Jan 12, 2018 You can now connect Waze for iPhone with any Ford vehicle running SYNC 3 Tidal gets updated to fill iPhone X edge-to-edge OLED display, now supports CarPlay Wireless Apple CarPlay will be supported in some 2020 Ford models with SYNC 4.
- New, enhanced Ford SYNC® AppLink™ 3.0 allows projection of moving graphics – such as maps from smartphones – onto in-vehicle touch screens
- Ford accelerates smartphone app integration innovation by actively contributing to SmartDeviceLink open-source project
- Ford, in collaboration with Alibaba Group, integrates smartphone-based navigation through SmartDeviceLink; will lead to future implementation on SYNC via AppLink 3.0
Weeks after Ford introduced its next-generation SYNC® 3 in-vehicle connectivity system, the company today announced it is rolling out Ford SYNC AppLink™ 3.0 next year, giving customers the ability to access their favorite compatible navigation app – much as they do on a smartphone – on in-vehicle touch screens.
“With each new version of AppLink, we’re improving the in-car experience with better integration of smartphone apps and easier ways for customers to access and control the content they love,” said Joe Beiser, Ford director, Connected Services for Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa. “The next version, AppLink 3.0, leverages open-source SmartDeviceLink functionality to give developers a method to project graphics – such as maps – onto our vehicle touch screens.”
This next version of AppLink benefits from the open-source SmartDeviceLink initiative that is driving new feature innovation. As part of that project, Ford is working with Alibaba, a global consumer Internet service, to extend the group’s map, navigation and music services to vehicles. This has led to the integration of SmartDeviceLink into AutoNavi, Alibaba’s app for navigation services, demonstrating how it can be projected onto a vehicle touch screen for seamless use – just like on a smartphone.
The collaboration with Alibaba is also putting more emphasis on development of SmartDeviceLink. Sharing Ford’s vision of a truly open-source smartphone-linking technology, Alibaba will not only integrate SmartDeviceLink into apps, but also become an active contributor driving evolution of the project.
Commitment to SmartDeviceLink
This next version of AppLink is part of Ford’s implementation of the open-source SmartDeviceLink technology that makes it easier for developers to create smartphone apps that are compatible with communications and entertainment systems from all automakers and suppliers.
The mission of SmartDeviceLink is to standardize and simplify the development process, and expand availability of in-car apps for consumers with well-known and well-established open-source methodology.
Ford, an active contributor to SmartDeviceLink, continues to make enhancements accessible through Genivi with the intention of expanding partnerships with mobile app developers. This will increase the markets where SmartDeviceLink technology is available and provide developers an easier path to getting their apps into more vehicles.
Ford already has rolled out its AppLink technology globally, including North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Three new markets are slated to come on board this year – Taiwan, New Zealand and Thailand.
AppLink is part of the Ford SYNC system. SYNC allows drivers to pair their mobile phones with a vehicle and control the radio, make and receive calls, and operate more features hands-free using voice controls.
By making AppLink software accessible to mobile app developers, Ford is providing a platform to make apps respond to voice commands through SYNC. Even with voice commands, customers should only use their SYNC system when it is safe to do so.
Upon launch later this year, SYNC 3 will include Ford’s current version of AppLink. The next version, AppLink 3.0, will be available at a later date. Information about Ford’s new communications and entertainment system, SYNC 3, can be found at media.ford.com.
In 2015 Ford will bring a new, redesigned easier-to-use Sync system, and phase out the MyFord Touch system now in use.
By Vincent Hennigan
Ford Sync Specialist
Ford will introduce a new communications and entertainment system called Sync 3 on some 2016 models, and more will come on line in 2017.
Sync® 3 promises to reduce on-screen complexity, offer easier-to-use voice commands and changes to the control options for users. This new approach brings the Sync system in-line with typical smartphone commands and usage features.
Additionally, the new system will drop the Microsoft partnership and move to the Blackberry QNX system. A new Texas Instruments system-on-a-chip will bring noticeably improved response and processing times.
So the promise of Sync 3 is to offer faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a more intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface to help Ford customers connect and control their smartphone on the road.
Ford Apps For Sync 3
Initial photos and videos showing the new system reveals that the new system understands more conversational voice commands and allows functionality more like a tablet or smartphone.
Ford will also offer seamless integration of AppLink™ for a simple way to control smartphone apps.
Plus they will offer the addition of Siri EyesFree capability for iPhone users.
Also you’ll be able to get over-the-air software updates using Wi-Fi – which will allows easier updates.
Apps That Work With Ford Sync 3
Finally, it will offer enhanced 911 Assist® that provides subscription-free emergency calling in the event of a significant accident.
The Ford Sync system was first introduced eight years ago – the same year the iPhone was introduced.
Ford’s new SYNC® 3 system is a communications and entertainment system that is faster, more intuitive and easier to use with enhanced response to driver commands. SYNC 3’s more conversational voice recognition technology, a more smartphone-like touch screen and easy-to-read graphics will help millions of drivers connect with their lives and control their smartphone while on the road.
The next-generation system builds on the capability of SYNC technology already in more than 10 million SYNC-equipped vehicles on the road globally. With the earlier versions, some users just weren’t getting the most out of the system. Many claimed the system was impossible to use, but maybe the real issue is that some users were familiar with smartphone commands and those commands didn’t create the same results on the Sync system.
“Ford is delivering an easier way for customers to stay connected,” said Raj Nair, Ford chief technical officer and group vice president, Global Product Development. “SYNC 3 is another step forward in delivering connectivity features customers most want, and they tell us this kind of technology is an important part of their decision to buy our vehicles.”
Ford took a customer-centric approach in developing SYNC 3, drawing on 22,000 customer comments and suggestions, plus insights gleaned from research clinics, market surveys and tech industry benchmarking.
Since there are multiple Microsoft-based platforms that have been offered throughout the Ford system for many years, it is unclear if the older systems could be updated. Most likely, Ford customers will have to buy a new vehicle to get the newest infotainment system.
What Apps Can You Download Sync 3 Ford F 250
Ford is delivering MyFord and MyFord Touch Sync system currently. With the roll out of 2016 models (later in 2015), the new Sync 3 system will be available. Look for more stories in the next few months that will focus on this new system.