Toyota is on a quest to become the first automaker to implement the smartphone software that was developed by Ford, with the aim to present car owners with a more convenient way to use their smartphones in their cars.
Applink is the branded version of the open source software developed by Ford, which goes by the name SmartDeviceLink. This software is to be used in Ford vehicles with a “sync infotainment system.” With this software, customers have the option to gain access to their favourite apps while in the car by simply using voice commands, which then displays the results on the car’s touch screen. Automotive suppliers like UI Evolution and QNX Software Systems are said to be adopting the Applink technology with plans of implementing them into their respective products.
With SmartDeviceLink, drivers would be allowed the privilege of accessing various smartphone apps like iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Glympse by simply making use of voice commands and the available dashboard controls.
SmartDeviceLink would also be made available to vehicles apart from Ford, with the hope of various automakers and suppliers adopting the technology, as it will boost the industry standard and increase the number of apps available for use, Ford inclusive. The apps would see improvement if many companies climb aboard and work on them — and also if developers are shown appreciation for their work by the general public.
PSA Peugeot Citroen is said to be considering adding the SmartDeviceLink to its vehicles. Also, automakers like Mazda, Honda, and Subaru are considering implementing the software.
“The true benefit of a common smartphone app communications interface is that it creates an industry standard — enabling great experiences for customers while allowing different companies the freedom to differentiate their individual brands,” Don Butler, Ford executive director, Connected Vehicle and Services, commented. “Ford is making the software available as open source, because customers throughout the industry benefit if everybody speaks one language,” he further added. This announcement was made along with the Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Ford is creating a pathway for the industry that provides a maintenance for “differentiated, brand specific entertainment and connectivity systems” that makes possible customers expectations for a smartphone app that integrates, notwithstanding the smartphone.
Ford’s subsidiary, Livio, is currently managing the open source project by partnering with the SmartDeviceLink developers in order to create the right interface in each vehicle environment.
“Developing a safer and more secure in-car smartphone connectivity service — which better matches individual vehicle features — is exactly the value and advantage an automaker can offer customers,” the executive vice president of Toyota Motor Corporation, Shigeki Terashi, said. “We expect that many companies share our view and will participate in the industry SmartDeviceLink collaboration.”
Ford has plans of introducing a new version of the AppLink this year, which would include phone navigation apps also.
Applink is present on more than 5 million Ford vehicles worldwide and is expected to reach a figure of 28 million extra vehicles by 2020, with the aim of spreading to new markets worldwide.
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