Ford’s SYNC is getting a new feature to debut on the 2011 Fiesta and its called the SYNC AppLink. It basically allows you to use the Fiesta’s voice control feature to control apps on your smart phone. But no, iPhones are not supported, probably because SYNC is built on Microsoft software. But AppLink will definitely talk to your Blackberry and your Android phone as those are the two app platforms it supports.
And of course not all apps are supported – the apps have to talk to the Sync app installed onto the phone and at launch time, three apps will support this – Pandora internet radio, Stitcher internet radio and OpenBeak, a Twitter client formerly known as TwitterBerry.
“The growth in smartphone mobile apps has been explosive, and Ford has worked hard to respond at the speed of the consumer electronics market. SYNC is the only connectivity system available that can extend that functionality into the car. AppLink will allow drivers to control some of the most popular apps through SYNC’s voice commands and steering wheel buttons, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” says Ford Connected Services director Doug VanDagens.