MyFord Mobile App
At CES, Ford demonstrated for Discovery News a beta version of the MyFord Mobile app it hopes will energize and empower Focus Electric drivers, by making ownership easier and more fun. Set to coincide with the official Focus Electric release, the app will launch for Android, Blackberry and iOS smart phones, as well as feature phones with WAP 2.0-supported browsers and any device (including desktop and laptop computers) with a browser that supports HTML 5.
When both the car owner's chosen device and Focus Electric's embedded cellular module each have connectivity, MyFord Mobile will offer a wealth of information and options. Of course, the app will help locate charging stations and remotely monitor and control the vehicle's charge levels. But it'll go way beyond that as well.
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Microsoft technology will save Ford customers money by automatically charging at the lowest available rates offered by their utility company. Folks will be able to take advantage of the fact that their Focus Electric is plugged in to remotely heat up or cool off the car (saving a drain on the battery by avoiding those electric-intensive events). And powered by MapQuest, Focus Electric drivers will be able to smartly plan multiple-stop trips -- and know whether they already have enough charge for that expected range or need to find a station to power up along the way.
Drivers will be able to receive alerts either when the vehicle reaches a certain preset charge level -- or if the vehicle isn't charging as scheduled for some reason. They'll be able to locate and get directions to the car, plus remotely lock and unlock the doors. Also, they'll be able to download system and performance data.
Speaking of which, another aspect of the app plays on the social/competitive nature of EV drivers. It'll send personalized driver performance information based on which key was used. Various achievements and milestones can be shared by email, Facebook and Twitter. And how much will all this added functionality cost Focus Electric drivers? Ironically, no extra charge.
Credit: Ford Motor Company and Wieck Media Services
This article is part of our ongoing coverage of this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Find more CES articles here.
Tags: Auto, CES 2012, Cars, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles
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