Ford's Sync AppLink bringing in-car voice control to Android, BlackBerry apps
By Darren Murph 
posted April 20th 2010 12:01AM
posted April 20th 2010 12:01AM
SYNC AppLink to launch on 2011 fiesta, MAKING FORD FIRST TO DELIVER voice control of smartphone apps
· Ford will first offer SYNC® AppLink, a downloadable software program, on the 2011 Fiesta, allowing owners to access and control AndroidTM and BlackBerry® smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls
· Pandora internet radio, Stitcher "smart radio" and Orangatame's OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile applications
· Ford to create SYNC developer community with launch of new "Mobile Application Developer Network" (www.syncmyride.com/developer), giving developers a pathway to partner with Ford on SYNC-enabled applications
· Ford's platform approach with SYNC is poised to harness smartphone app development and mobile web access; apps expected to be a $4 billion industry by 2012; analysts predict the mobile device to become the No. 1 source for Internet access by 2015
SAN FRANCISCO, April 20, 2010 – Customers have spoken -- asking for safe, convenient access to their smartphone apps while in the vehicle – and Ford is responding by announcing the new SYNC AppLink software that will allow hands-free voice control of popular smartphone apps.
SYNC AppLink, a downloadable software upgrade, will be released for 2011 Ford Fiesta owners with the award-winning SYNC communications and infotainment system later this year, allowing drivers hands-free control of apps on their Android or BlackBerry smartphones via voice commands and vehicle controls. Ford will introduce AppLink on all SYNC-equipped vehicles next year, as well as provide interoperability with iPhone and other smartphones.
"The growth in smartphone mobile apps has been explosive, and Ford has worked hard to respond at the speed of the consumer electronics market," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Organization. "SYNC is the only connectivity system available that can extend that functionality into the car. AppLink will allow drivers to control some of the most popular apps through SYNC's voice commands and steering wheel buttons, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."
The Android MarketTM and BlackBerry App World™ are among the leading growth markets for mobile apps. The new SYNC AppLink will seamlessly integrate apps using the vehicle's voice and user interface controls, including buttons on the steering wheel, increasing eyes-on-the-road and hands-on-the-wheel time.
The first SYNC-enabled apps available later this year include Pandora internet radio, Stitcher "smart radio" and Orangatame's OpenBeak app for Twitter, with additional apps on the way. Updated versions of each app, incorporating the SYNC application programming interface (API), will be available through Android Market and BlackBerry App World for customers to download.
Built-in, Beamed-in and Brought-in: The SYNC App Ecosystem
From its introduction, Ford has been building an ecosystem of available SYNC apps, continuously improving the consumer experience.
· Built-in apps, including Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist™, are downloaded and installed directly on the in-car SYNC operating system
· SYNC apps like Traffic, Directions & Information rely on beamed-in, or "cloud-based," information. Drivers access the Ford Service Delivery Network, a network of data centers providing turn-by-turn directions, business searches, and on-demand news, sports and weather information, through a simple voice-connection using their cell phone.
· SYNC AppLink represents the third category of the ecosystem, brought-in apps, leveraging apps installed on a user's smartphone, such as Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBeak
Studies show mobile app development – a niche market just three years ago – is expected to blossom into a $4 billion industry by 2012. Sites serving specific mobile operating systems, such as Android and BlackBerry OS, have experienced massive growth, with analysts predicting the mobile device will become the No. 1 source for Internet access by 2015, surpassing the home computer.
Ford and SYNC will answer the consumer demand by offering the only platform available for drivers to safely control their mobile devices and applications in the car. Leveraging SYNC's safer voice commands and steering wheel controls, drivers are able to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. "Brought-in" apps residing on a consumer's smartphone also eliminate the need for yet another piece of hardware to be installed in the car which only serves to add cost and complexity.
Customers will be able to download SYNC-enabled mobile apps through the same app store interfaces currently used. As SYNC-enabled versions of existing apps are released into the app stores, users will be prompted to download the latest version upon connection. Also, as developers grasp the notion that the vehicle interior has opened to them, a new dimension of apps designed from the outset to maximize the unique in-car environment will follow.
Opening the door to developers
To facilitate future SYNC-enabled app development, Ford has also activated a new developer network on its SYNCmyride Web site (www.syncmyride.com/developer). Interested developers can find a link to submit innovative ideas, and sign up for the latest information and news about the SYNC application programming interface (API) and software development kit (SDK). The package will allow developers to modify existing applications and create all-new apps that can successfully interface with SYNC
Working with trusted partners, Ford is completing beta-testing on the SDK. Once beta-testing is complete, a broader release of the development tools is planned for later this year. Initial reports have been positive, with one of Ford's development partners creating a SYNC-enabled version of its app just three days after receiving the development tools.
"We're very pleased by the rapid development time and positive feedback we've seen from our first partners," said VanDagens. "We want to encourage all developers to visit our site and submit ideas, helping us tap into the global pool of innovation and creativity."
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iphone sketch fail dual speaker grills??
@Alexpeegs
nope, its the fake iphone 4g that the loser Gray Powell was suppose to leave on the bar floor.. not the real prototype!
AHHAHAA!
@Alexpeegs
Apple has a trademark registered regarding the iphone's design. So instead of a trademark infringement lwsuit, all they got was a clueless apple fanboy's stupid commentary on a blog
@googkiller
Is that smell something burning? I think its Alexpeegs.
Anyway, no matter how good this navigation system is (and it is really good), it's no incentive for me to buy a Ford. Make a better rest of a car and I'll think about it, but right now, I'm sticking with my IS-F with decent iPod support.
@Alexpeegs
This is a blow to the face for Apple.
@JW seriously, that's quite a small feature in light of the rest of the car. It's something I'd pay a few bucks more for an option on a car I really wanted.
@JW oh boy what a tool. If your claiming to drive an IS-F why would you even care what Ford makes? Two completely different target markets.
@JW aaaaaand you are a dunce. With views of 90s Ford products.
Ford has had such a turn around In build and quality that the y are on par with any of the foreign makers. Any
and if course who knows if your overpriced IS-F may decide to go accelerating on it's own
@JW
No, what i wanna know is how do you know the navigation is no good if you're running in an IS-F? Jesus christ, has Toyota resorted to sending out viral agents to rant on blog comments too?
For someone who acts like they know something about cars, you obviously haven't been paying attention to the last year or so, where Ford/Mercury/Lincoln has made a HUGE turnaround, complete with a car of the year. Where Buick has been named as the new Lexus and Acura-killer.
Meanwhile, Toyota smacked with a 16 million dollar fine for stuck accelerators?
But again, why an IS-F driver cares about Ford makes zero sense anyway. Stop while you're ahead.
Awesome!
Love how their graphic shows the new, exclusive to engadget, iphone4g mockup and not anything that resembles an android or rim device.
Their bringing back the Festiva?!? Glad to see Ford is getting my letters... < / Sarcasm >
@shogunmaster
It's the Fiesta and its the most popular car in Europe right now and has outsold VW hatchbacks.
I'm not trying to be a Chevy fanboy here, but onstar is way better.
Just kidding, it's nice to see android getin the love
@VanillaSperm you forgot that iphones are old.
Engadget, ask them if they are going to release an upgrade for 2010 models. Thanks.
@Jason B
Autoblog reports that: "For those of you currently rolling in a SYNC-equipped Ford or Lincoln, AppLink will be available as a download sometime next year, and for all you Apple fanboys, fear not, iPhone integration is on the way."
Full story over here: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/2011-ford-fiesta-to-include-applink/#comments
@nojorge Ah good, I can put down my pitchfork.
@VanillaSperm
Are those the same BMW's driven by utter wankers?
Figures.
For Android and Blackberry huh? Guess iPhones are only good to put in pictures and not good enough to get the Applications. Another reason Ford sucks!
@Jaylittles531
another reason ford sucks? have you seen their latest cars or do you live in the 90s?
stupid blind apple fanboy
@VanillaSperm
hes not right. new mustang v6 has 31 mpg and 306 hp, nice interior, etc.
new fiesta, nice design
new focus, with all-electric drivetrain option.
new taurus with SHO, 360 hp twin turbo with good MPG
@VanillaSperm
Clearly you no nothing about the automobile industry.
Try spending as much time as you spend on Engadget over at its sister site, Autoblog. Ford is doing to the best of the three American automakers and is building vehicles that surpass Honda in reliability.
Ford Sync (soon to be renamed MyFord) is better than any car UI from any manufacturer, including luxury manufacturers.
Consumer Reports estimates reliability for the Ford Fusion to be 55% higher than the industry average.
Get a clue, will you?
@VanillaSperm
That's fine then, drive your Toyota off a cliff when the (1) floor mat entraps the pedal, (2) said pedal gets stuck because of a mechanical defect, (3) electronic throttle control glitches out and defaults to a full-throttle position, and (4) the regenerative Prius brakes experience a software control error resulting in "a brief moment" of loss of braking ability. If you're in the Lexus GX monstrosity that Toyota just issued an EMERGENCY stop-sale on, perhaps it will flip over while it's at it because of a stability control configuration issue.
Meanwhile, I'll be driving my Ford Mustang with 306 HP engine and over 30 MPG with excellent reliability ratings while listening to Pandora as it streams over Bluetooth from my pocket, using voice commands and steering wheel-mounted controls to upvote/downvote songs.
@VanillaSperm
Why, when we are discussing Ford here, do you keep bringing up GM?
In case you hadn't noticed, Ford did NOT take any taxpayer money as part of the bailout that went into Chrysler and GM.
@VanillaSperm
OK, I'm done. :)
@VanillaSperm I agree, my Toyota is awesome, in fact I'm typing this from my Toyota right now OH GOD THE ACCELERATOR IS STU
@VanillaSperm
"
come on, if you asked people here would they buy any FORD vehicles"
good way of countering yourself. Most people here are clueless in the auto industry.
you mean if you asked any uneducated person who relys on propaganda. go ask at autoblog or anyone who actually knows about cars if they would buy a ford. Noone cares what engadget readers who like the ifart apps want to buy as a car
@HurricaneDC
lol
@HurricaneDC
Toyota: Moving Forward™, even when you really want to stop.
@VanillaSperm
Fit, finish and reliability are, IMHO, things that Ford has recently excelled at, but that's just like, my opinion, man.
At any rate, you betray your bias in your post too easily. Perhaps for *you* fit, finish and reliability are the "three things."
To others, there are more factors that come into consideration.
Driving dynamics, handling, cornering, performance, appearance, etc.
I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota Camry drivers were at a significantly increased risk of fatal accidents simply from falling asleep behind the wheel. Talk about a genericized appliance of a vehicle!
@Jaylittles531
iPhone integration will be added via an update next year.
@VanillaSperm
I think you said it yourself, "Plain and simple: FORD image sucks."
Its an image and it no longer corresponds to actual performance of their current line of cars(according to most reviews).
I think most people would agree with you that Fords last few generations of cars have sucked horribly but that the newer generation of ford vehicles have distanced themselves from the past.
@VanillaSperm You realize that Ford isn't owned or operated by GM right?
@googkiller
Yep I'm a Apple Fanboy cause I own a iPhone and want to use it. Yep that makes me a fanboy.
@VanillaSperm Please. Android's features caught on so the iPhone had to copy them for OS4. Multitasking and folders? Gimme a break. Android 1.5 had that stuff.
@VanillaSperm
zune is a music player. is has nothing to do with a phone called the Iphone.
@VanillaSperm
Palm?
What would make this even more killer (and may be the case anyway) is if apps will also be able to utilize the vehicle's GPS display. For example, show upcoming songs on Pandora, display track information, etc.
I understand the main focus (get it?!) of Ford Sync is to keep your hands off the wheel by use of voice control, but that doesn't mean their can't be some visual eye candy for passengers to use/enjoy/envy.
@nojorge
pandora is gay. upcoming songs? that is such lame information that noone needs to know, especially while driving.
@googkiller
I don't like Pandora either, but that was just an example.
I think there are potentially good use-cases for allowing apps on the phone to present information via the vehicle's display.
Example: lowest gas prices at nearby stations, nearby WiFi networks (would be killer for wardriving), etc.
For example, it could integrate with the car stereo so that if you like a song playing on a terrestrial radio station, you could click "Buy" and have you Android phone download the track from Amazon MP3.
As the iPhone and Android have shown, all you have to do is give people the tools to make apps and they will make the platform compelling themselves. I think it would behoove Ford to provide some level of access to the GPS display, and let the developers determine all the cool potential uses.
Newer Fords are fantastic cars.
I used to think otherwise too, as I'm an ex-Honda owner/fan, but after I had the chance to use my friend's Fusion Hybrid for just short of a month (long story), my opinion completely changed. I bought one after that, and you know what? - It's a great car, period. If you think otherwise, I'm skeptical that you are telling the truth about driving one, and that you even actually compared it thoroughly & honestly to other cars in its class. I find most of the peanut-gallery clowns who say "Ford sucks" and other such stupid statements, haven't even driven a Ford in ages...and when they last did, it was probably a rusty old 1986 ultra-budget econobox Escort or something similar of the sort.
@VanillaSperm
ffs ppl. GM =\= Ford!!!!
I'd buy the Fiesta but insurance payments would cost yearly as much as a semester of housing at my university, so sadly I can't :(
It's good to see Ford and MS pushing Sync along. Hopefully all car manufacturers will eventually have systems like this.
@VanillaSperm
yes its a music player with internet and games as features. iphone had nothing to do with anything. did the ipod touch have something to do with it? possibly
Doesn't Josh drive a Fiesta?
Or was that a joke in the podcast
lol!
Toyota Camry owner.
I too was like Vanilla Sperm (family drove a 1987 Ford Aerostar and a '93 Ford Escort, both of which I hated).
Since I am actually open to what is going on in the world and have noticed that Ford now has the highest rated initial vehicle quality in the entire automotive industry (look it up) and is making cars for gadget geeks like me I'm looking to be a 2011 Ford Edge (turbocharged...hmm nice) owner
This kind of thing is exactly why I'm keeping an eye on Ford.
@VanillaSperm
windows 7 kills mac
@thinkthis
It's not just one survey/study either. But hey, I don't ask people take my word for any of this - spend time with their cars in the last two years and judge for yourself. And don't even include GM in this, please. They aren't even close to being in the same league as the cars Ford are producing right now (though I hope they too do better eventually).
By the way, it's not just Americans who love the newer Fords - as of March, they are now the NUMBER ONE selling brand in the 27-Country European Union, outselling even the largest Euro automaker, Volkswagen.