Ford Uses Google For a New Type of Smart Car

RedEaredSlider writes "Ford is using Google technology, specifically its Prediction API, to create a new brand of smart cars. The famous American car company announced it's teaming up with Google to use Prediction API in future cars. The API will be able to use historical driving data and turn it into real time predictions, such as where a driver is headed at the time of a departure. From there, an on-board computer might communicate with the driver, and trigger an optimized power-train control strategy. For an electric car, a predicted route of travel could include an area restricted to electric only driving. Thus, a plug-in hybrid would be able to optimize energy and preserve battery by switching to an all electric mode during travel."

Comments

Ford has come a long way

[DigiShaman]

Up until the past five years, the quality of Ford has always sucked. From the chassis, engine, to interior. The quality has been lackluster. But for the most part, Ford has done a 180. Their Focus and Edge series are really nice with good engines. Now that they're teaming up with Google and other technologies firms that already have the experience, I'm very optimistic about that company. Especially after they beat out GM in sales without much government assistance.

Someone lit a fire under their ass. It's about time! My next car might be Ford. Never in my life have I thought to say that.

My worst car-automation-related nightmare

[idontgno]

an unholy marriage between Microsoft Sync and Google Prediction API: Auto Navigation Clippy.

Clippy: "Hi! I see you're trying to drive to your drug dealer's place again. Would you like me to take over?"

Driver: "No! Heheh, I don't know why the computer would say that, Mom."

Mom: <glare>

Something I always wondered about

[CrazyJim1]

You know how you don't shift up going up hills sometimes. A predictive shifter could be made if you had a database of elevation charts.