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Ford opens AppLink developer program, wants more apps with in-car voice control
Ford's SYNC AppLink technology for smartphone voice control while behind the wheel is currently only a feature of a handful of big-name apps. That may soon change, however, as here at CES, the motor company has announced a developer program to promote integration of its AppLink APIs into third-party software. Registration for the fledgling online community is open at the source link below, and interested devs will get access to an SDK, accompanying documents, and will qualify for technical guidance courtesy of Ford. As well as the dev program, a bunch of brand new and recent AppLink partnerships were reported with Chinese outfit Sina, WSJ, USA Today, Kaliki, Amazon Cloud Player, Aha Radio (pictured above), Rhapsody, Greater Media, Glympse, and BeCouply. Hit up the PR below or head to the source for more information. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Voice control comes to MOG's music streaming service with Ford SYNC AppLink
Good news for those who like music on-the-go, Ford had just added a new heavy hitter to its AppLink platform, and this time it comes from none other than MOG. The streaming service boasts a catalog of 15 million tracks, which is available to mobile devices for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99. With the Ford SYNC integration, users may access this vast library either through voice commands or in-dash controls, and as another nice touch, one's music queue will automatically resume from wherever they left off. Voice commands include "artist only" and "similar artists," along with "downloads" for situations when you aren't able to stream and "shuffle favorites." Finally, users may also create presets based on what's currently playing, simply by pressing and holding one of the in-dash preset buttons. This availability is solely for iOS users, but if you'd like to learn more, check the full PR after the break. %Gallery-157259%
Hands-on with new NPR and SYNC Destinations via AppLink
Sadly Ford wouldn't let us rest our rumps in the sexy Evos concept, but we did get a chance to shout some commands at its updated SYNC system and play with a few of the new apps. A rep was kind enough to give us a quick demo of the updated SYNC Destinations app, as well as the newly compatible NPR and IHeartRadio apps for the iPhone. Then we were allowed to climb in the driver's seat of the mid-life crisis red 2013 Mustang GT. Last time we played with AppLink it was on a simple, monochrome screen, had just three apps available and things didn't go smoothly. In the year since, the lineup has grown significantly and now it's on a big, color touchscreen. But, more importantly, it worked pretty much flawlessly (only stumbling briefly over the word "Nevada"). In particular we really enjoyed the ability to pull up any NPR station we wanted -- we were getting a little home sick for WNYC. Head after the break to see it in action.
TuneIn Radio comes to Ford SYNC AppLink, brings 50,000 radio stations with it
Unhappy with the radio selection in your auto? If you're rocking a Ford equipped with SYNC AppLink and a smartphone, that selection is about to get a whopping 50,000 bigger thanks to TuneIn Radio. An updated version of that app enables support for Dearborn's auto interconnect which'll allow drivers to tune into AM, FM, HD and Internet radio stations. And naturally like everything else SYNC, it'll be just as happy taking commands over voice. The updated app should hit the App Store soon, but we'd imagine an update to the Android version isn't far out.
NPR delivers on-demand news for Ford SYNC AppLink (video)
When traditional FM waves aren't enough to quench your thirst for news, NPR's new Ford SYNC AppLink products might just become your favorite watering hole. Now, current event junkies of the proper vehicular persuasion can gain voice access to NPR's entire library of shows and live streams of each affiliate across the country. While these features have previously been available in the organization's apps for Android and iOS, the SYNC integration brings functionality such as the ability to hear the latest news simply by saying "hourly news" at the chime, along with other commands such as "stations" and "topics." An introductory video starring NPR's Audie Cornish and Scott Simon follows the break, along with the full PR.
Spotify to lay down beats for Ford (update: it's a hack)
It's only been two months since Spotify made its stateside debut, and it's already getting in bed with an American staple. No, it hasn't struck a deal with Beyonce or Britney, but the fine folks at Autoblog are reporting that the streaming music service will make its way into vehicles sporting the Ford SYNC AppLink system "in the near future." Details are otherwise vague, but we'd be interested to hear how the outfit's "exclusive automotive advertising partner" feels about the deal. Update: Turns out this partnership isn't of the official kind. The folks at Spotify were actually on hand at the TechCrunch Disrupt Hack-a-Thon to show off "how easy it is for developers to create voice-enabled smartphone apps using the SYNC API." Looks like Chevy's got nothing to be jealous about after all.
Ford bringing SYNC systems to base trim levels, drops from $395 to $295
Ford's been pushing SYNC in its autos since 2007, but you wouldn't have known it had you opted for the base trim level on your ride. Thankfully for those who appreciate the basics, that's a-changing. The automaker is aiming to entice more potential owners by offering the voice-activated infotainment systems across all levels for $295 (down from $395, where optional), starting with its 2012 Edge and Explorer models. To sweeten the deal even further, it'll also become standard on SEL variants for the first time -- before, it was a luxury previously reserved for Limited and Sport. Ford plans to roll out the system across its entire lineup in three years time, bringing the 2013 Ford Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex into the fold. You know, options for all of you who aren't hip on the all-American, gas-guzzling SUV. Full PR past the break.
Ford SYNC AppLink gets rolling in ten new models, still just three apps deep
Back when we gave Ford's SYNC AppLink a test drive in that little green Fiesta, we got word that the Mustang was next in line to receive the service. Well, earlier this year, the auto outfit Linked-up the Mustang and now it's rolling out the application for 10 new 2012 models, including the F-150, Fusion (Hybrid and otherwise), Super Duty, and Expedition. It also says it's got a slew of developers lining up to bring hands-free control of their apps to AppLink. For now, though, no matter which SYNC-enabled beast you boast, or which OS you're rocking (BlackBerry OS, iOS, or Android), you'll be riding dirty with just two linked apps at most. Full PR after the break.
Ford Sync AppLink ready to download for 2011 Ford Fiesta, iPhone support coming early next year
Wouldn't it be nice to connect your phone to your car and control Pandora with your voice? If you drive a 2011 Ford Fiesta, you can do so right now, by downloading the Ford Sync AppLink platform that's finally ready for primetime. So far, Pandora's one of only two apps that natively support voice commands (the other being OpenBeak) and it only works on BlackBerry and Android, but Ford says that Apple's iPhone will play nice with AppLink sometime in "early 2011." You'll find a thorough press release trumpeting the news after the break, and the download should be available at our source link any minute now. Then, you get to transfer it to a USB stick, and plug it into your car. Just imagine saying that to someone fifty years ago.
Pandora for Android adds Ford Sync AppLink compatibility
Hey, new Ford Fiesta owners: did you realize that your plebeian family hauler is actually one of the most geek-awesome vehicles on the road today? We were just reminded of that today on news that the latest version of Pandora for Android supports Ford Sync's AppLink technology, a protocol that lets smartphone apps chat with your car's entertainment system. In short, that means that you'll be able to control Pandora with your car's physical buttons, knobs, and doohickeys along with voice controls, hopefully giving you another great reason to keep the phone firmly planted in your pocket (or storage compartment) and your eyes on the road. The update's available now -- and while you're downloading, you might as well start gathering paperwork for the dealer to run your credit report.
