Pioneer today announced the availability of Zypr: a new voice-powered, unified Web API (Application Programming Interface) available to developers.

The API could be considered compared with Apple's Siri feature, which is mainly used to control systems or trigger tasks with voice. However, Pioneer's Zypr is an open source API that can be used be any developer. It bridges the worlds of mobile devices, Web apps, consumer electronics and automotive infotainment by bringing normalized Web services mashups to all of these platforms, with the added functionality of voice-control commands.

The Zypr API provides a way for developers to access voice UI, maps and routing, local search, social networking, music and radio, contacts, calendars and weather from multiple content providers. Zypr is a set of RESTful cloud APIs organized by content service category - device makers and app developers can access the API directly via HTTPS calls and potentially implement client applications using common languages and operating system platforms.

Web services currently supported by Zypr that can be mashed up and applied in new ways using voice control include Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yelp, AccuWeather, INRIX real-time and predictive traffic information, Slacker Radio, Tuner2 Radio, Wcities, xAd and VoiceBox. As a Web-based API, Zypr works on all platforms supporting HTTPS access, including HTML5, iOS, Android and Java.

Zypr-powered applications will also allow data to "follow" a user across multiple devices found in daily life due to Zypr's centralized, cloud-based architecture. As a free, ad-supported service, Zypr offers developers the opportunity for a share of revenue earned based on users accessing Zypr through their products.

The Zypr API is immediately available as a no-charge license for developers. Developer keys, reference code, documentation and all developer tools are available at www.zypr.netM or by emailing developer@zypr.net. Once an application is ready, it may be submitted to Pioneer for review ? upon approval, a key will be issued to enable the app to access Zypr services.

"Pioneer created Zypr so that any type of developer or device maker on any platform can easily offer compelling new services to enhance their own technology and brand equity," said Susumu Kotani, the president of Pioneer Corporation. "We have also changed the rules by allowing developers and device makers alike the opportunity to share in revenue when they deploy Zypr."