Ford opens its doors to app developers
Blue Oval hopes to speed up in-car app development with release of Ford SYNC 3 AppLink EmulatorFord has today released a new free software system it hopes will accelerate the development of in-car apps for its SYNC infotainment platform.
AppLink has been part of Ford's SYNC system, which is now rolling out in its third iteration, since early 2014 in Australia, allowing smartphone applications to not only be displayed but safely integrated into a vehicle's infotainment system.
But while Ford was an early adopter of the idea and demonstrated its support for the development of new in-car multimedia applications with hackathons, the excitement of integrated auto-apps has been dominated by the big tech players -- Apple with CarPlay and Google with Android Auto.
To address that, Ford has now released the SYNC 3 AppLink Emulator to really speed up in-car app development.
The AppLink Emulator is free software designed to encourage coders to create new in-car experiences without the need for an actual SYNC 3-equipped vehicle to test then in.
Developers will use the emulator framework to set vehicle conditions such as speed, location, temperature and mileage to help test how their new creation will react within those parameters.
Ford is hoping that the army of 15,000 registered participants of the app development program will come up with innovative new experiences for SYNC 3-enabled cars, adding to the 90 or so current compatible apps.
“The SYNC 3 AppLink Emulator makes app development far more accessible to the developer community,” says Dave Hatton, manager of mobile app development, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services.
“We expect this tool to open the door to a host of new and exciting car-friendly apps from developers, both big and small, around the world.”
The new emulator software will allow developers to simply plug a smartphone into their computer and quickly get to the nub of their intended application. It will allow a speed-to-market development process far superior to previous software code management.
“For Ford, embracing the global developer community and opening the door to innovation are critical aspects of our mission,” said Hatton. “As a company, we look forward to the wave of innovation we expect to stem from our growing efforts – all part of the Ford Developer Program.”
It's hoped that local developers will get on board with the program to help ensure compatible apps are not too European or US centric, by developing a suite of in-car applications relevant to the Australian market, conditions and locations.
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