Ford unveils SmartLink plug-in modem to bring older models up to date

Image: Ford via AFP Relaxnews

One of the problems with the lightning-fast progress being made with in-car connectivity and other technological advances is that it also ages models without the latest tech faster than ever. Ford has now come up with a way of addressing that problem to some degree with a device called the FordPass SmartLink.

The new device allows the enabling of things such as 4G LTE Wi-Fi; smartphone integration of key features such as remote engine start, lock and unlock, vehicle health and security alerts; and even vehicle location tracking. The system also allow users to set what are being referred to as “geo-fences” around certain areas, which lets users monitor, via email or text message, when the vehicle enters them. This is obviously a perfect solution for parents of teenagers.

Another nice touch is that the system resets to the settings as they were the last time the vehicle was used, so things like the heated seats will reactivate if you left them on, or the climate control will immediately start changing the temperature to your preferred setting.

The equipment itself is around the same size of a deck of cards and plugs into the onboard diagnostics port located underneath the steering wheel, and it’s going to be made available to owners of Ford vehicles from the 2010 to 2017 model years. This isn’t one of those anticipated features that will arrive sometime in the distant future either, and that’s because it’s going to be available in just a few weeks.

In the meantime, the Blue Oval is working to educate its dealer network about this exciting new option for older vehicles, which is obviously a smart thing to be doing as they are the ones who will be selling it, installing it, and explaining to customers how it works.

At the moment, FordPass SmartLink is only available to American consumers at a price of $16.99 per month plus an installation fee, and on a 24-month contract. It remains to be seen if or when a similar service is made available by Ford in other markets. JB

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