DETROIT: Ford is adding full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support to every car in its 2017 model year range, and Kia is continuing on its quest to offer owners of its existing models the same smartphone compatibility features via free software updates.
Ford’s Sync platform was the first to bring connected entertainment and voice activation to mainstream motoring, and in order to take advantage of seamless iPhone or Android handset integration all consumers will have to do when ordering their next Ford is to specify the Sync 3 platform as an option.
“The guesswork for consumers is over — if you buy any 2017 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3, you drive off the lot with both of these innovative technologies ready to go,” said Jeffrey Hannah, Director of North America for global automotive technology research firm SBD.
Apple CarPlay is an integrated feature on any iPhone from iPhone 5 onwards. It gives drivers voice access to Siri plus a dashboard touchscreen take on smartphone display for using the contacts book, making calls, checking messages, listening to music stored on a device, using Apple Maps for navigation; plus access to a growing number of Apple CarPlay certified third party apps, such as Spotify.
To get the benefits of Android Auto, consumers will need a handset running Android version 5.0 or later and like CarPlay, Android Auto offers access to music, communication and Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation.
However, even with an older smartphone, with Sync 3 users will be able to pair their device with their new Ford and via its Sync AppLink system get car-friendly access to apps including Spotify, Pandora and AccuWeather.
And while Ford focuses on its new cars, Kia is continuing in its quest to add backwards compatibility to its existing US range. The company has added another eight vehicles from 2014-2017 including the Optima, Sedona and Soul to the list of cars that are a free software download away from offering owners Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
“With the advanced growth of telematics and infotainment systems, Kia is excited to offer to more of our customers the opportunity to have the latest software update for their vehicle free of charge,” said Henry Bzeih, Managing Director Connected & Mobility Services, KMA. “Providing CarPlay and Android Auto to a greater number of vehicles in our lineup will revitalize our current owners’ systems with an additional element of convenience while maximizing the benefits of connectivity.”
Keyword: Ford and Kia boosting CarPlay and Android Auto support