Back at CES, we got a chance to check out what the Ford Sync was doing with smartphone applications, and now they’re ready to open up the digital auto system to the development community at large. Essentially what this would enable for smartphone apps is the use of in-car controls on the wheel and dash, and the voice recognition when paired up with the vehicle via Bluetooth. As you can see, Stitcher, Pandora, and OpenBeak are all running like a charm on BlackBerry and Android.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta will be the first car to include what they’re calling AppLink, which will also be offered as a software upgrade to other existing Sync systems. Although Android and BlackBerry are the only supported platforms so far, iPhone and “other smartphones” will be able to get in on the action sometime this year. I’m curious how Ford will get in on iPhone development, since Apple is clamping down on third parties nosing their way into the development process. And if you’re stuck with an iPad, well, Ford Sync has in-car Wi-Fi, at least.
Developers who are interested in getting started can head over to the Sync Mobile Application Developer Network here.