Ford introduces SYNC3

Express · 29-08-2016, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Ford introduces SYNC3

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.

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/f...26-gr25id.html

b0son · 29-08-2016, 04:00 PM

The 90s called, they want their UI back...

DJL351 · 29-08-2016, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0son

The 90s called, they want their UI back...

Indeed - I like the look of Sync 2 more.

vztrt · 29-08-2016, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL351

Indeed - I like the look of Sync 2 more.

With the windows 95 reliabilty and everything.

Sync3 is a much better system.

simon varley · 29-08-2016, 09:09 PM

it's pretty underwhelming in the focus

NX74205 · 29-08-2016, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

With the windows 95 reliabilty and everything.

Sync3 is a much better system.

No doubt it is, but I prefer the GUI of Sync 2.

DJL351 · 29-08-2016, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

With the windows 95 reliabilty and everything.

Sync3 is a much better system.

I did say the look.
I hardly use Nav - so having that big on the home screen is a complete waste in my eyes. Now if you could customise it and swap it with the Audio/Media one; I'd be far happier.

I've also had no issues with the Terri running Sync2. Sync3 is definitely snappier, to colour scheme and layout of Sync2 is streets ahead in my view.

UKXR8 · 30-08-2016, 05:31 AM

I wonder how long it will be before someone figures out how to retrofit sync 3 into an FG-X. Sync 2 is just woeful.

**FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0** · 30-08-2016, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKXR8

I wonder how long it will be before someone figures out how to retrofit sync 3 into an FG-X. Sync 2 is just woeful.

I have to say that I really don't mind SYNC2 at all: we have it on both our cars now. What is it about SYNC2 that you don't like?

Ghiaman · 30-08-2016, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

I have to say that I really don't mind SYNC2 at all: we have it on both our cars now. What is it about SYNC2 that you don't like?

We also have it in both our cars and also find it fine. Be curious to know what is 'woeful' about it.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Mercury Bullet · 30-08-2016, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

With the windows 95 reliabilty and everything.

Sync3 is a much better system.

Prefer Windows 95 over ME.

MAGPIE · 30-08-2016, 01:33 PM

From those pictures it looks awful, much prefer Sync2.

mik · 30-08-2016, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercury Bullet

Prefer Windows 95 over ME.

My brothers an IT guy, he used to call Me .... malingering effluent 😃, and I liked 95 too.
It's what you feel comfortable with I guess, I have 3 smart phones all different android models from different brand's , but I still like my old slow 2014 galaxy note 4 better than the latest wizz bang ones .

UKXR8 · 30-08-2016, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

I have to say that I really don't mind SYNC2 at all: we have it on both our cars now. What is it about SYNC2 that you don't like?

Glad to hear its working well for you.

Maybe its just my car, however find it really laggy, typing things in manually is really slow. The voice recognition is counter intuitive and longwinded. Entering destinations into the satnav is pretty poor and the route selection can be fairly "interesting", so I usually end up using my phone instead. Its old tech and feels really dated. It does look good though.

I would love to have sync 3 in my car, mainly so I can get carplay.

NX74205 · 31-08-2016, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKXR8

Maybe its just my car, however find it really laggy, typing things in manually is really slow.

All of that is true for me too (if you call a 1 second delay as opposed to being almost instantaneous "really laggy"), although I find that the voice recognition is pretty good.

I don't think anyone is disputing that Sync 3 is the better system, just that some prefer the look of Sync 2 over Sync 3. I'd love to have Spotify and Android Auto on Sync 2, but it's not to be, unfortunately.

Vesper Martini · 31-08-2016, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercury Bullet

Prefer Windows 95 over ME.

win98 - USB support!

Vesper Martini · 31-08-2016, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKXR8

Glad to hear its working well for you.

Maybe its just my car, however find it really laggy, typing things in manually is really slow. The voice recognition is counter intuitive and longwinded. Entering destinations into the satnav is pretty poor and the route selection can be fairly "interesting", so I usually end up using my phone instead. Its old tech and feels really dated. It does look good though.

I would love to have sync 3 in my car, mainly so I can get carplay.

Yes it does have some faults, but what are you comparing it to? despite being updated to sync 3 its still pretty new tech.

In my experience a smart phone is not as quick, and will have you drive past turns.

Dave R · 31-08-2016, 01:07 PM

Compare any of these systems to Mylink, they won't seem so bad after that

NX74205 · 31-08-2016, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Compare any of these systems to Mylink, they won't seem so bad after that

Tried MyLink in the Malibu (after having the misfortune of having one as a rental in the first place). Sync 2 craps all over MyLink.

b0son · 31-08-2016, 02:49 PM

Personally, I dont understand why they bother rolling their own.

ALmost everyone has a smartphone, so why not use an Android-based or Apple-based system? Familiar UI and better interoperability with devices, but the auto industry always thinks it can deliver a better solution, yet seldom deliver.

chevypower · 31-08-2016, 02:57 PM

I am familiar with MyFord Touch, Sync 3, and Chrysler's uConnect. I really liked Sync 3, I think it's very intuitive and has the cleanest and most modern look to it. Never had a real issue with the other brands InfoTainment systems either, I just happened to like Sync 3 the best.

Vesper Martini · 31-08-2016, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0son

Personally, I dont understand why they bother rolling their own.

ALmost everyone has a smartphone, so why not use an Android-based or Apple-based system? Familiar UI and better interoperability with devices, but the auto industry always thinks it can deliver a better solution, yet seldom deliver.

Are you talking about cheaper car systems that use the phones tech and data? like Siri or Google maps

Sync 2 is way better than that, and it doesn't cost you data or loose connection.

mik · 01-09-2016, 01:24 AM

I have no idea about the modern wizz bang in car gps systems , i only ever use my smart phone as the gps , and its pretty good , but lacks some of the features of the fully fledged GPS , no speed zones shown , no lanes shown .
how good are the in car GPS ???

Vesper Martini · 01-09-2016, 12:32 PM

I'm a sales rep, I used to drive with a Melway on my lap and I know plenty of others that did the same.
Ive progressed through a couple of aftermarket systems and a factory Toyota GPS in the Prado.
SYNC 2 in my Territory leaves them for dead, and id love to take a look at SYNC 3
They are a command centre for controlling maps, entertainment and climate control.
you can find the closest service station by brand, text messages to voice etc

I have to admit its now a big thing to look at for my next car purchase. and I can see why Auto manufacturers are putting lots into it.

The next thing I want is to be able to put appointments my calendar, Sync 2 has one but is pretty basic.

malazn mafia · 01-09-2016, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercury Bullet

Prefer Windows 95 over ME.

Pentium Pro 266MMX with Windows 95 any day of the week. The thing would boot in 4 seconds flat, play DVD's back in 1996. Back when computers were made to last. Everything since then has been throwaway junk with an expiry date.

malazn mafia · 01-09-2016, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Compare any of these systems to Mylink, they won't seem so bad after that

MyLink is atrocious. Counterintuitive, freezes, and the deal breaker was Bluetooth streaming has skewed audio and all music plays out of tune. Rented numerous VF Commodores and they all have the same issue.

mik · 02-09-2016, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I'm a sales rep, I used to drive with a Melway on my lap and I know plenty of others that did the same.
Ive progressed through a couple of aftermarket systems and a factory Toyota GPS in the Prado.
SYNC 2 in my Territory leaves them for dead, and id love to take a look at SYNC 3
They are a command centre for controlling maps, entertainment and climate control.
you can find the closest service station by brand, text messages to voice etc

I have to admit its now a big thing to look at for my next car purchase. and I can see why Auto manufacturers are putting lots into it.

The next thing I want is to be able to put appointments my calendar, Sync 2 has one but is pretty basic.

i have not used it , but i think android auto could do the appointment thing , as long as your appointments are set to alarm in your calendar on your phone , and its connected to your car via cable or bluetooth, (Apple would probably have something similar ).
i did not like a lot of the google set up , but the way it all syncs up your stuff im becoming fond of it ..

Vesper Martini · 02-09-2016, 09:21 AM

That's quite a powerful App, so reading up on it, it must take over the cars controls.
like the GPS, sound and steering wheel buttons, doesn't mention the touch screen though.
says car data under development

But I'm surprised the Auto manufacturers allow that to happen..
not sure I'm comfortable with that

mcnews · 02-09-2016, 11:40 AM

Apple Car Play in my Hyundai van is pretty good ;-)

VicVic · 09-02-2020, 01:17 PM

I need help. Can you give me a hand please?

I have Sync2in 2015 Ford Focus. It was great when I had my windows lumia phone. I could push the button on the steering wheel, and "call" the assistant on the phone (call Cortana) and then the phone assistant would do whatever I wanted. ie send text messages, not the canned ones but dicated texts. "Tell son to put the oven on to 200", add an appointment to the calendar, reminders, calls, send texts, read texts, take notes etc etc

I drive 750klms a week so I relied on this system to help me with life.

The phone finally died and after nearly 10 years without an iphone or android I finally got an android.

I desperately want Android Auto or similiar. I mainly need to be able to send custom text messages, but the other stuff would be great. I would prefer to use the button on steering wheel to connect, but I am willing to hear other ideas. All suggestions are welcome.