As far as in-built satellite navigation options go in cars, the mere fact that Ford has Waze built into their SYNC3 software suite gives it an incredible leg up, especially among mass market manufacturers.
It seems that package is about to be made more useful with a new compatibility with Sygic, a companion app that’s tailored to making life on the road a little easier. Once the Driving Assistant app is installed onto the smartphone, it operates once connected over USB via SYNC3’s AppLink feature.
Up and running, it will respond to voice commands that are given through by pressing button on the steering wheel, allowing the driver use natural language query it about various things. According to Ford and Sygic, it’s akin to having a voice-controlled co-driver, able to actively find, identify and communicate nearby rest stops, restaurants, hotels, and more typical things like the best route home or to a particular location.
Depending on the location, even information such as current gas prices parking availability can be put before the driver, who can then act upon the recommendation without needing to prod at the central touch screen.
It would be even more useful if Sygic acted as a sort of layer that would be able to control more advanced navigation applications such as the presumably installed Waze on SYNC3. With today’s limitations, though, it seems each AppLink app is treated in much the same way as in smartphones, as clearly defined separate entities with limited power over each other’s functionality.
Other similar solutions to this top-layer voice assistant being able to leverage the mapping power of, say, Google Maps or Waze, are being attempted with automakers building in support for Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, though in many cases the advantages are still quite narrow.
Mind you, the Sygic navigation app has been compatible with SYNC 3 for quite some time now, but only now has this voice assistant feature been used to enhance the experience. Alternatively, one could use the Google Assistant or Siri when plugged into SYNC3’s support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
For more on Ford vehicles, check out our Showroom.
