home. You can even create your own IFTTT recipes, so get creative!
In the coming months, Automatic and Ford will continue to work together to launch additional connected car features. The initial feature set will be available in our app in the App Store next week – sign up here to be notified when it launches. For now, the new features are supported on iOS 8 only.
This collaboration started as a conversation with Ford’s R&D team that eventually expanded to their senior management team. We’ve now partnered to jointly develop amazing connected car experiences. As a startup, we’re generally skeptical about working with large companies to build and ship something tangible at startup speed (if they’re a Fortune 10 company, the skepticism goes up dramatically!). But, over the last few months, we’ve been amazed at how fast the team at Ford can move. We look forward to working with Ford on our shared desire to invent and deliver new experiences that enable every driver to be smarter and safer.
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