10 automakers race for the apps (photos)

Ford was first to put apps in its cars, bringing out Pandora integration in the Fiesta late last year. OpenBeak, a Twitter app, and Stitcher, which streams audio programming from the Internet, have also been announced, as has iHeartRadio on BlackBerry. To enable integration, Ford makes its Sync AppLink API available to developers, who can modify their apps to use Sync's in-car voice and manual controls. To use the apps, they have to be loaded and running on your phone, at which point the car's display will show the interface and the in-car controls will become available.

Apps: Pandora, OpenBeak, Stitcher, iHeartRadio

Hands-on demonstration

GM announced its app integration this year, using the MyLink name for Chevy models and IntelliLink for Buick. This app integration comes as part of an overhaul of the infotainment system, which adds features such as voice control over digital music selection. With this app integration, which will launch with Pandora and Stitcher, you will see the app interfaces on the car's display, and control various functions using the car's stereo controls. MyLink will launch on select 2012 Chevrolet vehicles, eventually expanding through the lineup.

Apps: Pandora, Stitcher

Buick IntelliLink offers the same app integration as Chevy MyLink, and will launch with the same app availability. Both MyLink and IntelliLink require the Pandora or Stitcher app to be loaded and running on a smartphone. IntelliLink will be available on the 2012 LaCrosse, Verano, and Regal.

Apps: Pandora, Stitcher

Hands-on demonstration

Toyota announced its Entune app integration at the beginning of this year, and will begin to roll it out in 2012 models, such as the Prius V. At launch, it will include more apps than other automakers' systems. Along with music through Pandora and iHeartRadio, Toyota has included Bing search, OpenTable restaurant reservations, and MovieTickets.com. Entune will work on iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry. The system only requires that you install the Entune app on the smartphone. Once connected to the car through Bluetooth or a cable, the Entune app will make the other apps available through the car interface, which includes voice and manual control.

Apps: Bing, OpenTable, MovieTickets.com, Pandora, iHeartRadio

Hands-on demonstration

Only available for iPhone, BMW ConnectedDrive is available now on some models. With the ConnectedDrive app installed and running, a number of connected apps become available through the car's interface. For Facebook and Twitter, the car will display status updates. Google search integrates with the navigation system, allowing for location-specific searches. Pandora integration also works, but is not part of the ConnectedDrive app. Instead, you must be running Pandora on the phone, at which point it becomes available as an audio source on the BMW stereo.

Apps: Google, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora

Mini's Connected app works the same as the BMW ConnectedDrive integration. Again, it is only available for the iPhone, and you must install the Connected app. Along with Facebook, Twitter, and Google search, it includes a few more features such as a driving efficiency coach, music that changes mix depending on driving style, and a set of playful voices that comment on your driving. Pandora is also integrated separately.

Apps: Google, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora

Hands-on demonstration

Audi Online Services is a little different from true app integration. It requires no smartphone, as the car comes with an embedded cellular connection. The car uses that data connection to power Google search, a special version of Wikipedia that focuses on nearby locations, and a few other services. Audi Online Services is currently available on the A8, A7, and A6 models.

Apps: Google, Wikipedia

Hands-on demonstration