Apps are making the jump from smartphones to cars

We’re all accustomed to using apps on smartphones and tablets, but with cars getting smarter and smarter, we’re entering a new age of in-car app entertainment as well. Built-in entertainment systems such as Ford SYNC AppLink give drivers with compatible vehicles the ability to use some of the top mobile apps while on the road, and control them with voice commands. From navigation apps to news, music and sports showcases, here are a few of the apps that have already made their way from your phone to the open road. Pandora Music streaming service Pandora is one of the most popular smartphone apps for music lovers, and now you can control it with simple voice commands while cruising down the freeway. A Pandora subscription provides ad-free music on up to 100 custom stations suited to your tastes. Amazon Cloud PlayerIf you’ve amassed a large library of purchased music on your Amazon account, you can stream those tunes seamlessly through your car’s stereo with the Amazon Cloud Player. Customize playback with playlists or simply shuffle your music library. MLB.com At BatTune into live broadcasts of every MLB game, including the postseason, using the league’s official app. Listen to previews of upcoming games, scores from across the league and keep up-to-date with your favorite team’s news with live updates. Allergy AlertFeeling a bit under the weather? Allergy Alert provides information on local pollen levels wherever you might be, along with other environmental hazards like current cough/cold rates, asthma risk and UV levels. RoximityYour car can now help you find deals at local retailers and other businesses using the Roximity app. Roximity scans for discounts at a ton of stores including Gap, Banana Republic, GameStop and Qdoba, just to name a few. Using the available voice commands you can ask for deals based on your needs, such as food or entertainment, and let the app find you the best nearby deal. As in-car entertainment options continue to grow, the line between our dashboards and smartphones will continue to blur. Using your voice to control integrated apps might already feel futuristic, but the really exciting stuff is still on the horizon. (yahoo.com)ANN.Az