We love our mobile applications.  They make our phones so much more than just phones. Now, Ford is hoping developers will love yet another mobile application platform — the automobile.   Ford has opened up their Sync software development kit (SDK) for developers in the hopes that they can attract the best and brightest to build new applications to be featured in the Ford vehicle lineup.

Ford has been working on developing its own applications, like voice-activated Traffic alerts, Directions and Information (or TDI)  – which the company made available to 2010 Ford owners this past May — they realize that opening up the SDK and attracting application developers can bring more integration between location-based and social networking technology.

Prasad Venkatesh, head of Vehicle Design & Infotainment at Ford, describes the new approach to attract developers for their Sync platform:

The way we’re developing the toolkit, you could sit in the comfort of your home and plan a roadtrip. Using a smartphone or computer, you’d then add points of interest or other plans.  [Then] At the click of a button, the cloud would make all that available to you in the car, and it would broadcast it to your social networking groups.

In a recent interview with Fast Company, Venkatesh went on to describe how future Ford vehicles may include mobile broadband to provide the driver and passengers with an always-on connection.  Currently, the Sync system can pair with the driver’s mobile phone to download updates.

Ford is currently collaborating with the University of Michigan, allowing students to build cloud-connected apps using Java, C++, or any other programming language they choose.  The apps will work on a new open-source operating system that Ford will use to work in conjunction with Microsoft’s Robotics suite. Ideas from students will be selected for review by the Ford labs, where they will be considered for implementation.  Winning students will also get to present their applications at the Maker Faire Convention.

Imagine being able to stream Pandora without using your smartphone’s data connection through Bluetooth A2DP.  They mobile broadband would be built directly into your car.  How about being able to enable automatic location-based updates that could post to BrightKite, Facebook, Twitter, etc. as you traveled along for your next business or roadtrip? Maybe you just want to tell Sync to make you a reservation at a restaurant via Open Table while you’re on the road?  These are just a few of the possibilities.

There are certainly many possibilities and opportunities with this move.  By integrating more technology, and allowing developers to create voice-enabled applications using the Sync SDK, Ford may be able to get a head start on other auto manufacturers — and possibly lure customers away from their competition.

[Sync My Ride via Fast Company]

Related posts:

1. Gear Diary Weekly Roundup for Oct 26-Nov 1: Androids, Apples, eBooks and Features..Oh My!
2. Dazzboard Launches Facebook App