US auto maker Ford is looking for developers to design vehicle apps. The company will participate in a 24-hour hackathon event to be held in Tel Aviv in October. Ford is looking for entrepreneurs, teams, and independent developers to take part in the contest. Participants will be given a chance to pitch Ford why their app is beneficial to drivers; the global car maker will pick the winners and handout a selection of prizes.
Ford announced Thursday that the value of the prizes totals NIS 340,000 and includes a new Ford Fiesta, mentoring services from a leading consulting firm, SYNC Development TDK kits, and tickets to Web Summit 2015.
SYNC, Ford’s integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system, allows drivers a one-stop solution for making calls, controlling the audio system, and performing a variety of other functions using voice commands. AppLink, the software technology that links with SYNC, goes further by allowing drivers to execute voice commands for their mobile apps, letting drivers focus on the road and keep their hands on the wheel.
Ford’s development program conducts similar hackathons across the world, mainly in China, Australia, Brazil, and the US. This is the first time such an event will be held in Israel. Previous hackathons leds to the development and implementation of various apps like ROXIMITY, which notifies drivers of local deals, and FuelSignal, which monitors the vehicle’s fuel levels and provides drivers with recommendations for nearby gas stations, specifically those offering better prices and discounts.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 3, 2015
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