Moving to expand the capabilities of vehicles equipped with its SYNC Applink feature, Ford has announced that it is now compatible with the Allergy Alert smartphone app. Allergy Alert provides comprehensive, localized and up-to-the-minute information regarding a variety of potential air-borne threats using information from the website pollen.com, and can be accessed via voice commands that allow data to be passed along in a fully hands-free manner.
This is the latest development in an ongoing research effort by Ford that began last spring and is focused on integrating SYNC with various cloud-based health management assets to improve the overall wellness of passengers in its vehicles. In addition to providing a basic pollen index rating, Allergy Alert also can keep drivers and passengers apprised of the risk potential for asthma, flu/cough/cold and ultraviolet rays.
"Mobile health apps are changing the way consumers manage their own wellness, and Ford SYNC provides the platform to extend this growing trend to the driving experience," explained Doug VanDagens, global director of Ford Connected Services. "The SYNC AppLink-enabled Allergy Alert app allows drivers to quickly check current and upcoming pollen and other health risk conditions with simple voice commands while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."
