As promised, Ford has announced that its new 2017 Escape will be its first vehicle to support CarPlay and Android Auto through its SYNC 3 Connect platform.
The automaker's best-selling SUV has entered production in Louisville, Kentucky, and sales will begin at U.S. and Canadian dealerships in May 2016.
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CarPlay will bring Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts, and a number of third-party apps, such as Spotify, to the 2017 Escape's in-dash multimedia system.
The Apple software can be controlled with Siri and your vehicle's built-in controls for convenient access to common iPhone features. iPhone 5 or later is required.
The new Escape also features available driver-assist technology that can "help keep drivers in their lane, maintain a set speed and distance on the highway, and even aid drivers in getting out of a tight parking spot."
Ford announced in January that it would be adding CarPlay and Android Auto to all 2017 vehicles in North America equipped with BlackBerry's QNX-based SYNC 3 platform, starting with the new Escape.
CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available in 2016 Ford vehicles with SYNC 3 as an upgrade later this year.
CarPlay is available in over 100 new 2016 and 2017 models worldwide from Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Seat, Škoda, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Volvo, and other carmakers.
CarPlay and Android Auto will also available in select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models beginning this year. Toyota, meanwhile, remains one of the largest automakers that has yet to adopt CarPlay, instead choosing SmartDeviceLink, despite being listed as a committed partner on Apple's website since 2014.
Top Rated Comments
Ever since, he's had constant assistance with his driving.
"Bob, Bob, you're supposed to turn here!"
"Bob, you're going too fast."
"Oh for Crissakes speed it up or we will never get there."
"Bob, watch where you're going! Pay attention! There's a car there!"
"Bob don't park here, there is a spot right next to the door over there!"
Dear old mom! But on the few occasions when my mom is driving and Dad is riding shotgun he's just as bad. And when husband or I are driving, my dad turns into a human GPS. :rolleyes:
Seriously though, while these technologies look great, I worry about the stuff I've read about them being hacked. It's hard for me to want to give up my nearly 25 year old car anytime soon when I think of that risk. But as I age I admit this all seems promising in terms of keeping me safely on the road into my golden years.
2008 Focus:
Who want's to be fiddling with buttons, listening to or dictating messages etc whilst driving?
I'd rather just drive, and enjoy some (increasingly rare) gadget free time.