Ford Moves to SYNC 3 - An infotainment system barely alive...

Newer, better, stronger, faster.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Jan. 3, 2015



SYNC 3.0 GUI – An infotainment system barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild it. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's best infotainment system. SYNC 3.0 will be that system. Better than it was before. Better, stronger, faster…



After firing Microsoft for years of poor customer satisfaction ratings with its SYNC system, Ford is about to introduce SYNC 3.0, the company’s latest infotainment system. Once again the promise is faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a more intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface. Where the company continues to miss the target is stating SYNCs goal is to control a smartphone through their own interface. Instead, why not control the smartphone though the smartphones voice activated interface? Apple CarPlay or Android Auto anyone?



New with SYNC 3.0 is a new AppLink to control smartphone apps including Siri Eyes-Free capability for iPhone users, over-the-air software updates using Wi-Fi, and enhanced 911 Assist that provides subscription-free emergency calling in the event of a significant accident.



SYNC 3’s more conversational voice recognition technology, a more smartphone-like touch screen and easy-to-read graphics will help drivers connect with their lives and “control their smartphone” while on the road.



SYNC 3 is scheduled to be incorporated into Ford’s shortly.



SYNC 3.0 Interface



An all-new touch screen is faster responding to both manual inputs and voice commands while also allowing smartphone-like gestures including pinch-to-zoom and swipe.



A bright background and large buttons with high-contrast fonts for daytime use while at night, the display automatically switches to a dark background.



The home screen features three zone choices – Navigation, Audio and Phone. Tile-like icons dominate the screen, with a quick access function tray along the bottom. Not much new here.



Phone contacts are searchable via a simple swipe of the finger to scroll through the alphabet. With “One Box Search,” SYNC 3 users can look up points of interest or enter addresses in much the same way they use an Internet search engine.



Ford SYNC 3 also minimizes the number of steps needed to carry out a command. Saying “play <song, artist, album or genre>” prompts the system to play the desired song, artist, playlist or album; there is no need to identify the desired category. To switch back to a radio station, the user just says the name of the SiriusXM station or AM/FM radio station number.



Voice search results were enhanced. You can now search for “Detroit Airport” rather than using the official name “Detroit Metropolitan Airport.” With addresses, they can say, “Eleven Twenty-Five Main Street” instead of “One One Two Five Main Street.”



When connected to an Apple iPhone, SYNC 3 offers seamless integration of Siri Eyes-Free control. Drivers can seek Siri’s help by holding down SYNC’s “Push to Talk” steering wheel button – much as they would hold down the button on an iPhone to initiate a Siri session.



AppLink allows Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, NPR One, SiriusXM Radio and iHeartRadio Auto, and displays their unique graphics and branding. Music and news apps are automatically displayed along with other media sources, just like AM/FM or SiriusXM.



SYNC 3 also features the new ability to update the software via Wi-Fi. Once a vehicle is set up with credentials for a home Wi-Fi network accessible in a customer’s driveway or garage, for example, it can automatically download updates. Ford did not say it would use the owner’s smartphone to bring in updates however. Not a good or bad thing, just one less option is all.



SYNC 3s emergency service 911 Assist calls through your Bluetooth-connected phone to dial 911 in the event of a significant accident, alerting first-responders with the vehicle’s location. SYNC 3 relays additional information including if airbags were deployed, the type of crash (front, side, rear or rollover) and the number of safety belts detected in use to help emergency call dispatchers send the appropriate resources to the scene.

Showing how ubiquitous infotainment control is, I first noticed the lady was driving a stick. ;)

Better than ever. And no mention of MyFord Touch which is where the real problems for drivers occurred.

Ford Moves to SYNC 3 - An infotainment system barely alive...