Today in the Connected Economy: Ford Ramps up Over-the-Air Software

Today in the connected economy, Ford steps up its connected services in an effort to create “always on” relationships with drivers, while Citi unveils a new card program with CVS. Also, eSports company Unified launches a partnership with payments service Tipalti

Ford Looks to Connected Services, eCommerce to Build ‘Always-on’ Relationships With Drivers

Ford has formed a single organization with authority over the automaker’s in-car digital experiences, interfaces, screens and controls, and it is employing its hubs in places like Silicon Valley to woo software engineers and technology specialists. “The hardware will always be important, but the software and the embedded systems will define the next generation of our vehicles’ experiences,” Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said. These experiences are being complemented by over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

Citi Unveils Points Partnership With CVS

Citi has unveiled a “Shop With Points” partnership with CVS, which lets cardholders redeem points at the pharmacy chain’s more than 8,200 U.S. locations. Through the program cardmembers can redeem points for $10 worth of qualifying purchases at participating CVS stores. Cardholders need only to shop at a CVS and begin checkout, paying with an eligible Citi credit card for a purchase greater than $10.01.

eSports Firm Unified Turns to FinTech Tipalti for Payouts

eSports company Unified is working with the payments service Tipalti to handle payments to players in Unified tournaments. The companies said the solution benefits both parties and will streamline the turnaround time for disbursing funds to winners of cash prize competitions. Paco Suro, general manager of Global Partner Payments at Tipalti, said his company would help “provide a user-friendly experience with better visibility and structure that illuminates the path to becoming a pro gamer.”

Sightline Payments Intros Mobile Loyalty Powered by IGT at Oklahoma’s Sky Casino

Bettors at Indigo Sky Casino and Resort will get have access to a mobile app offering loyalty rewards and other tools to enhance their experience. Sightline Payments is launching its loyalty platform JOINGO with IGT Advantage’s casino management system, giving the Eastern Shawnee Tribe’s casino in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, a branded app for Android and iOS devices.