With Amazon Echo being such a holiday hit, integrating Amazon Echo with Ford vehicles that are equipped with SYNC seems like a logical next step. Automakers, which traditionally lagged behind when it came to in-car electronics, are stepping up their efforts in the battle for buyers who increasingly expect inside their cars the same smooth connectivity the experience at home.
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“Today, we’re all hustling to make the most ambitious dreams become a reality”, Jim McBride, Ford technical leader for autonomous vehicles, said in a press statement.
Ford offered few specifics about its plan to push into mobility services, but said it is increasing its resources into autonomous vehicle technology.
The two companies have been working together to try to get cars with Ford’s Sync technology to work with smart home devices.
Finally, Ford is making progress on linking devices such as Amazon Echo and Wink to vehicles so drivers can control lights, thermostats, security systems and other features of their homes from their auto.
Ford Motor is teaming with drone maker DJI to focus on drone-to-vehicle communications that can be used in emergency zones that are not accessible to ground vehicles, while also exploring technology that will link vehicles with Amazon Echo and smart home platform Wink.
Customers can connect Amazon Echo to their Vivint smart home in three easy steps using the Amazon Alexa app. From inside the home, users now have the option to control their smart home using their voice with Amazon Echo, or to use the Vivint SkyControl panel or Vivint mobile app. He explained that while sitting in your kitchen, you can ask Alexa to start your vehicle or check its battery, mileage, or gas levels.
Alexa: “Here is the list of your current go times”.
Those latest self-driving hybrid sedans represent Ford’s third-generation autonomous vehicle development platform as well, noted Raj Nair, the OEM’s executive VP for global product development and chief technical officer, in statement.
Alexa: “You have an available range of 56 miles”.
“Alexa, turn my porch lights on”. With the tap of a steering wheel button, driver could be asking “Alexa, when’s my next appointment?”
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The tie-up will enable drivers to communicate with the hub and, for example, ask if their garage door is open, or request an appointment with their mechanic.
