At the wheel of a car, a sudden sneeze can prove to be a dangerous distraction. With this in mind, Pollen.com -- the most visited allergy site on the Web -- has created an iPhone Allergy Alert application for Ford’s dashboard-mounted SYNC in-car connectivity system. Created to reduce driver distraction, the app is part of a Ford initiative to help drivers proactively manage their wellness -- as well as that of their passengers -- while on the go.
The Pollen.com Allergy Alert app for the iPhone communicates via AppLink technology, giving users voice-controlled access to location-based forecasts for four different conditions: allergy (pollen), asthma, cold and cough, and ultraviolet sensitivity. Like weather forecasts, the alerts are offered for periods of four consecutive days and are indexed from 0 to 12, indicating the range of people likely to be affected by each condition. Through SYNC, the information can be accessed through the easy-to-read user interface or through the vehicle’s audio system.
“Having instant, portable access for their conditions helps users plan their day or week ahead so they can remain active, which ultimately improves their quality of life,” says Jody Fisher, vice president of SDI, the parent company of Pollen.com. “Collaborating with Ford is the perfect extension of this objective.”
