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Ford Holding Second AppLink Developer Conference in San Francisco

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Ford SYNC 3 AppLink

This Saturday, San Francisco will play host to TenchCrunch Disrupt SF, and Ford will use the occasion to hold the second annual SYNC AppLink Developer Conference. Following the success of last year’s event, the conference invites developers to utilize Ford technology to develop apps for the in-automobile experience.

“Ford was the first automaker to host a developer conference, and at the event last year we experienced the power of innovation within the developer community,” said Doug VanDagens, global director, Connected Services Solutions at Ford Motor Company. “For the second annual hackathon, we hope to break new ground and discover new ways to enhance the in-car experience.”

Last year, Ford extended a similar offer for app developers to join them in Las Vegas for the 2014 Connected Car Expo. Ten finalists were announced, including apps that focused on mileage and fuel efficiency tracking and others that focused on social aspects of driving. Ultimately, the winner was the team behind FuelSignal, an app that notifies drivers when fuel is getting low, directs them to the nearest gas station, and acts as a payment method that accumulates loyalty points and discounts.

This year will likely follow a similar template, with developers being given access to open source materials and the 10 most useful apps being selected as finalists for some degree of award.

Ford will also be holding the inaugural AppLink Developer Challenge in Tel Aviv, Israel, this October 11 – 12.