Ford partners with Scout for in-car nav powered by your smartphone

Owners of select Ford vehicles can now use the same Scout app from their smartphones to navigate in the car thanks to Ford Sync's AppLink integration.

If you’re anything like us, you have a favorite navigation app on your smartphone or computer. The issue arises when you get into your car and have to deal with a completely different navigation system. All the settings, features, and ease of use provided by your smartphone-based navigation are nullified in your car — not to mention the fact that you’ll need to pay a separate fee for the nav system in your car.

Thankfully, Ford and Scout (a customizable navigation app from Telenav) have solved this issue. Scout, a daily navigation app available for both iPhone and Android, distinguishes itself from its competitors by offering not only turn-by-turn directions, but also recommendations on where to go, how to get there, and where to go once you’re there.

Ford has made Scout accessible in several 2012 and 2013 Sync AppLink-equipped Ford models, including; Fiesta; Focus; Fusion; Mustang; F-150; Super Duty; E-Series; and Expedition.

For $24.99 per year or $4.99 per month, users can download the premium Scout app. Sync allows Scout users to utilize the app’s distinctive features through “Car Connect,” relaying directions by way of voice commands projected through the vehicle’s audio system through and the radio display.

The premium Scout app also offers traffic updates with automatic re-routing, traffic camera information, speed-trap listings, speed-limit alerts, and lane assist.

Scout is immediately available for Android on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint networks through Google Play.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

App of the Week: Scout by Telenav

Telenav

Price: Free ( Scout Plus begins at $2.99)

Available Platforms: iOS, iPhone, iPad, and Andriod

What does this app do?   With the buzz surrounding Google Maps and Apple Maps for iOS 6.0 this week, it’s hard to believe there’s even more noise out there regarding navigation apps, but there is! Telenav, a Sunnyvale, Calif. based company that focuses on navigation services released its Scout app for Android this week.

Scout offers a customizable dashboard for commuters and pedestrians to help you plan, navigate or alter your commute.

The start screen functions as a mobile dashboard divided by a map, a tab labeled “Places” with icon shortcuts for categories such as coffee, gas, ATMs, and nightlife,  and a tab labeled “Drive.”

Tap on the drive option, punch in your destination and Scout will list a few different route suggestions with mileage and drive times at the top of the screen. You also get turn-by-turn navigation and a route tab below lets you check the real-time traffic conditions. You can re-route if you need to by selecting “Avoid Segment.”

At the bottom of the screen, there are icons for your dashboard, maps, places, and customizable extras, such as restaurants you marked as a favorite. The app provides a voice recognition feature, too. Tell it to “Find Donuts”  and you will not only see the places near you that sell those calorie packed circles of tasty goodness, but also reviews and relevant deals. Once you select the location, and the app will scout the route for you.

Is it easy to set up?  Getting started requires a few steps.  Once you download Scout, you are prompted to log in with your email and create an account with scout.me if you do not already have one. You are then presented with an option to upgrade to a few different premium accounts. You can skip this and move ahead to the free app’s feature set.

Should I try it?   Overall, this is app offers some well-executed features such as its voice activation, turn-by-turn navigation as well reviews of restaurants or other destinations you choose to go.  However, you will find the same functionality in Google Maps and Apple Maps. There isn’t much to draw away users who are already entrenched in Google or Apple Maps, but if you are new to mobile navigation apps and want to give it a try, you will find Scout useful.

Source : abcnews[dot]go[dot]com