CES 2015: Ford to introduce SYNC AppLink-enabled Life360 App with all-new Drive Mode Feature

CES 2015: Ford to introduce SYNC AppLink-enabled Life360 App with all-new Drive Mode Feature

Credit: Ford

The new Ford SYNC AppLink-enabled Life360 App helps the drivers to stay focused on the road. And the all new Drive Mode feature will help keep family members in touch with driver.

Keeping in mind today’s connected world and the dangers posed to drivers due to the use of mobile phones, Ford and Life360 have decided to help. Ford is going to be the first automaker to offer in-car use of the popular family locator app Life360 with Drive Mode feature. This is a new ability that will help drivers to focus on the road by alerting their loved ones not to text when they are driving.

Julius Marchwicki the Services Product manager of Ford stated that responsible driving habits are encouraged by Ford Motor Company and that the company is very happy to be partnering with Life360 to help reduce driver distractions.

Julius further stated that with the integration of Life360 Drive Mode the company is helping drivers to stay focused on the road. This is done by letting their loved ones know that they are driving at the moment.

Life360 is a free smartphone app that basically helps family members and close friends stay in touch through their busy days. Users of the app can see where their family members or friends are on a map and also stay connected through group or one-to-one messages.

The app was launched in 2008 and today has more than 48 million families using it around the world. Now the app has been retooled to include the new Drive Mode for vehicles that are equipped with Ford SYNC AppLink.

The Life360 app along with the AppLink starts to work when the user connects his or her smartphone to Ford SYNC via Bluetooth. After the smartphone is connected in the car the Drive Mode feature sends a message to everyone in the drivers Life360 list, suggesting them not to text the driver.

Once the driver reaches his destination and turns off the car, another message is sent telling them that the driver is no longer driving. With the help of the app drivers can also check the latest location of family members through the SYNC display or with voice commands.

This new app will be showcased and demonstrated by Life360 and Ford at the CES 2015 and is said to be available for Android phones only by spring. Chris Hulls, co-founder and CEO, Life360 stated that his company was excited to work with Ford and take on such an important issue.

Chris explained that keeping families and friends connected is one of the company’s main agenda and the company is proud that its technology can also help play a vital role in distraction free driving.