A new product from Ford has been rolled out, Ford Pro. It’s designed to help European commercial fleets of vehicles productivity. Ford Pro is an innovative, digital solution designed to increase uptime and lower operating costs. The Ford Pro is a new global business which is dedicated to delivering productivity solutions to commercial customers of all sizes.

Ford Pro solutions include combining software, charging, service and financing for commercial vehicles. While providing customers with one platform to operate their fleets. As they adopt a connected and electrified vehicle fleet across their business.

Ford Pro Vehicles 

Connected vehicles are part of Ford Pro’s Intergrated offering. They enable customers to maximise fleet productivity and uptime using a full suite of integrated solutions. The Ford Pro Vehicles offer a range of world-class commercial vehicles. Ford’s global knowledge of a customers needs has developed this.

Ford Pro will aim to help ease customers’ transition to electric fleets. Via the range of capable, all-electric commercial vehicles designed to increase productivity and sustainability. Without damaging capability or cost of ownership. Following a great introduction to the electric fleet with the E-Transit. With 5,000 customer orders! Ford announced that the Transit range will include 4 electric models. The all-new Transit Custom one-tonne Van, Tourneo Custom multi-purpose vehicle. The next-generation Transit Courier Van and the Tourneo Courier are multipurpose.

Conversions

Half of all Ford commercial vehicles sold in Europe are converted to suit a customer’s needs. So, the Ford Pro Special Vehicles team will offer in-house engineering expertise to deliver a range of specialist donor vehicle products. These products will form the basis of the converted vehicle. As well as high-performance component upgrades. Such as the auxiliary battery and fuel systems and preparation packs for features which include beacon lights and trailer electrics on the ICE and EV platforms.

Upgrading your ride with premium Ford F-Series parts enhances the overall experience and performance of the vehicle. This aligns perfectly with Ford Pro Special Vehicles’ commitment to customization and quality.

A customer’s conversion requirements are further supported by a network of two thousand converters. This is due to the Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program. They will offer expertise and solutions all across the conversion spectrum. From a simple racking fit to a national fleet of refrigerated delivery vehicles.

The Special Vehicles team will also expand its offering to customers and convertors through a range of unique services. Helping to further drive operational and business productivity. Which includes a range of digital upfit solutions. Such as the integration of third-party systems into the in-vehicle touchscreen. Offering an improved user experience. Removing the need to add extra control panels in the cab. As well as homologation and technical support to improve the efficiency of the conversion process.

Alerts and actions via Ford Pro Software

So, Ford discovered that people desire a single solution which links all aspects of fleet management. Well, Ford Pro software can provide a connected digital ecosystem! It uses data to integrate vehicles, telematics, charging and servicing. Into a powerful, user-friendly, productivity-boosting platform.

Therefore all fleets using the Ford Pro system can benefit from powerful Ford Pro Telematics software. Helping to optimise the management of their fleet of Ford connected commercial vehicles. As the software will turn the Ford-grade vehicle data into useful insights. Alerts designed to simplify fleet management! Including real-time vehicle location, health alerts and driver monitoring to support compliance and training.

Switching

If your fleet is to switch to an all-electric commercial vehicle fleet. You will benefit from the tailored features of Ford Pro ETelematics for one year for E-Transit customers as a complementary offering. The live data will deliver features to support the effective and intuitive use of Ford Pro Charging. Such as charging status, vehicle and vehicle-specific state of charge. Plus any remaining range with customisable Low Range alert thresholds. Furthermore, before a shift the ETransit battery can can also cool and warm up. This is thanks to the Scheduled PreConditioning to save time and conserve battery energy for optimum range.

Ford Pro has a functionality called the Ford Pro Telematic’s multi-make. It allows fleets to manage their Ford and non-Ford vehicles using a plug-in connected to the non-Ford vehicles.

While the Ford Pro Software can also help leasing companies. Also large fleets with proprietary and existing telematics solutions. The Ford Data Services provides them with secure, Ford-Grade vehicles data. Via the Transportation Mobility Cloud to deliver the insights they need for best management. Furthermore, if you are an owner-operator or a manager of five vehicles or fewer, you can benefit from the complimentary FordPass Pro smartphone app. It can help to manage the fleet if you don’t have full-time fleet managers to get the best from the vehicles.

Full-service support with Ford Pro Charging 

FordPro Charging will help offer a fully integrated, business-focused charging system for fleets. Helping to define the most-effective charging strategies. While introducing future-proof solutions for European businesses.

Every depot is different! So a specialist charging consultant in key markets will help customers identify the best charging solution. Ford Pro Charging will offer an unmatched service which will compromise hardware installation. Management software solutions that seamlessly work with the E-Transit. While built-in connectivity will help the system detect potential problems before customers are aware of them.

While these fleets allow their drivers to take their vehicles home, there is a solution. Ford Pro Charging will simplify wall box installation and administration. However, most operators will only use public charging as a last resort to recharge their vehicles while at work. Ford Pro Charging will offer access to over 300,000 chargers and centralised billing for ease and flexibility.

Service accelerates uptime

Downtime is the third highest cost for fleets after fuel and deprecation. Ford Pro Service is a critical element of the Ford Pro ecosystem. Delivering maximum uptime by linking connected vehicle data and an unparalleled dealer network to help keep customers moving.

The European support network has 800 Transit Centre workshops. Ford Pro is ready for the electric era, as it has one thousand five hundred EV-certified dealers across Europe. While there are over four thousand, five hundred Authorised Repairers that all have the ETransit service capability.

Better yet, Ford Pro is customer-focused. There is a fleet of Mobile Service fans which deliver servicing at a time and location of convenience for businesses. The Mobile Services already operate in the UK. It will be launching in Germany and roll out support to customers in other markets. These Mobile Service vans deliver up to 70% of service and repair work. Including work on other brands’ vehicles. Therefore helping to maximise convenience and productivity. While removing the downtime and cost of taking fleet vehicles to workshops. 

That’s not all! Ford Pro Service’s FORDLiive is a connected uptime system which helps transform the productivity of commercial vehicle customers. It is an always-on relationship with customers and uses real-time vehicle data to connect customers and vehicles with dealers. Also helps them to stay connected to Ford Pro expertise, delivering fewer breakdowns and fewer trips to dealers.

FORDLiive

FORDLiive launched in March 2021 and has helped create almost 125,000 days of additional vehicle availability across Europe. While it pushes to deliver 100% operating uptime. Ford Pro projections show that FORDLiive can reduce downtime by up to 60% for businesses.

So, there are over 620,000 Ford connected commercial vehicles which are already in operation across Europe. Customers can access the FORDLiive service free of charge by activating their vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem and enrolling in a Ford Pro Software package.

While also delivering vehicle health alerts directly to customers via the Ford Pro software. The FORDLiive system enables Transit Centre workshops to use customer vehicle data. As it helps to reduce the turnaround times via faster diagnosis. Proactive parts ordering and scheduling support to increase workshop bay availability. There are over 100 FORDLiive Uptime Agents that work from dedicated uptime centres in Germany, Spain and the UK. Also, helping to manage and maintain cases and respond to emerging issues. While there are more centres planned to open in Hungary and Sweden this year.

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UniStellar have made a smart telescope which makes it possible for stargazers around the world to view the Universe easily. Even in their back garden and without experience.

Powering the eVscope 2, UniStellar’s proprietary tech (Enhanced Vision, Automated Field Detection, Light Pollution Reduction), the eVscope 2 is the most powerful consumer space instrument. It’s really fast and accurate and can reveal galaxies, nebulae, comets and other celestial objects millions of light-years away with unparalleled colors and details – even from the heart of a city.

Brand new hobbyists can view astronomy and grow their skills with the eVscope 2 as it is user friendly an advanced at the same time. So astronomers can benefit from a portable device.

The low-light, high resolution sensor captures light from objects millions of light years away and delivers pin sharp imagery with a wide field of view, all within secodns in crisp detail.

Futhermroe there a a Unistellar Network. The first global community of connected telescope users, 5,000 people strong and counting. You can exchange dialogue with them, even professional astronomers. Hear about projections, plan observations and get help capturing a target. While help receive tops to collect and submit data. Furthermore, learn about light curves and data modelling. Also have your observations confirmed, and see their data put into action through charts and visuals.

eVscope 2 app

With the help of the app, the eVscope 2 will recommend the most spectacular targets and launch in to deep space observations in minutes of opening the box.

The Shure MV7X is an incredible little podcast microphone. It is much like the MV7 but it doesn’t have a USB port. Making it cheaper and more accessible for those looking to get into streaming, podcasting and content creation!

The Shure MV7x has been designed with the content creator in mind. Specifically podcasters and vocalists. Those who are well versed in online content creation will witness that it shares the same look of another microphone. The legendary SM7B. You are able to connect directly into almost any audio interface. Thanks to the XLR input. You’ll be able to record with quality audio that you know from a brand such as Shure.

Purchase a Shure MV7X by clicking here!

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The Pivo is a really cool little device, it’s designed to help you create content with your phone. While making it both professional and fun and easy to make. Think of it as your go-to camera crew. It’s your content creation suite and can be your key to success. The Pivo, or Pivo Pod, can help you create things and give you less things to worry about. Auto Tracking is also available to you when making hands free video calls. So you can talk to who you like, wherever you like, however you like.

As it gives you access to a lot of things that more expensive camera equipment has. Such as Auto Tracking! Wherever you go the Pivo will follow you. While keeping you both in focus and in frame. So you get the perfect shot every time you make a video.

There is also some amazing fun create modes, more than 12 to be exact. Some of them include, Clone Trail, 50/50, Many Me, Magic Edge, Double Take and Tiny Planet! So just strike a pose and have Pivo capture and create your best angle!

New Year – New Studio which has been gifted from Philips Hue / Elgato! They have been able to make our studio look better and make it much more functional too! All with lots of different content creator focused products! Check them out below!

Hue Centris

Lighting a lot of the room is the Hue Centris. This light from Philips Hue is designed to illuminate the room while offering accent lighting. The Centris ceiling sport light will create a unique atmosphere. You can set each light to a different colour or set the while fixture to a soft warm white. Lots of options!

Hue Light Strip 4

The Philips Hue Strip Lights make it even easier to customise your living space and light and mood in any chosen area. They can bring amazing light to any area of your home. Mainly thanks to the flexible nature of the Philips Hue Strip Lights. Even combine them with a Hue Bridge to unlock the full suite of smart lighting features.

They can be bent, curved and even cut to size. The Philips Hue Strip Lights really are the best for personal lighting. Tuck them behind bookshelves and tables. They will immediately transform any decor of any room. Surround yourself with a warm glowing light to create a relaxing area in any room for example. For safety use them to illuminate hallways to help you get around in low light situations.

Use the Hue App or other smart accessories to control them. By using either one of the Hue Apps.  Use a hardware based solution such as the Hue dimmer switch or the motion sensor. Even use your voice by using voice commands by pairing them with home assistants. Such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant.

Cut them down or extend the Philips Hue Strip Lights to up to 10M with connectors and stick them to any solid surface.

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Hue HDMI Sync

With this fancy piece of kit, (trust us it’s amazing! We love it!) you are able to sync Philips Hue Lights with the Sync Box and it will mimic the lights that are on screen on to the wall behind the television. Furthermore you’re able to attach up to 4 HDMI devices, so you could attach a SKY/Virgin Box, a Game Console or an Apple TV (For Music/Games/Tv) all at once! Though only one device can be used at any one time.

Ease of use

The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync does require the Hue Bridge and Hue Colour lights to work, but once you got those it’s good to go! Plus it’s super easy to set up, we set ours up in 5mins! Even personalise your experience with the Sync Box App!

Things such as explosions were mimicked on the wall behind us. Even the intensity of said explosions were mimicked on the wall behind our TV. That certainly adds to the immersion of the content that we’re viewing. It felt like we were ‘there’!

However, if you aren’t too keen on the intense nature that may occur (all dependent on what you see on screen of course) you can select a subtle mode from within the Sync Box App to tone down the lights.

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Hue Play Bars

The Philips Hue Play Light Bar is designed to give you dynamic surround lighting in your entertainment rooms. Or help you build a battle station which amplifies with every in game effect that you do. Not into games or films? Well you can create a colours cape which perfectly matches your mood and home interior.

All of this is controlled via the Hue app, your voice or smart accessories. Such as the Hue app or the Hue Bluetooth app. As you can help control settings, routines and much more.

Other hardware is also available to control them such as the Hue dimmer switch, motion sensor and other accessories. Use your voice too!

Set Up

For smaller TV sets and media units, place them vertically and point them towards the wall for an incredibly immersive effect. Furthermore lay them horizontally next to your monitor and enable Hue Sync for PC to get light that reacts to your computer screen. Place them around your TV and set them to your favourite scene to set the mood during films. Go one step further and pair them with a Hue Sync Box to have them react to what’s on screen! While you can place them horizontally and cast them down a hallway to create a warm effect.

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Hue Smart Plug

The Philips Hue Smart Plug is simply a plug.  But it’s a smart plug. It can turn any light, even one where you can’t place a Hue bulb. Into a smart light! Therefore allowing you to control it via the Hue app or voice. While you can use Bluetooth for instant light control. Connect it to the Hue Bridge to unlock more features. Also the Philips Hue Smart Plug was designed to blend into any environment. It’s small, white and has a very subtle design. Allowing you to add any light into your Hue system without any added wires or worry!

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Elgato Key Light

Elgato allowed us to use their amazing Key Lights! While conventional lighting can be large and cumbersome, the Key Light sits perfect within your set up. It is build from solid metal and is streamlined to take up as less space as possible. It doesn’t touch the floor and can stand flush against the wall. Clamp the pole mount to your desk. Or ceiling in our case. Set it to the right height and you’re good to go.

Better yet while soft boxes get hot, the Key Light doesn’t. It stays at a impressively low heat. Despite it’s 280o-lumen output. There are 160 premium OSRAM LEDs to give you extra-bright illumination. While you can also can dim them down to a subtle glow. There is a colour temperature range of 2900 to 7000 K produces hues from arctic blue through sunset amber. Furthermore there is a silky-smooth opal glass face. This guarantees balanced, glare-free diffusion at the perfect beam angle.

Control the Key Lights with the built in Wifi which you can connect to via your PC, Mac or smartphone. Even connect the Key Light to the Stream Deck and adjust things like Power, brightness, colour temperature and more. Straight from the stream deck!

Key Light is a powerful light and has space saving features, app control and are incredibly adjustable. Perfect for the content creator.

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Elgato Stream Deck XL

Thanks to the Stream Deck XL we get tons of customisation options in the studio. Thanks to integrations!

The Stream Deck XL is a 8×4 grid of 32 LCD keys. With each sporting crisp resolution and fluid playback. They’re easily customisable and can be done so with static or dynamic icons. There is one-touch tactile control. Instant visual feedback to confirm every command.

There’s loads you can do with it. Such as start streaming. Adjust audio levels, adjust your mic, mute your mic, tweak the lighting, switch cameras, apply lower thirds, trigger videos, images gifs. So many options! Open up YouTube or Spotify. Options are endless!

Elgato Game Capture, OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, and more, all work with it. Stream Deck XL Intergrates your tools and detects your scenes, media and audio sources. Directly orchestrate your stream on the fly. Even engage your social networks a the perfect moment.

Furthermore you can launch apps and websites, open folders, access pre-composed texts. Also even streamline your video editing, graphic design, or audio production workflow

Personalising Stream Deck XL is very simple too. Drag and drop actions onto keys, and assign ready-made icons or use your own. 32 keys not enough? Turn those keys into folders to amass as many actions as you want

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Easily create your own icons with Key Creator.

(Elgato / Philips)

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