Ford Applink

USA: Ford has released  ROXIMITY, a real-time, location-aware alert service that lets users know of surrounding deals and specials.  ROXIMITY, winner of the Ford SYNCApp Developer Challenge at the 2011 TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon, launched its new app for iOS devices. The app is compatible with SYNC AppLink, Ford’s hands-free, voice-controlled mobile connectivity technology.

ROXIMITY enables registered users to input individual preferences and interests. Then, as users drive, walk or bike past a restaurant or store that might have a deal or special they would find appealing, a push notification is sent to their phone informing them of what they are near.

With SYNC AppLink compatibility, ROXIMITY provides a convenient way to improve a consumer’s time behind the wheel while running errands. When drivers connect their phone to SYNC via USB and activate AppLink, they can simply use their voice to ask ROXIMITY for any special deals nearby within designated retail categories, including restaurants, home services, spas and salons, and men’s or women’s clothing.

Doug VanDagens, global director of Ford Connected Services, said that, “The launch of ROXIMITY is truly exciting for us, since it was the SYNC in-car experience that sparked the team to go from idea to reality. Finding and supporting startups like ROXIMITY is what will keep Ford at the forefront of in-car connectivity innovations. With ROXIMITY we become the first automaker to offer a personalized daily deal location service.”

Danny Newman, co-founder and CEO of ROXIMITY, said that, “While driving, users can simply say, ‘lunch deals,’ and their favorite lunch options will be read out loud. There’s nothing like ROXIMITY. Other deal services offer coupons for the entire metropolitan area or for things that are not relevant to you. ROXIMITY is personalized and will provide you what you want, when you want it.”

As users interact with the app over time, the ROXIMITY platform learns their interests and patterns and becomes more aware of the offers the user will find appealing. Users have the ability to limit the number of deals ROXIMITY reports per day or week.

When connected through SYNC AppLink, drivers can activate ROXIMITY to verbally relay deals at their request while driving.

SYNC AppLink integration enables drivers to use simple voice commands to access a list of deals nearby or in specific retail categories.  With ROXIMITY, users can find and redeem hundreds of thousands of offers nationwide from favorite places such as Banana Republic, Express, GameStop, Gap, H&M, PacSun, Pottery Barn, Qdoba, The Body Shop, Williams-Sonoma and more.

ROXIMITY is now available for download in the App Store for iOS devices . A version for Android devices is in development.

Source: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36903&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed