- 2011 Ford Fiesta will get new Sync AppLink later this year.
- Software will provide drivers with hands-free voice control of smartphone apps.
- Ford said it will introduce AppLink on all Sync-equipped vehicles next year.
SAN FRANCISCO — In a wise move to win over tech-savvy consumers, Ford said on Tuesday that the 2011 Ford Fiesta will get new Sync AppLink software that will allow drivers to have hands-free voice control of popular smartphone apps.
Sync AppLink will be available for Fiesta owners later this year. Ford said it will introduce AppLink on all Sync-equipped vehicles next year, as well as "provide interoperability with iPhone and other smartphones."
The downloadable software program for the Fiesta will allow owners to access and control Android and BlackBerry smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls, including steering wheel buttons.
Ford said the first Sync-enabled apps available later this year include Pandora Internet radio, Stitcher "smart radio" and Orangatame's OpenBeak app for Twitter, "with additional apps on the way."
Inside Line says: Ford clearly gets it. The most compelling new vehicles out there are now morphing into platforms for technology. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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phill1 says:
02:34 PM, 04/20/2010
I can`t wait for my new 2011 Ford Fiesta to arrive (without SYNC)! Can`t we just drive without having to be constantly "connected"? Just put in your favorite CD or tune in NPR and drive to wherever your going! I thought" Linus" from Charlie Brown and Peanuts had a problem sucking his thumb and carrying his blanket everywhere. Get over it already.....we don`t need a zillion apps!
jaden82 says:
01:35 PM, 04/20/2010
I own a Droid as well and I love it! Unfortunately, my 2002 Focus isn't up to date, though it has given me 7 years and 100,000 miles of trouble-free driving. At least it has an aftermarket system with an aux input. I can jack in the Droid and listen to Pandora that way but it's a pain having to unlock the screen then change stations all the time.
I look forward to replacing my car with a better Ford product someday, and seeing all these nice features being added to the lineup, especially the Fiesta and the new Focus, one by one makes me more excited for that day to come.
bkj216 says:
10:16 AM, 04/20/2010
Makes me glad I have a Moto Droid
orangemotors says:
09:35 AM, 04/20/2010
This is great technlogy. Here at Orange Ford in Albany NY we use SYNC all the time to stay in touch with customers while at the office or on the road. Adding in these additional features is just that much better now that smartphones are taking over! I'm an android fan myself. http://www.orangemotors.com
felonious says:
09:14 AM, 04/20/2010
Woohoo! I'm really excited that they're going to give this to current Sync owners in the future! Ford FTW!
Now I'm even more excited about my future Android phone. :)