Ease of use has been one of radio’s biggest advantages in the automobile. You turn it on, press a button, and there it is, your favorite radio station. Over time that will change as manufacturers discover ways for consumers to connect their smartphones to their vehicles with fewer hassles and touch-screen buttons.
Ford has just announced that its expanding its SYNC 3 connectivity platform improving the ease of compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This will affect the entire fleet of 2017 vehicles in The United States. Ford’s Director for Global Automotive Technology Jeffrey Hannah says, “SYNC 3 is already a major leap forward in terms of functionality, simplicity, and user experience – Ford’s promise that every new model now ships ‘Smartphone-ready’ is huge.”
Hannah adds that “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.”
Apps such as Spotify, Pandora, Ford PASS, AccuWeather and AAA member services have been added through SYNC AppLink. Compatible with iPhone 5 and later models, CarPlay provides a simplified way to use your iPhone interface on a car’s touch screen, giving users access to Siri voice controls, as well as Apple Maps, Apple Music, Phone, Messages, and a variety of third party apps.
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