Days after announcing the introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into its new SYNC 3 infotainment and connectivity system, Ford->ke31 is doubling up on its partnerships by announcing a new collaboration with Amazon, one of America’s leading technology->ke1701 companies. Ford CEO Mark Fields made the announcement at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.->ke3008

As part of its new tie-up with Amazon, Ford’s third-generation SYNC system will connect with Amazon’s Echo voice-recognition system, allowing homeowners to link with cloud-based voice service Alexa. The interaction with Alexa comes with numerous remote actions, including the ability to start their cars, evaluate their electric range, and provide vehicle location, complete with the street name, the mileage, and driving time away from home.

Alexa also has the ability to link Internet-enabled smart devices that should be of great use to homeowners. Even when an owner isn’t home, he can ask Alexa to remotely operate the lights, automatic garage doors, and home security systems.

In addition to its new partnership with Amazon, Ford is also set to begin its collaboration with smart home platform Wink to bring together a number of smart home devices from different companies and put them under one roof. SYNC’s compatibility with the Wink system makes it easier for homeowners to remotely control their smart home devices from the confines of their own car. This partnerships works similarly to Amazon Echo, but instead of Alexa doing the chores, the driver can remotely operate the lights, garage door, and other home functions himself.

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Why it matters

Mobility solutions are a pretty big thing in the auto industry these days and yet, it doesn't feel like it’s getting the kind of attention it deserves. Part of that has to do with the attention being placed in other technological pursuits in the business, including the race to develop autonomous driving technology.

But, it’s also important to know that autonomous driving is still in its embryonic stage. Mobility solutions, by contrast, is already present in the here and now. That’s why a lot of companies have been making huge announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show.

For its part, Ford has been front and center in this department, having taken an aggressive approach in enhancing its own SYNC infotainment and connectivity system. Now that it’s on its third-generation, there’s an even bigger pressure for the SYNC system to be better than it has ever been. It can’t rely on the applications that it already carries to take it to the next level. Ford knows this and it’s a big reason why the company has been aggressive in partnering with mobility solutions providers. The tie-up with Amazon caught me off guard because it wasn’t the tech company I thought Ford had its eyes on. But, after learning about how Ford plans to use Amazon Echo, I believe that it took a big step in addressing the growing need of consumers to stay connected to their homes while they’re on the move. Being able to link smart devices like Amazon Echo and Wink via the new SYNC system achieves that objective.

In the end, these new mobility devices should help make lives easier and more convenient for owners of Ford vehicles, because as the technology continues to evolve, Ford is right there in step with the changing landscape of the industry.