Ford has announced that its SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes CarPlay and Android Auto, is now available across its entire 2017 lineup of cars, SUVs, light trucks, and electric vehicles in the United States.
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The expansion brings CarPlay to already-released 2017 models such as the Fusion, Mustang, and Explorer, while other models like the 2017 F-150, Focus, Edge, and Super Duty will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year.
Ford confirmed in January that it would be adding CarPlay and Android Auto to all of its 2017 vehicles in North America equipped with BlackBerry's QNX-based SYNC 3 platform, starting with the 2017 Escape in May.
Ford has also added Spotify, Pandora, Ford PASS, AccuWeather, and AAA member services to SYNC AppLink.
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In December, Ford retroactively added Siri Eyes Free support to 5 million 2011-2016 vehicles through a SYNC 3.8 software update. The automaker says more than 15 million SYNC-equipped vehicles are on the road worldwide today, although that figure likely includes older SYNC platforms incompatible with CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ford is also adding CarPlay and Android Auto to its 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 this year.
CarPlay brings Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts, and a number of third-party apps, such as Spotify, to a vehicle's dashboard. Apple's in-car software platform can be controlled with Siri and your vehicle's built-in controls for convenient access to common iPhone features. It is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models.
CarPlay widely launched in the second half of 2015, and the rollout has extended to several large automakers this year, including Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep; BMW and Nissan; and Hyundai and Kia. CarPlay is now available in over 100 new 2016 and 2017 models, while two notable holdouts include Toyota and Mazda.
Top Rated Comments
It's a very poor system and it also takes away a lot of functionality from the native car systems. You're also locked to the absolutely terrible Apple Maps which gives the most dreadful routes, and very often, Spotify or TuneIn refuse to work resulting in the need to disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
Messages are also a chore as Siri sucks when there is any cabin noise in the car.
However most importantly, touch screen interfaces suck in cars. They are insanely dangerous when travelling at speed as they require you to change your driving posture and lean forward, removing a lot of control from the steering wheel.
Apple must do the following to make it a good option:
* FULL integration with the car
* Car computer (MPG, avg speed, etc...)
* Basic items where they are not visible on the dash such as outside temperature.
* Set-up of car systems.
* Service information
* Ability to use another GPS program such as Google Maps or Sygic, etc....
* Improve Siri when there is a lot of ambient noise
* Allow integration with physical dials.
One user noted how the BMW iDrive system was useless, but of all the systems I've used, this is the absolute best once you get used to the iDrive interface knob. I can control my system in seconds and dial numbers safely without looking away from my screen.
The interface is also miles better and more flexible than CarPlay too and I find it much safer to use.
Perhaps a personal view but every person I let try out the CarPlay in my two rental cars thought it was a pile of crap.
When I get in my car in the middle of a scorching summer day, when the sun has been shining directly onto the dash/electronic controls/screen for the past x hours and they are so hot they would burn your hands almost to touch them, or in the middle of winter, when it's below zero and almost frozen, you put they key in the ignition and all all just works, screen powers up, everything.
Think of an Apple product in the sun, gives up working.
Think it's amazing how cars and their equipment are so well made and designed to keep working no matter what is thrown at them.