While most automakers are in the process of perfecting ways to control our cars with our smartphones, today Ford has unveiled the next step: connecting your smartcar to your smarthome. Working with AmazonEcho and the Alexa cloud-based voice recognition program, as soon as later this year consumers will be able to use voice commands in cars to control basic home functions, or ask your home to control your car.
Ford SYNC SmartCars and Smarthome connections
With half of consumers pretty sure they will be buying a smart home device in the coming year, Ford is in the forefront of automakers in offering home and vehicle connectivity. Using advanced technology like SYNC Connect, Amazon Echo, and the Wink smart home system, soon your home and your new Ford vehicle will be able to work together in responding to voice commands and making your life as streamlined as possible.
Home to car commands through Ford SYNC
Though this new technology, Ford car owners will be able to have even more control over their vehicles. Features that were previously possible through the Ford SYNC Connect App will in many cases be possible through voice activated requests from the comfort of your home, without even needing to look at your smart phone. Drivers will be able to remotely start their car, lock and unlock the doors, or check fuel level or the battery status on electric models like the C-Max with a few natural language requests.
Read More: What Apps are Compatible with Ford SYNC 3? [/bscolumns]
Car to home commands through Ford SYNC
The ability to remotely control your smart devices does not just go one way. Using this technology, Ford owners with smarthomes will also be able to do things like turn on lights, activate the TV, check on the thermostat or adjust the temperature, and even open the garage door with a few directions to Alexa through their Ford. The connection to the Alexa program could also allow drivers to ask questions about the status of their home, schedule, or even the weather.
The age of complete voice command capability is right around the corner! Ford predicts that this smartcar to smarthome connection may be active as soon as later this year!. What’s the next step? Probably autonomous cars (which go into intensive testing this year), or some other advanced automotive and mobility technology that we can’t even imagine yet.
