We have known for awhile that Ford was planning on rolling out some SYNC powered applications for BlackBerry devices. The new system is called AppLink and is essentially a set of APIs that can extend an apps functionality to the car using both voice and steering wheel controls in Ford cars. It turns out that the recent Pandora update was to add compatibility for this new AppLink along with updates for Sticher and OpenBeak as the first SYNC enabled apps. You can see the full details below on which versions of each app.
The AppLink works with SYNC over Bluetooth to connect your phone and you press the voice button on the steering wheel to say a command. To get mobile apps you say “Mobile Applications” followed by the app name. Once you have an app like Pandora loaded you say something like “Play station classic rock radio,” “Bookmark song,” “Thumbs up” or “Thumbs down.”
Currently only the 2011 Ford Fiesta is getting voice control and AppLink but it looks like other SYNC enabled cars will be soon to follow. The 2011 Ford Fiesta owners can get the AppLink update added to their account at www.syncmyride.com.
Current availability of SYNC-enabled apps:
- Pandora – BlackBerry: Available now (Version 1.1.6 or higher)
- Stitcher – BlackBerry: Late availability
- OpenBeak – BlackBerry: Available now from http://m.openbeak.com and soon in Blackberry App World (Version 1.4 or higher)
Jakob Not Registered
Posted: December 22, 2010 at 9:13 AM EST
What do you have to say?
Terrence T ( View Profile) - Posts: 1820
Posted: December 22, 2010 at 11:21 AM EST from my BlackBerry 9800 | OS 6.0.0.337
Well,iphone has it too…
Ruby Betterton Not Registered
Posted: December 23, 2010 at 3:38 PM EST
Is Ford serious? This seems, hmmm, not very safe! So while there are laws being put in place across the country outlawing cell phone use in cars, Ford is encouraging it (at least partially!) with this? Wow. Wow.
As for sync, what do you recommend for syncing a BlackBerry to computers (preferably a Mac)? I currently have Syncables 360 version 6, and if I upgrade to version 7 it will sync my BlackBerry to my computers.
I’m not sure if I should upgrade or not…although to be fair, Syncables is probably the best software I’ve used to date for syncing/backing up. Appreciate the help..
DavidB ( View Profile) - Posts: 1791
Posted: December 31, 2010 at 6:08 PM EST
More driver distraction, blech. Why do we have this perception that driving isn’t worth our full time and attention so much that manufacturers think there’s a major market for this stuff?
barrist ( View Profile) - Posts: 1186
Posted: January 10, 2011 at 11:19 PM EST
very neat