Programmable Web -- At last week's Ford Developer Conference, Ford announced that its new SYNC 3 platform would include an API open to the developer community. API access to the platform will allow developers to build apps that integrate with SYNC 3 enabled vehicles. SYNC 3 enabled vehicles include features such as voice recognition, touch screen, and more.

Ford named the technology that allows app-vehicle communication AppLink. AppLink allows the app developer community to integrate with SYNC 3 enabled vehicles with voice control and allows apps to appear on a vehicle's SYNC screen. Ford first rolled out a developer program in 2013. Since the initial launch, over 90 smartphone compatible apps have been developed for AppLink. The latest release should only increase that number.