Ford India launched a Voice-activated technology for hands-free connection between driver and smart phone applications- SYNC® AppLink™ at Mobile Developer Summit in Bangalore.
As the lone Car Manufacturer in the summit, Ford Motors will kick start the industry first practice of an open program allowing software developers to directly interface with the vehicle.
SYNC AppLink will come to Ford models by 2014 and will allow the Driver to control applications on his Smartphone using voice controls through the Ford SYNC voice activated connectivity system. The Application in its initial release will feature access to famous links like ESPNcricinfo, MapmyIndia, burrp!, Glympse, TuneIn Radio while encouraging app developers to come up and add new applications in future.
The application launch in Indian Ford line up comes as the part of the company’s ‘Global Developers program’, A program which aims to bring developers to build up a vibrant App Ecosystem that will augment the role of the automobiles in bringing exciting connectivity and entertainment services to the owners.
The Developers can learn about the AppLink application’s programming interface (API) at the Developer Program website. The developers can get assistance in the form of online forums to discuss app development and related issues. The submitted apps will see thorough testing for usability and after setting up distribution license with the developer, the app will make its way to the customer models.
The inventiveness of Open program APPs with APP developers getting their innovation to augment cars connectivity and entertainment just sounds swell to us.
– by Saravana Priyan
