Heads up, geeks -- Ford is set to upgrade its Focus range with next-gen cabin tech that lets you surf the Internet as you drive.
Surfing the Web will be possible thanks to the magic of the Ford Sync infotainment system, which comprises some fancy Windows Embedded Automotive gubbins, an on-board Wi-Fi adaptor and a pair of USB ports nestling in the centre console.
To take advantage of the feature, users will simply have to slot a 3G wireless dongle into an empty USB port and tweak a few settings on the car's in-dash display. Then the 3G data signal from the dongle will fill the cabin for passengers to share on their wireless devices.
The signal's pretty strong, too. We were able to pick up the network from well over 30m away, so, if you're the caring, sharing type, you can allow others in your convoy to get online, too.
Anyone that doesn't have a Wi-Fi dongle needn't fret. The Focus also supports tethering, which means it'll share the 3G data connection on your mobile phone so that you can use other external devices over Wi-Fi. All you need is a mobile that supports Bluetooth, a mobile-data contract, and some sort of gadget to surf on.
Those without external gadgets can get involved, too. The Focus will let you surf the Web on its integrated 8-inch display without the help of a 3G dongle or mobile phone. To use it, simply pull up to a nearby Wi-Fi hotspot (Starbucks, your mate's house, or whatever), fire up the in-car browser and you're good to go.
Sadly, the browser wasn't available on the European model we tested. But it does exist on US cars, and Ford expects it to be available on European models when, or soon after, the car launches in March or April 2011.
According to Ford, its browser, which has been developed in-house, will feature tabbed page navigation, Flash support and bookmark browsing that lets users easily revisit pages. Ford says it'll be easy to operate, too, as it recognises 'drag' gestures that trigger vertical or horizontal scrolling.
The 2012 Focus' Internet connectivity offers users a wealth of new entertainment possibilities. In addition to listening to CDs, iPods and music stored on USB keys, users will also be able to access streaming music services, such as Spotify, and watch streaming video services, such as YouTube or iPlayer, in the car, although these services can only be accessed on the car's integrated display while the vehicle is parked. Passengers who wish to enjoy these services on the move will have to do so on an external device.
We can't begin to tell you how excited we are about this feature and Ford Sync in general. Americans have been enjoying it for months now, so it's about time us Europeans got some loving, too. If you want to learn more, take a gander through our photo gallery above, and then have a read of our full 2012 Ford Focus ST preview.
The future is almost here, friends.
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Comments 5
Add your comment
adamm255 4 October, 2010 23:41
Hmm, I already dont like that cars rely on electronics to start up! Now we will have some uber hackers somewhere developing viruses for fords!! I would image the in car computers for this new entertainment system are completely disconnected in all ways from the in car computer that controls power steering etc etc!
Will be interesting to see a full security test on this new system!
they should throw in an iPad with all sales in the first few months!
Znxs67 5 October, 2010 09:56
Why?
anonymous 5 October, 2010 10:30
1. So you'll never hear the words "Are we there yet?" again
2. So you can Tweet about how great your car is.
3. So you can stream Spotify instead of listening to a finite selection of music on CD.
4. So you can listen to Internet radio
5. So you can watch iPlayer in traffic jams
6. So you can use Google maps / Streetview to get info your surroundings
7. So you can check emails and have them read out to you
8. Why the hell not?
Anonymous 5 October, 2010 10:47
This doesn't sound like such a good idea, hundreds of people are caught texting or talking on their phone or worse as they are giving the road their full attention which can lead to crashes and causing deaths or injury to the rest of the law abiding motorists, this is just another distraction inside the car... it should not be allowed.
Anonymous 5 October, 2010 11:23
The article says "services can only be accessed on the car's integrated display while the vehicle is parked." The web access is mainly there for passengers, or for use by the driver when he's not moving. I thought this was a tech site... stop being such luddites. This is progress.