Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Coming to Ford Vehicles
Ford announced they are expanding their SYNC connectivity system at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, including the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford is also adding 4G LTE and new AppLink apps, so owners will be able to stay connected more easily than ever.
Starting with the all-new Ford Escape, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available on all vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 in 2017. Owners of 2016 vehicles with SYNC 3 will be able to upgrade later this year.
The addition of SYNC Connect with 4G LTE will give Ford owners the ability to remotely access their vehicle from their smartphone. An easy-to-use app will provide features such as remote start, door locking/unlocking, fuel level and parking location.
Certain apps using AppLink will now be able to access vehicle information like GPS location and mileage in order to provide drivers with better information. The AAA/CAA app can use GPS data to show where to get the lowest fuel prices, Concur can log mileage automatically for business trips and Glympse can help drivers navigate to other users sharing their location.
Ford is also looking into adding Amazon Echo/Alexa and Wink connectivity to its vehicles to allow for smart home connectivity. Ford owners would be able to check charge status, fuel level, start/stop the vehicle and lock or unlock the doors using voice commands in their home. Once in their vehicle, owners could interact with their home, including seeing if the garage door is closed or turning on their porch lights.
Other automakers are also taking steps to adopting Ford’s open-source SmartDeviceLink software that AppLink is based on. SmartDeviceLink allows drivers to easily use popular smartphone apps in their vehicle with voice commands, the vehicle’s touchscreen or buttons on the steering wheel and dash.
Stay up to date with the latest news about SYNC and smartphone connectivity by viewing our Blog and visiting us today at 5 Star Ford near Dallas, Texas.
