“Breadcrumbing” is what they call it, and it’s one of the applications that Ford is hoping developers will bring to their Sync system they developed jointly with Microsoft (News - Alert) when they release the software developers kit.

 

What is breadcrumbing? It’s the auto equivalent of Hansel and Gretel’s strategy to return from the woods, but in this case it’s a shared application among a group of drivers who follow each others’ roots to specific destinations.

 

Telematics 2.0 is probably a good description for this discussion because the system is now adding a social network component to the system. While M2M often is used to report to a common system about fleet management issues, this is using much of the same technology for a higher level of applications. Ford and Microsoft developed Sync in 2007 when it launched with a variety of GPS, entertainment and crash notification functions. Sync is no longer an exclusive relationship.

 

According to the Wall Street Journal, “Ford is in the process of allowing other companies and software developers to adapt smart-phone applications for use in its vehicles, as well as letting developers create car-specific apps. The car maker hopes the move will lure tech-savvy customers who will be more likely to pay for pricey features.”

 

This will be a change in how Ford sells and maintains customer relationships since its not normally maintaining billing accounts with customers. Ford is negotiating licensing with a selected few apps developers and may develop a Sync App Store.

 

The auto-maker wants the car to be something more than another terminal, because it is looking for the applications to complement other electronic devices (they connect to iPhone (News - Alert) and BlackBerrys currently). Earlier in the year, they presented an app that syncs the contacts list to your car and it’s expected that Ford will use CES (News - Alert) to discuss other social media apps.