Just as it did last year, Ford is sponsoring a competition in which app developers can compete for the chance to see their ideas become a reality.

Ten teams may enter the SYNC AppLink Developer Challenge at the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon in San Francisco on September 8-9. AppLink was designed for Ford's SYNC infotainment system, and provides voice control of smartphone apps. Each team taking part in the competition will have the chance to use AppLink's application programming interface (API) to create their app idea. The winner will be allowed to develop their app for commercial launch, and for display at Ford's exhibit at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Shows in January.

"Hackathons like the one at Disrupt help connect us not only with the latest ideas being considered by startups, but with the developer community as a whole," Julius Marchwicki, Ford's SYNC AppLink global program manager, said in a statement. "By being there, and getting hands-on with these innovators, we can really find the next big app that can help drivers maximize their drive time while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel."

Last year's winning team saw their app idea - "Roximity" - become a reality. Roximity (see video) is a personalized system that lets users know when they are driving past deals that might interest them. The app can even be programmed to call the retailer or restaurant in question.

Ford notes that the Disrupt Hackathon comes at a time when the company has equipped its millionth car with SYNC AppLink.

More information on the Hackathon can be found HERE. The submission form for the Ford SYNC AppLink Developer Challenge can be found HERE.

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