Cooperation between Ford and Microsoft in the development and production of automotive infotainment systems SYNC, which began in 2007, came to an end with the announcement of the third generation of SYNC. Head units built on a different software platform that is fully compatible with devices on iOS and Android.
With the proliferation of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink dependence motorist from "freshness" of hardware and software of the car multimedia system is reduced. Most of the functions assumes smartphone controls that are duplicated on the center console of the car and are supported by the voice commands. So manufacturers are hoping to win eternal lag infotainment machines on the development of smartphones and tablets.
Meanwhile, automakers are still dependent on the capabilities of the factory head unit, as they increasingly intrusive control and those functions that are unique to cars - for example, the work of the air conditioning system, suspension and transmission settings. Integrating these capabilities in a single device, the automaker is seeking a more holistic perception of "interface" consumer. This week, Ford introduced the third generation of its infotainment system SYNC, denote rejection of the long-term cooperation with Microsoft and the transition to the platform BlackBerry / QNX, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The system has not only become more responsive to the interface and adapted to lighting conditions and time of day, but also learn to understand voice commands to "natural language". SYNC AppLink function allows 3 to communicate with smart phones under control of iOS and Android, to duplicate the contents of the screen on the central display cars and operate the basic functions of the mobile device.
This "omnivorous" should be welcomed by buyers, because most car manufacturers are not ready yet equally quickly to support iOS and Android. SYNC 3 also supports Wi-Fi, and can update the software in the background, connecting to a trusted access point in the garage or in the parking lot near the office.
SYNC system will be available in 3 trim levels of certain Ford vehicles next model year.