Opera brings full Web browsing to new Ford trucks and vans
Written by Opera Software
Sunday, 05 April 2009
Opera browser selected by Ford to bring the full Web to the world's first
broadband-capable, in-dash computer system - part of Ford Work Solutions
technology package for Ford trucks and vans
April 2, 2009 - Mountain View, CA -
Owners of Ford F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect trucks and
vans will now be able to access the full Web from the convenience of their
vehicles, thanks to Opera and Ford Work Solutions. Opera will be the
featured browser on Ford's industry-first, broadband-capable, in-dash
computer.
With this technology, truck and van owners (contractors, farmers,
construction workers, business owners, etc.) will be able to use the
in-dash Opera browser to access essential information and applications
including sales information, contact databases, job-site plans, inventory
lists, calendars, e-mail, or even the weather. The in-dash computer,
combined with the Opera browser, Bluetooth printing capabilities, and
other features transform Ford's new lineup of trucks and vans into true
mobile offices.
"Opera's vision has always been about giving people access to the full Web
anytime, anywhere," explains Rod Hamlin, Senior Vice President Americas
for Opera Software. "No example showcases this better than delivering a
fast, feature-rich Web browser to a vehicle. This solution will allow
Ford truck and van owners to maintain a virtual work environment with
access to all of the important files, information and applications they
need on a daily basis. "
Ford Work Solutions is a collection of factory-installed affordable
technologies-including "smart" features that provide full Internet
connectivity, tool/inventory tracking, remote computer access, fleet
management telematics and security to support Ford customers with mobile
office and business needs, even on the job site.
The Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer is integrated into the vehicle's
center stack, filling the same space normally occupied by the standard
radio. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, four
gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for added memory, a USB port
and a wireless keyboard and mouse. A stylus, stored next to the CD slot,
is included for use on the touch screen, as well as an available
Ford-certified, on-board, Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered inkjet
printer.
All four Ford Work Solutions technologies, including the Opera browser,
are available on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT trucks; F-Series
Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. The 2010
Transit Connect van joins the lineup in mid-2009 and will be available
with Ford Work Solutions in-dash offerings.
For more information, visit www.fordworksolutions.com.
To see Opera in action on the in-dash computer, click on the "In-Dash
Computer" link and then press "play" on the video (Opera, 1min, 38sec).
About Opera
Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and
other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform Web browser technology is
renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while
giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera
Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world.
The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol
OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/.
Mobile Technology Feature - Top 10 Business Apps for Android - Android has become one of the most popular mobile operating systems
in the world due to advanced software, competitive manufacturers, and an
app market that is filled with exciting and useful applications. Read
on for this fine Top 10 List compiled by tech writer, Blake Sanders
The Really Big List of Mapping, Geo location Mobile developer resources, APIs and Tools - The Mobile Ecosystem... no question that mobile is huge and
the opportunity for developers, in particular, geo developers! There's
loads of developer resources on the web so to help the developer,
here's a listing of just some of the fine dev resources, blogs,
toolsets and more to consider when developing or porting your app to a
smartphone or Tablet.
ArcGIS.com Mashup Tutorial with Flickr and Foursquare data-
Here's a simple "how to" tutorial on working with the free ArcGIS.com
to easily import KML or RSS data from Flickr and foursquare into ArcGIS
to create your own custom map mashup. ArcGIS.com has some recent
updates including support for KML, be sure to check it out!
Most Users of Free Photo Apps Say Adding Cool Effects is Most Useful - Adding cool effects
to photos was rated as the most useful thing by more than halfof
consumers surveyed using free online photography services, according to
CatchFree a free
online service that helps people find the best free mobile and web applications
to perform useful tasks.
Amazon Kindle Fire Tablet Up Close - No Replacement for the iPad But Pretty Darned Sweet - As could be
expected, speculation and blogging is rampant with many stories and
pseudo "reviews" coming out, many of them touting the next "iPad
killer".
Mobile Developer Resource - MapQuest & The Mobile Worker - Facility management companies, surveyors, multi-level marketing,
insurance claims, pipeline companies, water utilities; all have field
workers who would benefit from mobile applications. Not only checking in
to work sites, but keeping a record of the work done
Flickr GPS Photo Tag Tip - Here's a tip for Flickr users who want to share their GPS information
with their photos. note, in order to do this you'll need to be
capturing photos using a GPS-enabled or GPS-aware camera (see you're
smartphone hardware settings to ensure that GPS or location sharing is
turned "ON)".
Mobile data usage in Canada to triple between 2010 and 2012 - Some interesting, yet not terribly surprising, numbers on mobile
usage coming out of Canada. According to a report summarized on
Techvibes, mobile usage is soaring, in particular, the smartphone
segment
Social Location Directory
Do you have a location-aware application, social location service or other location-sensitive service that you'd like to share with us? Please browse this growing directory of Social location Services and feel free to leave a link to your favorite service! See the Directory HERE
Suggested Reading
The Underground Guide To The iPhone:
The iPhone is – if I may say so – one of the greatest mobile
revolutions of the past decade. More and more, mobile phones seem to
materialize out of our wildest dreams. Because of the tight integration
of third-party applications, you can do nearly everything with your
device — be it gaming, working, fooling around, and of course phoning.
Good Mobile Messaging: Executives and professional field forces spend an increasing amount of time on the road tending to business.
Mobile Apps - Native or Web?:
You probably have a plan to build a mobile app, but you've struggled
with the basic question - Should I build it using open web standards
such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or should I build it as a native app
for the devices I want to target?
iBike Coach App- a new “Always On” feature always gathers data
Nike+ GPS App- for sports tracking, recording and sharing
Featured Events
Content & Apps for Automotive Europe 2012 (18-19 April, Germany)
will give you key insights on how in-vehicle connectivity is being
revolutionised as OEMs integrate dynamic content to stay relevant
throughout the vehicle life cycle.
Location Intelligence for Enterprise - Europe 2012, January 16-17, London Hear from Google, Jones Lang LaSalle, Tesco, Willis, Oracle,
ESRI, Microsoft, PBBI and many more as they debate the best strategies
for business models and integration.
Consumer Telematics Show 2012 (Jan 9, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, USA) is the most prestigious and
dynamic consumer telematics focused meeting for the automotive industry.
Held in Las Vegas on the eve of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES),
this year's senior-level speakers will include General Motors, Audi,
Toyota, Panasonic, Continental, Hughes Telematics, Gartner, KIA,
Mercedes-Benz and many more
Esri Dev Summit - The
Esri Developer Summit (DevSummit) brings together developers and GIS
professionals from all over the globe. March 26-29, 2012, Palm Springs,
CA
