Ford SDK for Car-Safe Apps

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Ford is taking a lead in creating apps that are safe for in-car use. Today it announced the release of a software development kit so more developers can create apps that are voice controlled so they are safe for use in the car.

A third of adult smartphone app users admit to accessing apps in the car. Ford says it’s trying to find a safe way to permit the inevitable.

Ford is already reviewing more than 1,000 entries from developers of new apps or car-safe versions of existing apps that work with the Sync. Users could access these safe apps from existing app stores such as Android Market.

“Our goal is not to have thousands of apps available for the car,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group VP of Global Product Development,”because there are strict limitations on what should be allowed while driving.” The comments were made at the CTIA show.

Currently Ford only permits Sync voice control over 3 apps: Pandora, Stitcher and a Twitter feed (Orangatame’s OpenBeak).

Recently GM’s OnStar said it is considering offering verbal Facebook updates and verbal texting. It is also looking into permitting open app development and announced last month it opened up some network APIs to University students to encourage new app development for OnStar (as Ford did last year).

Delphi, a leading OEM supplier of car radios to the car companies, said it is examining becoming a clearinghouse to determine which apps are safe to use in the car. The company also said that in a few years, people will choose new cars based on how well their radios connect with smartphones.

Source: Ford

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