SYNC Applink now available for download, Ford Fiesta owners get voice control over apps

2011 Ford Fiesta gets New SYNC AppLink Cabability

Ford has announced the next phase of the SYNC system with the release AppLink, the industry-first software application that gives SYNC users hands-free voice control over smartphone apps for Android, Apple iPhone and BlackBerry devices. When the concept was first in development, Ford had mentioned that BlackBerry and Android devices would be supported, but has now also added the iPhone to that list.

“More and more drivers are using their devices and their apps while in the car,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services. “With AppLink, SYNC is a smarter solution for these drivers who choose to use these apps while driving – making it the only connectivity system available that can extend app functionality to the car using both voice and steering wheel controls.”

Fiesta owners will be the first who are able to use the application, and can go to www.syncmyride.com for the free download. Currently, support is available for Pandora, Stitcher, and OpenBeak, with the last only available for BlackBerry.

Current availability of SYNC-enabled apps:

Pandora

  • Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011
  • Android: Available now (V1.5.3 or higher)
  • BlackBerry: Available now (Version 1.1.6 or higher)

Stitcher

  • Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011
  • Android: Coming early 2011
  • BlackBerry: Late availability

OpenBeak

  • BlackBerry: Available now from http://m.openbeak.com and soon in Blackberry App World (Version 1.4 or higher)

– By: Stephen Calogera