Autoblog

Wired: Ford making Sync AppLink open source, free for any automaker to use

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Etc., Technology, Ford, Infotainment

Automakers aren't necessarily known for their sharing skills unless some sort of mutual agreement is in place, but it seems that Ford is looking to create a universal architecture based on its Sync AppLink on which other companies (including rival automakers) can run in-car apps free of charge. With the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show going on, Wired sat down with Ford's Doug VanDagens, director of connected services, who talked about what such a tech-sharing plan could do for Ford and the industry.

Giving up some of the technology behind Sync AppLink would obviously put Ford in a place to become a bigger name in cabin tech, but on the grander scheme of things, it could help bring more apps to users. Currently, each automaker uses its own technologies, which means that creating an app for each system would be expensive and time consuming - a reason why current in-car apps are limited to bigger names like Pandora and iHeart Radio. Ford's plan would not only make it easier for app developers and automakers, it would also open the door for more aftermarket head units to improve infotainment capabilities as well.

When asked by Autoblog, a Ford rep at CES said that while other automakers could potentially use their open-source software, Ford didn't necessarily expect it to happen.

To get the full boatload of details about Ford's proposed tech-sharing plan, head on over to Wired.

Wired: Ford making Sync AppLink open source, free for any automaker to use originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and Glympse hook up to give Sync location-sharing technology

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford, Infotainment

Among the numerous apps that Ford has added to its Sync AppLink system is the location-sharing service Glympse. After The app is installed on a smartphone and the phone is paired with the AppLink interface either through Bluetooth or USB, a driver just presses the Sync button on the steering wheel and says, "Send Glympse." With that, the vehicle's location is sent to the other parties he has enabled in the app.

Any 'Glympsers' can keep track of the vehicle on their own phones or on a map in a web brower and get updates via e-mail, text, Facebook and Twitter. There's a time-limit to 'glympsing' so that after a pre-set time the app will cease updating its location.

The app was introduced to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class last summer, but we won't be seeing Stuttgart's little hatch in our country for a while. The partnership with Ford gives US drivers a way to experience another OEM integration of what is sure to be our always-in-contact future. The press release below can tell you more about it.

Continue reading Ford and Glympse hook up to give Sync location-sharing technology

Ford and Glympse hook up to give Sync location-sharing technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sync Applink gets new NPR app, Destinations hands-on

Zach Bowman — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Etc., Technology, Ford, Infotainment

Our friends at Engadget got up close and cozy with the new Ford Sync Applink interface at CES 2012. Ford has put plenty of time ironing out some of the wrinkles in the voice-command system, and the company's work has paid off. Sync Applink is designed to allow users to access certain applications on their compatible smartphones without ever having to take their hands from the wheel. It sounds nice in theory, but Ford has had its fair share of issues getting the technology to produce desired results. Judging by the quick video, that's a thing of the past.

Ford demonstrated how the revised system easily pulls up the new NPR app and how users can easily shuffle through the application's various features. The app even lets users chose any NPR station in the country. How's that for snazzy?

Click past the jump to see Applink do its thing.

Continue reading Sync Applink gets new NPR app, Destinations hands-on

Sync Applink gets new NPR app, Destinations hands-on originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone

Zach Bowman — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

It's a good day for Ford Sync users. The Blue Oval has officially announced two big leaps forward for the company's infotainment system for smartphone users. For the first time, Apple users will find that their iPhone is now fully compatible with Sync. Previously, the system was only usable with devices that used RIM or Android operating systems. What's more, users can now control the applications on their smartphones using a hands-free, voice-operated system. So far, there are only a handful of apps that will gel with Sync voice activation, including Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak (a Twitter client), though Ford says that there are more on the way.

The new and improved Sync will first show up in 14,000 Ford Fiesta models, though the free Sync application will eventually be equipped on every Sync-equipped Ford and Lincoln vehicle. Fiesta owners can get the ball rolling by logging into their Sync account online and pointing their browser toward the Update and Customize section of the site. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone

AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Fiesta to include AppLink, voice-control Blackberry and Android apps [w/videos]

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford, Lincoln

Ford SYNC with AppLink - Click above for high-res image gallery

On our way to Stanford last week, we came across a murdered-out Toyota Prius with an "I♥OPEC" vanity plate. Prime Twitter fodder if we've ever seen it. Unfortunately, even with our smartphone streaming navigation directions and a podcast through the Ford Fusion's SYNC system, we couldn't safely tweet our find. Well, Ford's about to rectify that issue with the introduction of AppLink, a downloadable upgrade to the SYNC infotainment system that allows drivers to control their smartphone apps through voice commands.

AppLink will be exclusive to the 2011 Ford Fiesta when it hits dealers later this year and, at launch, it will only work with Blackberry and Android-powered devices running SYNC software. When it does arrive, the first three supported apps are Stitcher, Pandora (bye-bye XM/Sirius) and Orangatame's OpenBeak Twitter program. More apps are sure to be available in the following months and Ford has setup a developer channel on SYNCMyRide to get programmers going.

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. Make the jump for all the details and a brace of videos showing off the technology.

Gallery: Ford SYNC with AppLink

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Fiesta to include AppLink, voice-control Blackberry and Android apps [w/videos]

2011 Ford Fiesta to include AppLink, voice-control Blackberry and Android apps [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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