The Consumer Electronics Show 2016 has already begun and a host of new announcements are on their way.
The Consumer Electronics Show 2016 has already begun and a host of new announcements are on their way. Ford amongst other manufacturers has announced that its SYNC 3 in-car connectivity system will now be able to support Apple Car play and Android Auto. In addition to this, SYNC 3 will also bring in a long list of applications compatible with the in-car system with the help of Applink. Ford will also provide access to 4G LTE services on the infotainment systems via SYNC. New SYNC Connect technology which is powered by 4G LTE enables remote start, unlock doors, check fuel level and locate a parked vehicle via your smartphone. Existing users of SYNC 3 will be also able to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their respective cars.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are gaining immense popularity recently as they provide smartphone like interface on the car’s touchscreen infotainment systems. They have proved to be intuitive to use on the go and provides seamless connection to your smartphone. Don Butler, Ford Executive Director, Connected Vehicle and Services, said, “SYNC allows customers to bring the smartphone technology they’re comfortable with into a vehicle and use it without hassle. With SYNC, we move at our customers’ pace making it easy for them to maintain a connected lifestyle no matter their choice of smartphone, apps or services inside and outside their vehicle.”
Android Auto is available for devices which run on Android 5.0 or above while Apple CarPlay can be accessed by users having the iPhone 5 or later models. On Android Auto, the user will be able to access features like Google Maps, Google Play Music and various other apps by projecting it onto the screen of the in-car infotainment system. Apple CarPlay on the other hand projects the entire interface of the iPhone onto the in-car touchscreen so users can enjoy a connected experience without having to even touching their Apple devices. In India, Apple Carplay is only offered on the Maruti Baleno, while the Volvo XC90supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
