The Ford SYNC system is handy when paired with a bluetooth device like an iPhone. Though most of the features promised are nice in theory, after driving and playing around with it I think Ford can do better. The system is on the right track, but if they really want to blow out the competition then they’d better step it up because this could seriously influence and lure people into Ford products if they do so.
I rented a Ford Fusion while on my latest trip to Detroit and I was fairly impressed that I could play music from my iPhone on the car stereo and take phone calls through the car’s audio system.
But I want more, and I think Ford will need to look to folks like Robert Scoble and design systems that guys like him need. Sure, they’re a bit ahead of the curve, but the gaps are closing fast and as people look to gain efficiency and time saving practices through technology they’re more than willing to pay a premium to do so (Apple’s iPhone is proof of that).
I’m certain that tons of applications could be built if Ford jumped at the opportunity and launched an app store. Productivity and small business apps would be extremely popular. If you think of traveling in a vehicle like you do surfing the web, Ford could build the next Google by making everything accessible at the moment one thinks of it. Lets think of a couple scenarios:
Consider each of the following are voice commands that set in motion a series of processes and inquiries made by the SYNC system.
1. I have a package to mail.
SYNC – “Do you have the item with you”
Driver – “Yes”
SYNC – “Is it packed and ready to ship”
Driver – “No”
SYNC – “Where’s it shipping to?”
Driver – “Miami, FL”
SYNC – “Is it over or under 5lbs?”
Driver – “Under”
SYNC – “USPS is your best choice, at about $7.95″ Place the item on the passenger seat to calculate the actual price, say ready when you’ve placed it there”
Driver – “Ready”
SYNC – Ok, package weighs 3lbs so Priority Mail will cost you $6.95, would you like to buy this label?”
Driver – “Yes”
SYNC – “Ok, would you like it printed?”
Driver – “Yes”
SYNC – “Printing complete, the nearest USPS location is at 578 Main Street, 3 miles away, do you want to go there?”
Driver – “Yes”
SYNC – “Ok, at the next intersection, turn right” – Then follow the rest of the directions. When you arrive take your item and label inside, grab a Priority mail box, and either get some tape from the Post office or buy some, stick the label on and your done.”
Ok, so that’s one expectation I have. Is it too complicated, or asking too much, I don’t think so. Would people use it? I believe they would.
All you’d need is a printer connected to the vehicle via USB and perhaps an iPhone docked so you can verify and purchase the label to print.
The next application will be called “What’s for dinner” and would include the ability to select a recipe, print off a grocery list and would send video recipes to your mobile device so you can watch how to make the dish.
Local businesses will be able to benefit once they integrate some sort of order receiving and fulfillment process. In other words, if I’m going to pick up the grocerys, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to submit the list electronically and go through a grocery store drive through after they send a confirmation to my vehicle that it’s ready for pickup.
Finally, one last really cool feature would be the ability to leverage a service like AskSunday through the vehicle. AskSunday is a virtual concierge that will perform simple tasks for you like call in dinner reservations, or speak on your behalf with your mobile provider about an issue you have. These virtual assistants are great, but if they cause more work then they’re simply not producing what they were meant for and that’s to simplify things for you. I would love to be able to delegate tasks to them, and perhaps have conference calls in my vehicle on the way to the office.
All in due time I suppose, but the first manufacturer to make it happen is going to be glad they did.
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