The third generation of the Ford infotainment system is called Sync 3. Sync 3 is not going to team up with Apple and Google’s system, but will include both, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The good news is that it will come as standard equipment in all 2017 Ford models, starting with the 2017 Ford Escape. Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system will enable its users to unlock the vehicle and remotely start the engine, it will tell its owner how much fuel is still available and find your parked vehicle. All this through smartphone app.

At Ford they did not decide to just take the Apple’s or Google’s system

CES 2016 in Las Vegas was the place where  the third generation of Ford SYNC 3 system was presented. With that, they announced the further development of this platform. The decision of not exclusively installing only Google or Apple but to incorporate both giants into SYNC 3 is one of the best possible. The third generation of Sync will be compatible with both systems, which means mirroring smart phone applications with iOS or the Android operating system.

Ford Sync 3 with new features and improved transparency

Ford owners equipped with the new Sync 3 will be able to unlock the car via smartphone, start the engine, check the fuel level and find a car in the parking lot. In some countries, the system will have the knowledge to guide you to the gas station with the cheapest fuel, the best restaurants and all the other goodies that Ford App-link apps can offer to you.

Sync 3 will be able to recognize driver’s voice commands to navigate the system. It will of course have WIFI connectivity, which will enable for the car to automatically upgrade the software from the wireless home  network.

All in all, the idea of merging Google and Apple seems great for the users. What about the appearance, user interface and layout? I guess it’s in the eye of the beholder. We have already seen nicer and larger screens. Especially in the more technologically sophisticated car brands, especially the ones who produce electric cars. I think you know what I have in mind. The fact remains that the new SYNC 3 is a decent upgrade to an existing Ford infotainment system and I believe it will satisfactorily serve to all of his planned 43 million users by 2020 worldwide.

Image credit: Ford