Ford presents SYNC AppLink

Ford India has showcased the SYNC AppLink at the Mobile Developer Summit 2013 in Bangalore. SYNC AppLink allows greater communication between smartphone apps and AppLink-equipped vehicles through voice commands and will be launched in India in 2014.

Another example of Ford going further on democratizing advanced technology, SYNC AppLink will strengthen Ford’s technology footprint in India and reinforce its position as a leader in innovative, interactive features for vehicles.

“We are excited about bringing SYNC AppLink to India and will offer industry-exclusive voice control technology for smartphone apps thereby providing drivers the convenience to access content and information while on-the-go. SYNC AppLink is an exciting addition to Ford’s class leading connectivity technology and goes further in personalizing the in-car experience.” says David Huang, senior manager at Ford Asia Pacific’s Technology and Business Development, Connected Services and keynote speaker at Mobile Developer Summit 2013.

With Ford SYNC AppLink, customers can control applications on their smartphones from the driver’s seat using voice controls through the Ford SYNC voice activated connectivity system. SYNC AppLink will allow greater integration with a range of smartphone apps. The platform is planned to be introduced in India with ESPNcricinfo, MapmyIndia, burrp!, Glympse, TuneIn Radio while encouraging app developers to come up and add new applications.

“India today has more than 65 million smartphone users who want to stay connected wherever they are. Keeping them in mind, Ford has been driving consumer focused innovation in automotive technology. The journey, which started with the introduction of Bluetooth connectivity in Ford Figo, has gone on to introduce the first in segment Voice Control in the Global Fiesta and the world class SYNC technology in Ford EcoSport. With every step, we have allowed seamless connectivity, entertainment and convenience and are excited to take it forward with SYNC AppLink keeping our customers in mind.” Vinay Piparsania, executive director, Marketing, Sales and Service said.

With its presence as the only automobile manufacturer at Mobile Developer Summit in Bangalore, Ford is reaching out to the mobile developer community to develop market specific apps in India and globally.

Undertaken through its Global Developer Program, Ford will invite software developers to create voice-activated mobile app experiences for Ford vehicles. The information to learn about the AppLink application programming interface (API) will be available on the Developer Program website, http://developer.ford.com. The developer site features online forums to discuss app development and related issues. Once submitted to Ford, an app is thoroughly tested and reviewed for usability and suitability for Ford AppLink-enabled vehicles. After Ford works out a distribution license with the developer, the app can be released to customers.

“Our participation at Mobile Developer Summit in Bangalore highlights that we are a developer-focused company. We understand that a vibrant app ecosystem is essential to the success of a platform for both users and developers. At Ford, we’re constantly looking to partner with developers aimed to research and reshape the role of the automobile to add value for our customers,” concluded David Huang.

Ford has set the benchmark for in-car connectivity systems with SYNC powered by Microsoft now in more than 7 million vehicles with the forecast to reach an additional 9 million new customers around the world by 2015. Developers working with SYNC AppLink will be able to create apps across a wide spectrum of categories to reach this growing base of Ford owners.