Some 14,000 owners of SYNC-equipped Ford Fiesta vehicles are the first to enjoy AppLink, a free software program that gives users voice control of apps stored on their smartphone.
Ford said that with AppLink, SYNC becomes the only connectivity system available that can extend app functionality to the car using both voice and steering wheel controls.
Ford also announced that the Apple iPhone has joined Android and BlackBerry smartphones as compatible devices with AppLink.
Recent studies indicate 46% of adult smartphone users have apps on their phones and 36% of those admit to using those apps while commuting.