We previously blogged about Ford's partnership with Gracenote to get album cover art for its in-dash music server, but that's just part of this new navigation and entertainment center. Sirius Travel Link provides a range of data services integrated with the navigation system for traffic, weather, and other useful information. Ford will roll out this new navigation system initially on the Ford F-150 and the Lincoln MKS.
The new navigation system has much better looking maps, in both 2D and 3D. We particularly like that the 3D map even shows wispy clouds on a blue sky, although this probably doesn't reflect the actual weather. Because the navigation data is stored on a hard drive, system response should be fast.
2 of 9 CNET Networks
As part of Sirius Travel Link, traffic data is integrated with the navigation system. The maps show traffic flow information for major roads, plus icons indicated incidents. This traffic incident screen gives more detailed information, and includes a button to make the navigation system avoid the incident area.
3 of 9 CNET Networks
The five main services offered by Travel Link are traffic, weather, gas prices, movie listings, and sports scores. Most of these services are available from the main Travel Link screen.
4 of 9 CNET Networks
Touching the fuel prices button brings up this screen, which shows the nearest gas stations with their per gallon prices, when available. We noticed plenty of gaps in the data, but it still looks like a very useful service.
5 of 9 CNET Networks
The weather maps service lets you look at large areas of the country and see real-time tracking of storms.
6 of 9 CNET Networks
Another weather option is forecasts, letting you see what's expected for up to five days ahead in any location around the country. This service is useful for road trips. Ski info is also available through the weather service.
7 of 9 CNET Networks
The infotainment system's in-dash hard drive lets you store music. The system can rip CDs you put in the drive, and will automatically assign tagging information and cover art from the Gracenote database.
8 of 9 CNET Networks
We saw what the production version of Travel Link will look like in the new Ford F-150, on display at the auto show. The interface is more stylized than what is shown on the wall-mounted demonstration unit we looked at. Ford plans on customizing the look for its three brands, with different appearances for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury.
9 of 9 CNET Networks
We got a chance to see this phone screen in the new Ford F-150. It is a function of the Ford Sync system, and not part of Travel Link.
