Toyota announced its agreement with Ford, to explore the use of the SmartDeviceLink (SDL) technology in the infotainments of future Toyota and Lexus models.
A few months ago, Toyota had officially stated that they will not use either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on their infotainment systems, raising concerns about their strategy. Ford’s move to open source its AppLink system, now named SmartDeviceLink looks on paper like a good alternative for Toyota.
Ford’s SDL system is an open-sourced project which is compatible with a broad range of devices and platforms because of its ‘agnostic’ nature and can communicate with a smartphone’s apps.
“The in-car app market is quickly evolving. Developing robust, flexible, safe and user-friendly connected services is a priority for us, and one that we believe is shared by Ford, Livio and other contributors to SDL technology”, said Shigeki Terashi, Senior Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation.