Glympse Launches Voice-Activated Location-Sharing App for Ford SYNC AppLink

Glympse, the mobile technology company that pioneered temporary real-time location sharing, today announced the first location-sharing app for Ford Motor Company's SYNC in-car connectivity system. Using the AppLink interface, drivers will be able to share their locations with friends and family directly from their cars using simple voice commands, eliminating the need to touch their mobile phone while driving.

"People typically share their locations while in the car, and by integrating Glympse into Ford SYNC AppLink, we're providing drivers with a rich, real-time and hands-free way to share where they are," said Bryan Trussel, co-founder and CEO of Glympse, in a statement. "At Glympse, we're dedicated to creating a more robust connected car experience, and working with Ford will help us to reach millions of consumers who will be able to just say, 'Send a Glympse' to share their current whereabouts, eliminating the need to send a text or make a phone call."

To use Glympse, drivers need the app installed on their iOS or Android-based smartphones. The car automatically recognizes the app when the phone is Bluetooth-paired or USB-connected. With Glympse activated, drivers simply need to press the SYNC voice button on the steering wheel and say, "Send Glympse." A user can send a Glympse to a friend's email or mobile number, or to Facebook and Twitter.

Recipients of the Glympse can then monitor the vehicle's progress and ETA via a real-time dynamic map, on either a smartphone or desktop. After the user-defined time limit expires, the location is no longer updated.

"Glympse is a great example of how smartphone app integration with the car can help us make the driving experience more convenient for our customers, thus adding perceived value to their vehicle," said Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC AppLink, in the statement. "By teaming up with an innovative company like Glympse, we are providing our customers with a dynamic way to share their location while removing the need to take their eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel to pick up their smartphone."

Glympse, on both iPhone and Android devices, is now compatible with Ford SYNC AppLink, which is available on more than 1 million vehicles, including the new 2013 Fiesta, Mustang, Expedition, Fusion, F-150, Super Duty, Focus, E-Series and C-MAX.