Saturday, October 26, 2013

Car Tech Spotlight: Football scores in the 2014 Ford Escape

Sirius XM Travel LinkDuring football season, fans want to know the latest details about their favorite teams. With the Internet and smartphone apps, there are more ways than ever to do that — hopefully not while driving.


Sure, there’s AM and FM radio, and you can always listen to podcasts from a portable device connected to a car’s stereo. There’s also SiriusXM’s NFL Radio channel to give pro football junkies their news and talk fix 24/7. But if you want to know the latest sports scores, schedules and news, SiriusXM offers a specific solution.


It’s available at the touch of a button in the 2014 Ford Escape just by saying a command or two, although the information will cost you.


While recently testing 2014 Ford Escape SE, I checked out the sports information features of the SiriusXM Travel Link service. It provides the latest scores, schedules and news on not only NFL, but also college football as well as professional and collegiate basketball, MLB, NHL, golf and more. It can also give drivers information on everything from the latest ski conditions to local fuel prices.


Since we’re in the middle of football season, I checked out NFL info via SiriusXM Travel Link and used the Escape’s voice recognition system to access it while keeping my hands on the wheel. The combination worked flawlessly.


Like SiriusXM satellite radio, the Travel Link service requires a subscription, and this is on top of what you pay for the basic music channels; the base SiriusXM service costs a minimum of $14.49 a month and Travel Link is an extra $1.99 a month. In addition, the Sync Voice Activated System is a part of the SE Convenience Package option that costs $1,340 and includes a Reverse Sensing System and Perimeter Alarm security system.


That’s a pretty steep price and, as mentioned, there are alternatives for getting similar information. So the question becomes how much you’re willing to pay for this convenience to keep up with your favorite teams.


But you do get to try before you buy since the Escape comes with a 6-month trial for SiriusXM and Travel Link when the vehicle is purchased new. And that should last through the rest of football season.




Source: MSN

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