Ford

ExxonMobil expands Apple Pay support to Speedpass+ for Apple Watch app

Oil giant ExxonMobil introduced basic Apple Pay support within its mobile Speedpass+ app in March 2016, allowing customers to pay for fuel at approximately 6,000 gas stations nationwide. Yesterday, the company announced that customers can now pay for fuel and car washes using their Apple Watch and Apple Pay at over 10,000 Exxon and Mobil refueling stations across the United States.

Users must launch the Speedpass+ app on their watch and select the pump they're at to authorize it for payment. Next, press the Side button twice to invoke Apple Pay and approve the payment. You can start fueling up your vehicle.

Other new features available within the app include support for Touch ID app protection and Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 technology to easily authorize payments, making it the first fuel payment connected car app in the United States.

Ford owners can additionally use the Speedpass+ app to check how much fuel is left in the tank when they are away from their car. Customers even have the option to apply for an ExxonMobil-branded credit card issued by Citibank from inside the app.

Once your application has been approved, the card will be automatically added as a payment option within the app, and you can start using it right away. For a limited time, new accounts shall receive a savings of 20 cents per gallon for the first two months, then six cents on every gallon after that, the company said.

ExxonMobil's app now supports several payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, ExxonMobil Smart Cards, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

ExxonMobile Speedpass+ for iOS is available for free on App Store.

Ford finally rolling out CarPlay starting with 2017 Escape model in May

Car maker Ford said on Friday that a new Escape model is going to officially become its first vehicle with CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Ford's 2017 Escape puts emphasis on maintaining the quality that made the vehicle an award-winner and the second best-selling Ford product in the United States last year.

In addition to CarPlay and Android Auto, the new Escape also includes a capable driver-assist technology and all-new Sync Connect that supports features like remote start and door locking through the new FordPass platform.

Ford announces CarPlay availability for all Sync 3-equipped 2017 vehicles

CarPlay has slowly gained momentum over the last few years, but 2016 might be the year when it really breaks into the mainstream. That's because Ford has announced that all of the Sync 3-equipped cars in its 2017 North American lineup will feature CarPlay as an option.

Ford is offering CarPlay as a part of its Sync 3 infotainment package. Sync 3, at least in the current 2016 lineup, is an available add-on, but every new 2017 Sync 3-capable Ford will at least have the option of being equipped with CarPlay.

Spotify gains support for Ford SYNC AppLink

Spotify, the popular Swedish music-streaming startup, on Wednesday refreshed its free iPhone and iPad application with improved music discovery and support for the Ford SYNC AppLink platform.

When browsing albums in Spotify for the iPhone and iPod touch, you can now easily check out more releases from the artist in one tap.

More importantly, owners of Ford vehicles outfitted with the car maker's proprietary SYNC AppLink platform can now use Spotify in their car.

Amazon’s Cloud Player can now stream songs to Ford’s SYNC AppLink vehicles

Not to be outdone by the popular Swedish streaming music startup Spotify, which a month ago updated its mobile client with support for Ford's SYNC AppLink platform, the online retail giant Amazon today issued a similar update to its Cloud Player mobile app.

The app integrates with AppLink vehicles so you can control music playback using your voice and the steering wheel buttons.

Other changes new accessibility features via improved support for the iOS VoiceOver features and an "improved experience" when adding songs to a playlist...