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Ford Launches Voice Control of Apps in Car

Ford, which has been trying to fast-forward its automobiles in the digital space, announced today that its 2011 Fiesta model will be the first vehicle in which smartphone apps can be voice-controlled via its in-car synching software.
One issue: Initially, Ford’s SYNC AppLink, downloadable as an upgrade, will work only with Google (GOOG) Android and Research in Motion (RIMM) BlackBerry devices.
As to the more popular iPhone from Apple (AAPL)?
“Ford will introduce AppLink on all SYNC-equipped vehicles next year, as well as provide interoperability with iPhone and other smartphones,” the auto company said in a statement.
Still, anything that stops dodos from fiddling with a smartphone while driving can’t be bad. Ford (F) has been trying mightily to differentiate itself by digitizing its cars.
In December, Ford said it would make the next generation of its SYNC-enabled vehicles into Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing drivers and passengers to connect to the Internet everywhere much more seamlessly in a moving car.
Pandora Internet radio, online talk radio aggregator Stitcher and mobile Twitter client OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile applications.
Ford also said it is launching a developers’ network to boost the number of apps that can be used in SYNC-enabled cars.

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