Ford Enables SYNC Voice Control Of Allergy Alert App By IMS Health Giving Drivers On-Demand Access To Allergy Forecasts

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Drivers of Ford SYNC ^® AppLink ^™-equipped vehicles now can check allergy, pollen, asthma, flu and UV conditions on the go with the Allergy Alert ^® app
• Allergy sufferers can check current forecasts using simple voice commands
• Ford continues in efforts to improve the health and wellness of drivers by utilizing connectivity for more than information and entertainment

Allergy Alert ^® app is now compatible with Ford SYNC ^® AppLink ^™ to give drivers a safe way to check the potential for scratchy eyes, sore throats and runny noses while on the go.

"Mobile health apps are changing the way consumers manage their own wellness, and Ford SYNC provides the platform to extend this growing trend to the driving experience," explained Doug VanDagens, global director of Ford Connected Services. "The SYNC AppLink-enabled Allergy Alert app allows drivers to quickly check current and upcoming pollen and other health risk conditions with simple voice commands while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

According to Pollen.com, seasonal allergy symptoms affect 20 percent of Americans annually. Those suffering with allergies are challenged to figure out if pollen levels are up or down and how it may impact their health that day. Pollen.com is a publicly available allergy resource supplied by IMS Health, a global leader in healthcare information, services and technology, and the data provider for the Allergy Alert app.

"Pollen affects everyone differently, and the IMS app was developed to specifically help people on the move improve their quality of life," said Dan Barton, U.S. head of product development for IMS Health. "Our experience with allergy sufferers suggests a strong demand for real-time information. The technology we've applied in the Ford SYNC AppLink-equipped car helps drivers better prepare for the allergens they may encounter on the road by delivering reliable, timely and relevant information related to their destination. The app gives users the ability to more consistently manage their symptoms."

With SYNC AppLink, drivers can connect smartphones or tablets to their cars, and by using simple voice commands are able to quickly access information from Allergy Alert – while not having to take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.

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