This week’s International CES usually serves as a platform for companies to unveil their cutting-edge technology, but Ford has instead taken the opportunity to announce its own tech-centric event.
The Ford Developer Conference is designed to bring third-party developers together to exchange ideas about the burgeoning automotive-app ecosystem.
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Attendees will also be able to test out some of Ford's newest development tools, which target the latest version of the company's SYNC Applink 2.0; the platform facilitates in-vehicle, voice-controlled apps that work seamlessly with iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices.
“Driving toward an industry standard, and taking steps that give developers direct access to the tools and technical experts to be successful, are just the latest examples of our commitment to lead in development of the truly connected car,” Raj Nair, Ford's group vice-president of global product development, said in a statement.
In addition to getting direct access to Ford’s software engineering team, the conference will also offer early access to Ford’s new SDK, which is still in its beta-testing phase. The event will also feature several contests and developer-hacking challenges.
"We see our support as a virtuous circle with an open platform that developers can build on to expand the ecosystem, thus encouraging a common platform and benefiting all drivers,” Nair said.
The Ford Developer Conference will take place in June in Dearborn, Mich. Early registration is available, here.
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Image: Ford