Ford SYNC AppLink Update

Ford has released an update for their brilliant SYNC multimedia and communication system that enables users with hands-free voice control of their smartphone apps, first on 2011 Fiesta models.

Ford is also announcing a surprise new member to the AppLink family: the Apple iPhone. The popular smartphone makes for a powerful addition, and will be joining Android and BlackBerry smartphones as compatible devices with the software that allows apps to be controlled through the SYNC voice recognition system.

The AppLink software is free for download and can be stored on a USB memory stick, and then inserted and uploaded to the vehicle via the SYNC system’s USB port.

AppLink makes the connection between app and SYNC fairly seamless and simple, using Bluetooth streaming on paired Android and BlackBerry smartphones and the USB port for a connected Apple iPhone.

Current availability of SYNC-enabled apps: * Pandora o Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011 o Android: Available now (V1.5.3 or higher) o BlackBerry: Available now (Version 1.1.6 or higher) * Stitcher o Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011 o Android: Coming early 2011 o BlackBerry: Late availability * OpenBeak

o BlackBerry