Ford Sync update brings Siri into the mix

Ford has released its first major on-the-fly update for its Sync software. It’ll be available for over five million vehicles that come with the company’s infotainment services. It’ll work for model years 2011 onwards that come with second-generation version of Sync. The update introduces Siri integration as well as access to Siri’s hands-free help. All you need to do is long press on the voice recognition button on the steering wheel.

Meanwhile, the third-generation version of Sync will include Siri Eyes-Free. This version has started to appear in vehicles with the current model year.

Source: Gizmag

Ford adds support for Siri Eyes Free to older vehicles

A new update for Sync infotainment system brings with it Apple’s Siri Eyes Free feature to second-generation Sync system. This is found in Ford cars made in 2011 or earlier. It’s a bit late since the feature was first introduced by Apple back in 2012 when iOS 6 was released but better late than never. Siri Hands Free has less features than CarPlay but it does let you operate your iPhone with Siri. It’s a boon since Siri’s gotten more new features with the release of iOS 9. Sync 3 platform is coming out in 2016 and Ford does plan to support CarPlay, too, but they won’t give any details yet.

Sync 3.8 also brings with it an improved pairing capability between the iPhone and Sync. It automatically reconnects your phone if it gets disconnected.

Source: Cult of Mac

Microsoft dumped in favour of BlackBerry for Ford Sync

The Ford Sync in-car infotainment system was proudly powered by Microsoft but that's changing as Ford has opted to go with BlackBerry to power Ford Sync moving forward.

The up and coming Sync 3 will make use of QNX which has a reputation for rock solid performance and embedded applications. QNX is no stranger to car infotainment systems, it partnered with Apple for CarPlay functionality that seamlessly runs iPhone functionality on vehicles that allow it. While Microsoft and Ford collaborated on Sync for seven years, it seems what the carmaker and many users found it too sluggish so going to QNX made sense in the long term. We hope to get a demo of Ford Sync 3 at CES 2015.

Source: Engadget