All-new infotainment system being rolled out for 2017.
Stephen Ottley
26 August, 2016
Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system. Photo: Supplied
The gap between a car infotainment system and your smartphone is getting smaller.
Ford has announced it has begun rolling out its all-new SYNC3 system across the majority of its range. It features new hardware, including a smartphone-style capacitive touchscreen, and overhauled software as the company tries to cater to customers who like to stay connected.
SYNC3 ditches the four quadrant interface of SYNC2 for a new three tile layout that displays navigation, audio and your connect smartphone on the home screen.
Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system. Photo: Supplied
But the new system also incorporates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Ford's existing AppLink, for greater smartphone integration. Siri Eyes-Free is another new addition for SYNC3, joining the previous voice control system.
The new system is also compatible with apps including Spotify and Pandora and Ford Australia has opened up the system to third party app developers.
"The whole point of this is to bridge the gap between driving and the rest of your connected world," explained George Christopoulos, part of the Ford Australia infotainment and telematics development team.
The capacitive screen allows users to pinch-to-zoom like a smartphone, as well as swipe the screen to scroll through menu functions.
Ford gave Drive the chance to test SYNC3 around Sydney, both relying on the in-built navigation system but also using our connected smartphone.
While SYNC3 is a major change from SYNC3, in terms of layout, it remains intuitive to use, even with the added functionality.
A small bar of icons appears at the bottom of the screen allowing you to navigate beyond the three main tiles.
However, while it is a good system the addition of Apple and Android integration is a big leap forward for those who are more comfortable using their smartphone, while also highlighting the work that car makers still need to do to close the gap between a smartphone and in-car infotainment system. For example, navigation is easier via the connected smartphone - which runs through the 8-inch screen - because it allows you to speak commands such as 'navigate to Bondi Beach' and immediately work out a path, whereas the car's system requires more steps and actual street address via voice input.
But that is a challenge all car companies need to overcome and SYNC3 is one of the better system available on the market today.
It will be rolled out first in the Focus and Mondeo ranges from before the Ranger, Everest and Mustang in September and finally the Focus ST and RS in October.
29-08-2016, 04:57 PM
Ford introduces SYNC3
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