DEARBORN, MICHIGAN (United States): Ford's new SYNC 4 system will be available on selected vehicles in 2020. The American automaker has previewed the next-generation of its SYNC communications and entertainment system, which is faster, easier and simpler than ever to use.
Tailored to run on a variety of new touchscreen displays available, from 8 inches to 15.5 inches, SYNC 4 includes enhanced multi-tasking to simultaneously display different features at the same time, plus cord-free Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SYNC AppLink compatibility.
Featuring cloud-based connectivity and conversational voice recognition, SYNC 4 delivers comprehensive search results and more functionality for customers.
This includes cloud-based optional navigation to keep up with the latest traffic information, the ability to quickly browse digital owner’s manuals, and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and AppLink apps from smartphones and mobile devices.
“With this new fourth-generation technology, we’ve evolved SYNC into an intelligent, voice-activated, in-vehicle digital assistant,” says Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development & purchasing officer.
On all-new available 12-inch screens, multi-tasking will be enabled by splitting the screen into larger and smaller windows.
For example, if a customer wants to keep their navigation route on the screen while changing songs, they can choose to display the radio or other streaming music services in the smaller display area.
Customers will be able to quickly scroll through nine different features to display as Information on Demand, making SYNC 4 easier to use.
With large 15.5-inch screens, SYNC 4 features the addition of Adaptive Dash Cards.
Instead of having to navigate menus every time you want to launch an app, recently used or popular features are listed horizontally underneath the main portion of the screen in individual dash cards.
These cards display helpful information such as the next step on your route, but they are interactive as well.
You can pause or skip songs directly through the card instead of having to bring up your music player, and similarly you can view your phone status or hang up calls through the card as well.
“No matter what size screen Ford customers choose, they will be getting an experience tailor-made for their vehicle,” said Gary Jablonski, chief engineer for SYNC technology, Ford Motor Company.
Also, for the first time, Ford is implementing wireless implementation of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SYNC AppLink apps such as Waze.
Customers will continue to be able to use both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to enable simultaneous operation of in-vehicle entertainment and mobile device navigation while providing calls, music, and other features to be controlled through the vehicle's display.
Wireless charging capability also means you can juice up your compatible smartphone even while leaving the cords at home.
