Ford keeps the love spark alive in your relationship with new BeCouply app

By Nick Jaynes January 7, 2013

We love tech innovations, especially those that make life easier. But the new Ford SYNC app, BeCouply, which uses nearby restaurant and entertainment venue data to suggest date ideas for users, perhaps takes tech integration a little too far.

Ford understands that most dates begin with one half of a pair picking up the other. The two designers of the app, Becky Cruze and Pius Uzamere, figured they could use the vast information bank built into the SYNC system to help empty-headed couples plan a date. Because let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like demonstrating your commitment and romancing skills than asking your car for date suggestions.

For the app to work, users simply push the voice button on the steering wheel and say, for example, “What are some good date ideas nearby?” In response SYNC will list suitable date ideas, such as “Have brunch” or “Go bowling.” When a user hears an idea that sparks his or her interest, he or she simply asks, “Where can we [go bowling]?” SYNC will then recommend nearby bowling alleys.

We sincerely wonder though, how this sort of app will affect couples in a burgeoning relationship. If your significant other picked you up for a date only to ask his or her car for suggestions on where to take you for the evening, would you be impressed or horrified? If the date went well would you credit the person that took you or the car?

Perhaps Ford should call the app, not “BeCouply,” but instead, the “AcidTest.” If your date doesn’t immediately get out of the car and walk back into the house you know you’ve found yourself a keeper – or at least a Ford SYNC fan.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.