Ford is committed to pushing its newest infotainment and in-car connectivity platform, SYNC3, to the fore of as many people as possible. Yesterday, the American automaker announced that it will be available as standard for every model throughout its 2017 U.S line-up of vehicles – cars, MPVs, SUVs, even light trucks and electrical vehicles.
Currently, cars such as the Mustang, Focus, and Mondeo have the SYNC3 system preinstalled. That list is soon to expand, however, to such laggards such as F-150, Edge, and 2017 Super Duty pick-up. They plan to have all cars they sell next year to come with the new infotainment software suite.
Yesterday, we reported on Ford having created a new emulator that would be able to run SYNC3 using through a normal personal computer, allow software creators to better understand and create software for it, facilitating a more active community of developers.
Vehicles equipped with SYNC3 will also be able to run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and in the near future could have over-the-air updates to be installed via Wi-Fi to ensure that all software and applications are kept current without the need and hassle of having it updated at the dealership or authorised service centre.
“We developed one platform – SYNC 3 – and have been able to quickly offer the technology across our line-up,” said Chuck Gray, Ford Global Director, Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering. “Customers considering a new vehicle can now choose any 2017 model year Ford car, SUV, light truck, or electrified vehicle with SYNC 3 and be able to access their favourite apps.”
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Hannah, Director of North America for global automotive technology research firm SBD, said: Ford is not taking the traditional approach of introducing Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto on a few piecemeal models or as an expensive option on luxury vehicles only. The guesswork for consumers is over – if you buy any 2017 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3, you drive off the lot with both of these innovative technologies ready to go.”
SYNC3 is able to run native applications via its SYNC AppLink layer such as Spotify, Pandora, AccuWeather, and Ford PASS. In addition, the aforementioned support for CarPLay and Android Auto means even more software developers can build in app support through the smartphone as well.
Let’s just hope Ford expands this plan to have all models in 2017 running SYNC3 to include markets outside the U.S as well. We’re sure it will be a welcome addition in any new Ford in any country.
For more on Ford vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
