Ford links up with Automatic Labs to deliver Siri voice control

Ford has teamed up with aftermarket provider Automatic Labs to make Siri voice-control compatibility available to owners of its vehicles, which currently do not provide this option. Automatic Labs describes the link-up with Ford as a "joint experimental collaboration" to enable drivers to purchase a plug-in device that, in combination with a mobile app, will operate Apple iOS products with the latest software update, iOS 8 (launched on 17 September). The device has been available through Apple and Best Buy stores, but this is the first partnership involving an OEM to offer it. If users opt-in to Automatic, data can be collected and provided to, for example, help owners remember where their cars are parked. While Siri’s personal assistant will be the first feature available to drivers who use the device in Ford SYNC-equipped vehicles, using the push-to-talk buttons on the steering wheel, other features will be added. In a company statement, Don Butler, Ford executive director, connected vehicle and services, said: "Ford is always looking for new ways, including working with other innovative companies, to improve our customers’ experience. Teaming up with Automatic was the natural choice given their connected car technology and focus on enhancing the driving experience."
Significance: Automatic is an aftermarket accessory that plugs into a car’s data port and uses the smartphone’s GPS and data plan to provide vehicle health and crash notification services, among other elements. The collaboration with Ford should enable more features for customers who do not have MyFord Touch. Ford’s support of an aftermarket solution should encourage adoption. This is a low-cost solution for integrating older vehicles with the service, as well as an option for Ford or Lincoln buyers who do not opt for MyFord or MyLincoln Touch and the OEM-developed vehicle health and support apps. Depending how this "experiment" works, Ford could leverage the relationship to reduce internal development of some of these software solutions, though it has given no indication about this.