This year, Ford will be adding both CarPlay and Android Auto platforms to the 2016 and 2017 edition of its vehicles. All 2017 Ford models with the company’s Sync 3 infotainment platform that are sold in North America will ship with CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 2016 models will be upgraded “later in the year.”
The first model to get both platforms on sale in spring will be the 2017 Escape, which was also previously announced as the first vehicle to get Ford’s Sync Connect system. The system brings LTE telecommunication into the car; other vehicles with Sync 3 will reportedly receive LTE later this year.
Ford is also promoting enhancements to its own AppLink platform at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The apps of AppLink will be able to directly access vehicle data, and several apps that are capable of taking advantage are also coming this year. These apps include AAA and Concur, a “business expensing” system that can log vehicle mileage automatically. Ford isn’t the only company to use AppLink, as the open version of the platform, SmartDeviceLink, is “investigated” by Toyota as a possible in-car app platform.
CarPlay was announced by Apple two years ago, and according to the company, it will make it more intuitive for drivers to use their iPhones in their cars, making it easier to make calls, use Maps and so on with a word or touch.
Meanwhile, Google provided an answer to CarPlay by introducing the Android Auto. The system delivers useful information and makes full use of Google Now. It also has a voice command system and prompts for drivers so they never have take their hands of the steering wheel.
Source: (The Verge)
