Now, Twitter and Facebook in your cars

Car owners could soon upgrade the software systems on their car, upload apps and even interact with social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

The basis for the cutting-edge technology has just arrived in the updated, Australian-made Ford Territory, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Territory's advanced hardware is the latest in an electronics-led revolution of cars that will increasingly bring smartphone interaction, vehicle-specific apps, cloud computing and even the potential to use tablets such as the iPad as a colour screen for the car.

The updated Territory comes standard with a USB input that the brand says, has ''upgradeable architecture'' and the ability to ''provide updates for customers''.

Ford Australia electrical integration manager Con Papadomanolakis said the system - which will be introduced to the Falcon large car by the end of this year - will more closely mimic the speed of software development in portable electronic devices, such as the iPhone and smartphones from other brands.

He said that there is scope to introduce customised on-board apps as well as internet connectivity and even interactivity with social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

''Certainly, the capability is there and it's something we'll look at in future,'' Papadomanolakis said of social media interactivity and on-board apps.

''[Using] software, you can deploy future functions as they become available. You'll be able to download updates through the USB [input plug in the car],'' he added.