AT&T Mobile Connection Makes Ford Focus Electric More Web-Savvy
Broadband Internet has definitely moved into the wireless world in the
past few years, and the next logical step is into the automobile. Some
cars already have Internet access, and some are getting it soon. Very
soon. Cars like the Ford Focus. What's crazy is that the Focus isn't
really a luxury car, but still, Internet is coming to it. This once
again proves that the Internet is no longer seen as a luxury, it's seen
as vital enough to be an option on a car like the Focus.
The wireless connection will enable drivers to control vehicle settings when away from the car, which is part of a strategic approach to make Ford electric car ownership simple, easy and engaging. MyFord Mobile, Ford’s exclusive app powered by MapQuest data, will be accessible through a smartphone or secure website, and there will be an embedded wireless connection and dedicated app to provide the ability for the owner to monitor and control vehicle charge settings, plan single- or multiple-stop journeys, locate charging stations, pre-heat or cool the car.
In other words, the app (and the AT&T embedded connection) will allow Ford Focus Electric vehicle owners to have the ability to send and receive data about their car providing command and control of vehicle settings while away from it. Of course, none of this applies if you're in an area where no AT&T service is available, but it shouldn't be an issue within most major cities. At launch, the MyFord Mobile app will be available for most major smartphones, along with a mobile web application for compatibility with any phone supporting HTML-5 browser-based access, or feature phones with WAP 2.0-supported browsers. Have a look below for a glimpse at how it all works.
The wireless connection will enable drivers to control vehicle settings when away from the car, which is part of a strategic approach to make Ford electric car ownership simple, easy and engaging. MyFord Mobile, Ford’s exclusive app powered by MapQuest data, will be accessible through a smartphone or secure website, and there will be an embedded wireless connection and dedicated app to provide the ability for the owner to monitor and control vehicle charge settings, plan single- or multiple-stop journeys, locate charging stations, pre-heat or cool the car.
In other words, the app (and the AT&T embedded connection) will allow Ford Focus Electric vehicle owners to have the ability to send and receive data about their car providing command and control of vehicle settings while away from it. Of course, none of this applies if you're in an area where no AT&T service is available, but it shouldn't be an issue within most major cities. At launch, the MyFord Mobile app will be available for most major smartphones, along with a mobile web application for compatibility with any phone supporting HTML-5 browser-based access, or feature phones with WAP 2.0-supported browsers. Have a look below for a glimpse at how it all works.
MyFord Mobile will connect through the AT&T network, allowing the car to communicate off-board through standard wireless technology. From an internet connected mobile phone or computer, owners can:
- Find current and projected state of charge information including estimated range and the amount of charge time necessary for additional distances
- Program vehicle charging with utility input, allowing the car to start charging immediately or when electricity prices are lowest with the value charging feature, powered by Microsoft
- Features powered by MapQuest available on the MyFord smartphone app:
- Locate charging stations and get the destination sent to the vehicle
- Know if the vehicle can reach a specific charge station from its current location with the current charge level
- Create a journey with multiple stops, and determine the likelihood that the car has adequate charge for the full journey
- Find the car by creating a route from a mobile phone to the vehicle
- Receive alerts if the vehicle isn’t charging when it’s scheduled to, or if charging stops unexpectedly due to a power outage, plug removal or other event
- Receive alerts during recharge when the vehicle has reached a particular preset charge level or has the ability to reach a particular destination
- Engage remote vehicle preconditioning, using grid power to heat or cool the vehicle interior
- Remotely lock/unlock doors
- Use the built-in GPS system to locate the car
- Download performance and system data
- Fun ways of understanding your driver behavior, with ratings from ‘Zen’ to ‘Zippy’
- Receive information personalized to the driver, depending on which key the driver used
