Truly Mobile Applications on the Truly Mobile Ford Sync

With all the push to go mobile in every aspect of our technology, Ford is pushing this to the next level. Not only can you have a mobile application on your phone, but, with the new Sync technology, you will be able to include your favorite apps in your vehicles. There are some limitations and these apps do need to be approved by Ford, but with the goal of 100,000 applications by next year's models, almost anything goes. The only thing that is not going to pass is something that will take the driver's attention off the road. This means no games or movies, no matter how many people think they can drive and play at the same time. There are several different applications that are already emerging in this field and several really good ideas. From an interactive 911 application that is completely voice activated to a caravan tracking system that can keep tabs on several vehicles if you travel together. Since 2007, Ford and Elektrobit have been partnered in an attempt to create more apps for the Sync. Elektrobit is now in the finishing stages of their Application Programming Interface (API).

Later this year, the API should be released, and Ford is currently accepting requests to their mailing list. This will let you know the instant that the API will be available. By signing up now, you can also be kept abreast of the new releases for the Sync. This will also give you some ideas for applications to create when the API becomes available. The language and format that will be used is the same as Droid and Blackberry applications. Since Sync is predicted to run any of these apps in a voice activated interface, the language and layouts will be very similar. There will be some differences, but a basic mobile JAVA application is a great place to start. Considering that it is powered by Microsoft, you can likely expect some version of C as the base language though. C/C++ is not as prominent in the Microsoft API's, so I would guess that C# would be the likely language this platform will use. However, if you use JAVA to create your application or use the Droid platform to create your applications, you can use Java Grounds to convert it. Since Droid apps will work on it natively, you can also just use their API.

This has all been driven by the insane demand for mobile smartphone applications. It seems that everyone is looking for cell phone applications to do everything. With Droid and Blackberry both being Windows compatible, it is no surprise that these applications will directly convert over to the Microsoft-powered Sync. All of this has driven Ford to releasing the 2011 Fiesta with a completely Sync enabled system that can support all of your favorite smartphone applications by voice or on your steering wheel. There is a huge push to get applications to the market in time for this release. While there are many Droid and Blackberry apps out there, Ford also wants some original applications that you can only get from them. It is these that there will be a push for. Who knows, there may even be a contest like Microsoft's to create new apps.

Sources:

Sync Mobile Developer Network

Sync AppLink to Launch on 2011Fiesta

Ford Encourages App Developers to Innovate Sync