Ford’s AppLink 3.0 Will Support Third-Party Navigation Apps

Ford has announced that the next version of AppLink, its system for connecting smartphone apps to its SYNC infotainment system, will allow third-party navigation apps to project their maps from the phone onto the cars’ built-in screens. Considering the relative clumsiness of cars’ built-in navigation systems in comparison to smartphone apps such as Google Maps, Ford’s announcement is welcome news to many consumers and developers.

“With each new version of AppLink, we’re improving the in-car experience with better integration of smartphone apps and easier ways for customers to access and control the content they love,” said Joe Beiser, Ford’s Director of Connected Services for Europe, Asia and Africa. “The next version, AppLink 3.0, leverages open-source SmartDeviceLink functionality to give developers a method to project graphics – such as maps – onto our vehicle touch screens.”

AppLink is part of the Ford SYNC system, which allows drivers to pair their mobile phones with a vehicle to control the radio, make and receive calls, and operate many features hands-free by using voice controls. By choosing to make AppLink software accessible to mobile app developers, Ford is providing a platform to develop apps that respond to voice commands through SYNC.

As Ford has indicated, AppLink 3.0 will use the Genivi alliance’s open-source SmartDeviceLink service and its APIs. The Genivi Open Source Project was launched with “a mission of driving the broad adoption of an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) open-source development platform.” In addition to Ford, the members in the Genivi alliance include BMW, Honda, Nissan, Renault, Volvo and John Deere, as well as chip manufacturers including Intel, Qualcomm and Nvidia, plus many aftermarket manufacturers.

The next version of AppLink is part of Ford’s implementation of the open-source SmartDeviceLink technology, which makes it easier for developers to create smartphone apps that are compatible with communications and entertainment systems from all automakers and suppliers. SmartDeviceLink intends to standardize and simplify the development process. As part of this project, Ford is working with Alibaba, a global consumer internet service, to extend the group’s map, navigation and music services to vehicles. This work has led to the integration of SmartDeviceLink into Alibaba’s app for navigation services, AutoNavi, which demonstrates how it can be projected onto a vehicle’s touch screen for seamless use, in a similar way to a smartphone.

Ford has already released its existing AppLink technology throughout many parts of the world, including North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific. This year, the company plans to roll out this technology in Taiwan, New Zealand and Thailand. When SYNC 3 is launched later this year, it will include Ford’s current version of AppLink. The next version, AppLink 3.0, will be available at a later date.

The possibilities for related app developments are wide in scope and may inspire a new wave of innovations in the near future.