Ford is trying to blaze an untraveled trail in the automotive industry: The company is aiming to make its AppLink platform open to all automakers with no costs or restrictions. On Monday, the automaker announced its Ford Developer Program. “Utilizing the SYNC connectivity system and AppLink application programming interface (API), Ford becomes the first automaker in the world to launch an open developer program that enables software developers to directly interface with the vehicle and create apps that will enhance the driving experience,” according to the company’s press release. The program will provide a software development kit, technical support from Ford engineers and a developer community. If widely adopted, this would mark the end of some big headaches for developers, who are currently faced with a fragmented market for automotive apps. But automakers that want to distinguish their brand will probably continue making their own consumer-facing app platforms. (Wired.com, Ford)
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