MyFord Mobile app monitors vehicle charge from smartphones
updated 02:55 am EST, Fri January 7, 2011
Utility monitors charging process for vehicles
Ahead of Ford CEO Alan Mulally's keynote later this week at CES, the company has introduced another smartphone app, MyFord Mobile. The utility is geared for electric vehicles, enabling users to monitor charging status, estimated range, and notification if the distance to the nearest charging station exceeds the range. Charge timing can also be set to automatically coincide with cheaper power rates during off-peak hours.
Other options take advantage of GPS to help a user locate their parked car, while the doors can be unlocked from a mobile device if the keys happen to be locked inside. Users can even set climate controls to heat or cool the vehicle while it is still connected to grid power.
The car maker is still working to finalize the apps, which will be compatible with a wide range of handsets. Native apps are planned for iOS, Android and BlackBerry, while a web-based interface will be accessible from mobile browsers that support HTML5.
Ford suggests the app initially will be available in the North American market for the upcoming electric Focus. The company has yet to disclose a release date for the car or the app. [via Engadget]
