A bigger screen, new apps and more.
Automative giant Ford is bringing more advanced smarts to the dashboards of motorists in Europe by introducing its Sync 3 technology to the continent.
The connected infotainment system links up with the user’s smartphone to bring them a range of hands-free apps and services at the wheel.
Sync 3 plays nice with both CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to access their Apple and Google services for maps, music and more through the dashboard.
The hardware takes the form of an 8-inch touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom and voice recognition features. Ford has been more generous with the display real estate this time, making the new system easier to use.
Speaking of voice recognition, Sync 3 responds to more natural language than its predecessor, understanding commands like “I need a coffee” and “I need petrol”, and directing the driver appropriately.
Bespoke apps are a major part of what Sync 3 does. Through a feature called AppLink, its grants users access to an array of exclusive services.
These include a voice-centric social network called HearMeOut and MyBoxMan, a service that allows users to earn a bit of money on the side by delivering packages across short distances.
“Whether you are craving your morning cappuccino on your daily commute or covering the cost of a journey by transporting a package, SYNC 3 brings to life innovative new ways of staying connected on the move,” said Christof Kellerwessel, chief engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe.
“Designed to complement modern smartphones, with an intuitive touchscreen, SYNC 3 understands more conversational speech, is faster, and offers an easier-to-read graphical interface.”
Sync 3 is coming to the UK in the summer, built into the dashboards of Ford’s Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, and the new Kuga, which was unveiled alongside the infotainment system at the Mobile World Congress 2016.
