Ford's infatuation with gadgetry is deepening with the introduction of AppLink, a downloadable software upgrade for Sync that lets drivers use voice commands to access smartphone apps.
The automaker says AppLink is a response to customers' calls for a safer, easier way to use apps while driving. The hands-free system will be available only on the 2011 Ford Fiesta -- and only for Blackberry and Android phones -- to start, but Ford rolls it out for all models and the iPhone next year.
So far, there are just three Sync-enabled apps: Pandora internet radio, Stitcher "smart radio" and OpenBeak. But Ford hopes to jump-start app development with the creation of its "Mobile Application Developer Network."
It's a shrewd move.
Ford says smartphone apps are expected to be a $4 billion industry by 2012. It also claims mobile devices will be the No. 1 way of accessing the internet by 2015, but doesn't cite a source for any of those stats.
Still, consumers bought 172.4 million smartphones last year, a 24 percent jump over 2008, according to the analysts at Gartner. Apple says people have downloaded 4 billion apps from its app store, and the analysts at Research2Guidance say the global app market could hit $15.65 billion in 2013.
Ford wants to bring those apps into its cars. AppLink allows drivers to access apps on their smartphones without taking their hands off the wheel. The Sync communications and infotainment system is controlled with voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel. Giving consumers easy access to smartphone apps allow Ford to expand the versatility and convenience of Sync without having to install more hardware.
Three apps isn't much, but Ford believes there will be many more in short order. Ford isn't interested in creating applications because "it's not what we're good at," Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's connected services, told us. Instead, Ford is inviting others to do it for them.
"We need to reach out to other communities and developers to broaden our horizon," VanDagens said. "It's a source of new ideas."
The Mobile Application Developer Network will allow developers to suggest applications and be first in line when Ford makes the Sync application planning interface and software development kit available. But there are no plans at this point to create a Sync app store, said Julius Marchwicki, program manager for AppLink. There's already a huge distribution network through the BlackBerry App World and Android Market, he said.
"We don't want to try to change consumer behavior by having them go to a new site for apps," Marchwicki said.
That's all well and good, but why doesn't AppLink work with the iPhone?
Marchwicki said AppLink will require an updated Apple authentication chip. Sync currently uses version 2.8a of the chip, which allows Sync to provide voice activation of the telephone and MP3 player functions. But allowing Sync to control iPhone apps will require an updated version, Marchwicki said, and it won't be available until next year.
Main photo of the 2011 Ford Fiesta seen on a Droid: Jim Merithew/Wired.com
Second photo of the Sync screen with AppLink: Ford
