Ford Media Center

New, Free Ford SYNC 3 AppLink Emulator Software to Speed Development of New App-Enabled Experiences for the Car

  • Ford today launches its SYNC® 3 AppLink® Emulator, free software that makes it easy for developers to create and test apps for compatibility with the automaker’s connectivity system – without needing to access an actual vehicle

  • SYNC 3 AppLink Emulator allows developers to set certain conditions – such as vehicle speed, location, temperature and mileage – to test how their app responds to each; it enables creation of apps that deliver more personalized experiences for customers

  • Growing Ford Developer Program counts more than 15,000 registered users and more than 90 AppLink-compatible apps globally; Ford to host third annual SYNC AppLink Developer Conference at CTIA Super Mobility 2016in Las Vegas this September

 

 

DEARBORN, Mich., July 21, 2016 – With more than 15 million SYNC®-equipped vehicles on roads around the world today and 43 million expected by 2020, Ford is introducing a free tool for smartphone app developers aimed at making it easy and cost-efficient to develop in-car apps compatible with the company’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system.

Downloadable from the Ford Developer Program website, SYNC 3 AppLink Emulator is a software program that helps developers create AppLink-enabled apps by allowing them to test how their app will look and work on a SYNC 3 interface – without access to an actual vehicle.

“The SYNC 3 AppLink Emulator makes app development far more accessible to the developer community,” says Dave Hatton, manager of mobile app development, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “We expect this tool to open the door to a host of new and exciting car-friendly apps from developers, both big and small, around the world.”

Critical app development tool
The emulator allows a smartphone to connect to the developer’s computer – just like it would normally connect to SYNC 3. The software platform then mimics SYNC 3 by connecting to the app running from the developer’s phone. The user fine-tunes the look and functionality of the app, then can instantly see how the created features would appear on the in-vehicle touch screen.

The software allows developers to set certain conditions – such as vehicle speed, location, temperature and mileage – to test how the app responds to each. These customizable settings empower developers to make apps that deliver more personalized experiences for customers.

Making app development more accessible
The free software emulator, with its ready accessibility, will help speed development, especially in markets where developers have limited access to vehicles or Ford’s current method of SYNC-compatible app development – tabletop hardware units known as FordDev Technology Development Kits. Ford makes the kits, also known as SYNC-in-a-box, available through a San Francisco location.

Developer conference and hackathon
Ford will host its third annual SYNC AppLink Developer Conference in conjunction with CTIA Super Mobility 2016, Sept. 7-9, in Las Vegas. Ford engineers will be on hand to explain the newest software tools for developing more personalized, vehicle-data-driven apps.

In addition, the Ford developer team will hold a hackathon, where developers can put into action what they have learned for a chance to win prizes. Past hackathons have attracted developers from around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Hong Kong and Japan.

“For Ford, embracing the global developer community and opening the door to innovation are critical aspects of our mission,” said Hatton. “As a company, we look forward to the wave of innovation we expect to stem from our growing efforts – all part of the Ford Developer Program.”

Ford Developer Program
Launched in 2013, the Ford Developer Program invites app developers from across the globe to innovate with the company in the auto industry’s first end-to-end developer ecosystem. The program now has more than 15,000 registered users and more than 90 AppLink-compatible smartphone apps globally. Spotify®, AccuWeather®, MLB.com® At Bat and iHeartAuto are a few popular apps that now feature AppLink capability.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

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