Ford’s Sync technology will receive a major update this year. Starting with MY 2017 cars fitted with the Sync 3 system, the Blue Oval will support the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on board these vehicles. The first to receive the system is the new Escape, due to launch as a MY 2017 car.
Along with the new connectivity updates, Ford’s Sync will also get several new apps. These will work with the AppLink technology developed by the Michigan-based carmaker and will offer information such as fuel prices for nearby gas stations and directions to get to them. As most drivers know, there are already apps for that, but Ford plans to bring these functionalities to the multimedia interface of its cars.
Along with the new connectivity options, the Sync 3 system brings to Ford’s new vehicles 4G LTE technology and features like report tracking and Event seeker. Thanks to the new tech, Ford owners will be able to use the paired apps to remotely start their cars, lock or unlock doors, check fuel level and locate their parked car.
For Apple iPhone users, the new features will give them access to Maps, Phone, Messages and Music through the car’s touchscreen or with the help of Siri. As for Android users, the Android Auto system will facilitate access to Google voice search, Google Maps, Google Play Music and more apps thanks to the onboard touch screen or the car’s steering wheel buttons.
The first car to get the new Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is the MY 2017 Ford Escape. Other models fitted with the system will shortly follow.
Owners of MY 2016 Ford cars equipped with current Sync 3 technology are promised an opportunity for an upgrade later this year. Said update should bring some of the features of the MY 2017 multimedia unit to the current system, but Ford has yet to specify what those features will be. The previous Sync units will not be able to upgrade to the latest functionalities.
Along with the new connectivity options, the Sync 3 system brings to Ford’s new vehicles 4G LTE technology and features like report tracking and Event seeker. Thanks to the new tech, Ford owners will be able to use the paired apps to remotely start their cars, lock or unlock doors, check fuel level and locate their parked car.
For Apple iPhone users, the new features will give them access to Maps, Phone, Messages and Music through the car’s touchscreen or with the help of Siri. As for Android users, the Android Auto system will facilitate access to Google voice search, Google Maps, Google Play Music and more apps thanks to the onboard touch screen or the car’s steering wheel buttons.
The first car to get the new Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is the MY 2017 Ford Escape. Other models fitted with the system will shortly follow.
Owners of MY 2016 Ford cars equipped with current Sync 3 technology are promised an opportunity for an upgrade later this year. Said update should bring some of the features of the MY 2017 multimedia unit to the current system, but Ford has yet to specify what those features will be. The previous Sync units will not be able to upgrade to the latest functionalities.