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Ford is putting on-board apps in the driving seat and making faster advances than any other car manufacturer, with its 2011 model Ford Fiesta the first vehicle to enable drivers to control Smartphone applications with voice commands.

The new Microsoft operating system, Sync AppLink, will offer drivers voice-operated radio controls and a licence to tweet in transit via Orangatame's Twitter client OpenBeak. So far the AppLink works with Android and Blackberry devices but may disappoint the Apple aficionados who will have to wait a little longer for an iPhone compatible version of the software.

US models have been integrating Sync apps for the last three years, building services such as a Vehicle Health Report and emergency service call-out, 911 Assist, into the in-car operating system.

Gadget-frenzy aside, this technology has obvious safety applications. A recent study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute suggested lapses in drivers' attention amounting to any more than a few seconds with eyes off the road are a factor in four out of five accidents.

Sue Cischke, group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering at Ford, said: 'We think driver distraction is a critically important issue. Drivers are going to have conversations, read maps and directions, and listen to music while they drive. Ford believes hands-free, voice-activated technology substantially reduces that risk by helping drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.'

Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Organization, added: 'The growth in smartphone mobile apps has been explosive, and Ford has worked hard to respond at the speed of the consumer electronics market. SYNC is the only connectivity system available that can extend that functionality into the car. AppLink will allow drivers to control some of the most popular apps through SYNC's voice commands and steering wheel buttons, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.'

Ford will be introducing the AppLink across all models next year and is already scouting for new candidates for on-board applications via its Mobile Application Developer Network - a forum for developers to suggest applications and get involved in creating and enhancing their hands-free interface.

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