(Quality Digest: Chico, CA) -- The IoT just took a giant leap forward. Ford Motor Co. has announced that the first wave of automakers and industry suppliers will adopt SmartDeviceLink (SDL), Ford’s open-source smartphone app interface software that allows smartphone apps like Spotify, Glympse, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and others to be easily accessed by drivers in non-Ford vehicles using voice recognition and dashboard control.

Toyota Motor Corp. will lead the adoption of SDL, and automotive suppliers QNX Software Systems and UIEvolution have plans to integrate the technology into their products. Additionally, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru are considering adding the software.

By adopting Ford’s technology, automakers and suppliers are helping to accelerate an industry standard that will increase the number of apps available for in-vehicle use. With common industry software, developers can focus on creating the best experience on one platform.

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