Ford And Toyota Team Up To Create Open Source Platforms For Car Apps, Taking On Apple And Google

Just recently, Ford Motor Co., Toyota Corp, and others have formed a consortium to create an in-dash software platform, a nice plan to compete against Apple and Googles growing influence is the automotive industry. This will also be a step to stop Apple and Google from controlling how the drivers can connect their smartphones to their vehicles.

Now, Ford and Toyota confirmed that Mazda Motor Corp., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., PSA Group and Suzuki Motor Corp. will be joining their SmartDeviceLink Consortium. Ford and Toyota said in a joint statement on Wednesday that for the non-profit group, their goal is to develop more options on how smartphones can connect to in -vehicle technologies like voice recognition on cars, dashboard displays, and programming.

Furthermore, SmartDeviceLink Consortium plan is to use Ford's Applink software, which is now being used by more than 5 million vehicles, as the basis for their new source platform. The new technology platform could allow smartphone app manufacturers to better combine its app functions into in-vehicle tech that will include steering wheel controls, infotainment screens and as well as voice-activated features.

Global Director of Ford Connected Vehicle and Services said, "Encouraging innovation is at the center of Ford's decision to create SmartDeviceLink, and this consortium is a major step toward that goal." "Consumers will win with new, innovative app experiences from increased collaboration and developer engagement."

Google and Apple both had an increasing influence in the auto world with their own technology such as CarPlay and Android Auto products. Toyota will not offer it to any of their vehicles but Ford Motor Co. will allow drivers to use their new platform in 2017.

Meanwhile, suppliers Elektrobit Automotive GmbH, Xeno Inc., and Luxoft Holding Inc. also attended the consortium, according to the report. Car manufacturers, the auto industry and other technology companies such as cloud computing specialists are slowing developing a lot of partnership for them to create autonomous cars and vehicles that are capable of communicating over the Internet.

Way back in 2011, Toyota already agreed to partner with Ford on car telematic system. Toyota also did receive a lot of attention during the CES global consumer tech conference this week. In fact, Toyota just introduced their futuristic car concept that is programmed to use artificial intelligence to serve its owner.