Too bad for us lowly my ford touch people wish I had apps and better connectivity in my 2013 Ti

 

It'd be greaaaaat if we could update to the new software.

 

CarPlay and Andriod Auto are definitely the way of the future. Many of us here wish we could swap in Sync3 from MFT. I replace my phone many times before I replace a car, so I'd be much happier just mirroring the phone on the car's screen.

Heck, with a good mount, I don't miss MFT on my car the doesn't have an in dash entertainment system. Over 90% of my entertainment use is phone apps over bluetooth (audio, streaming, podcasts, navigation) so it turns out that was the killer feature for me - and I was able to add it to a 2005 with a $100 box. Would be nice to just have it mirror the phone over BT so I didn't have to pull it out and stick it in a holder though.

 

That's where the MFT Lockpick comes in.

 

$430 is a little rich for just duplicating the display. If it also brought over the input, it might be tempting. I drive the car infrequently enough that a vent mount that cost me $5 was a good enough solution.

 

I know from previous discussions about carplay/android auto, one of the questions was whether we could use navigation through carplay/android auto on the sync3. would ford disable this so we have to use ford nav>?

I don't know the answer, but if you look at the promo picture
CarPlay and Android Auto coming to all 2017 Ford Sync 3 cars | Ars Technica (I assume it is from Ford), you can see the "maps" app in the picture. That would imply at least that maps will come with Carplay.

 

I know from previous discussions about carplay/android auto, one of the questions was whether we could use navigation through carplay/android auto on the sync3. would ford disable this so we have to use ford nav>?

I don't know the answer, but if you look at the promo picture
CarPlay and Android Auto coming to all 2017 Ford Sync 3 cars | Ars Technica (I assume it is from Ford), you can see the "maps" app in the picture. That would imply at least that maps will come with Carplay.

Ford will not block other nav apps and there are some suggested ones on some of the literature.

 

"Owners of 2016 Fords with the QNX-based system"

What is the QNX based system?

 

Sync 3.

 

Here is another article about how Sync3 will work with Car Play and Android Auto.

 

I hope someone figures out how to reasonably get a sync 3 unit working in a sync2 vehicle.

 

**** I hope someone figures out how to reasonably get a sync 3 unit working in a sync2 vehicle.

Welcome to the forum!

It's done exactly as reasonably as getting an iPhone 5 to have the same features as an iPhone 6S (there's more than software/firmware involved; not all technology advances lend to an 'old device upgrade' short of replacing the entire device, in this case the car).

 

Have we heard anymore news or information on when we can expect it as an upgrade to Escapes that are already out there running Sync 3?

 

I am also very curious as to the timeframe. I have heard 'this year' but nothing more specific than that. I'm excited to try it out when the update is delivered!

 

Hey everyone!

Here's our official press release about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SYNC 3:

https://media.ford.com/content/ford...ontent/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/01/04/sync-apple-carplay-android-auto.html

Starting with the 2017 Escape equipped with SYNC 3, we'll roll out these features. Current vehicles with SYNC 3 will have the opportunity to upgrade to this functionality later in the year. Keep an eye on Media.Ford.com for more information and announcements.

Rebecca

 

Ford seems to roll out updates in the fall, around the same time as the Navigation Map updates come out.

 

@FordIVTteam -- Is there some email list or other notification mechanism that we can sign up for to know when an update is available? I connect the car to wifi infrequently (and indeed the need to do so is infrequent), but I'd certainly like to know when the Sync 3 upgrade is rolled out for the 2016 model year cars...

 

Hi QuidNYC,

I'm not sure how owners will be notified later in the year for the Android Auto and Apple Carplay updates. There should be more information released at a later date on Media.Ford.com and your Owner.Ford.com account. Besides setting up SYNC 3 to enable the Automatic System Updates, I suggest periodically checking the SYNC & HOW-TOS area of your Owner account for update notifications. Here's the link for setting up automatic Wi-Fi updates:

Receiving Automatic SYNC 3 System Updates Through Wi-Fi | | Ford How-to Video

Hope that helps!

Rebecca

 

Is there any update? I wasnt sure if I missed anything. When you go to the site it says "Sync 3 Now With Apple Carplay" so I wasn't sure if they officially rolled it all out or they are saying coming soon to then new vehicles.

Ford SYNC & MyFord Touch | Introducing SYNC 3 | Ford.com

 

Hi BeefStu,

CarPlay & Android Auto will be available on all 2017 vehicles (equipped with SYNC3). The site is giving you information based on if you're purchasing a new vehicle. The update for current SYNC 3 owners has not been released.

Shaay

 

Hi All,

I saw this note in the Ford owner site. It appears that adding Apple CarPlay to a 2016 Escape will require a SYNC 3 software update in addition to purchasing additional hardware. I thought this was interesting as I was hoping for a sofware only update. Hope this additional hardware isn't going to cost an arm and a leg. I wonder if this upgrade will also provide for remote start via mobile app... one can wish.

160. Available feature. Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Apple CarPlay is available on 2017 models with SYNC 3; owners of 2016 models with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade and purchase a hardware upgrade. Requires phone with compatible version of Apple iOS and active data service. SYNC does not control Apple CarPlay while in use. Apple is solely responsible for their functionality. Message and data rates may apply. Apple CarPlay,™ iPad,® iPod,® iPhone,® iTunes,® and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Thanks

 

It appears that adding Apple CarPlay to a 2016 Escape will require a SYNC 3 software update in addition to purchasing additional hardware. I thought this was interesting as I was hoping for a sofware only update. Hope this additional hardware isn't going to cost an arm and a leg. I wonder if this upgrade will also provide for remote start via mobile app... one can wish.

Interestingly, the footnote regarding Android Auto (#161) doesn't include the same language regarding a required hardware upgrade for the 2016 models as indicated in the Apple CarPlay footnote (#160). My guess (and it's just a guess) is that they may need to do some kind of update to the USB port(s) for CarPlay compatibility, but not for Android Auto. But I guess we'll find out -- hopefully soon.

Regarding SYNC Connect, it remains an open question (and for me, an interesting one) whether an owner of a 2016 Ford Escape with Sync 3 can go to a dealer and get hardware upgrades (maybe DL3Z-19A390-B and GJ5Z-19A361-A?) such that their vehicles will be recognized by the FordPass app as "SYNC Connect capable" like the 2017 models. I'm guessing this would cost something on the order of $1,000 -- assuming it's even possible and the software allows / will allow for it. But if it can be done, Ford should tell us!

 

I believe all that's needed for CarPlay is a new MCM (the module with the USB ports). At least that's all I ever had to change out during testing. I can't recall swapping one on an Escape during testing, but in most vehicles it's quick and easy. Probably some hardware requirement from Apple for CarPlay support or certification, etc. but I haven't asked why to be honest.

 

Hey everyone!

A hardware upgrade is not needed for Android Auto or Carplay. These features will be added in an update to current SYNC 3 equipped vehicles this year. It sounds like Garv21 may be referring to SYNC Connect: https://media.ford.com/content/ford...ntent/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/11/17/new-ford-sync-connect-technology.html It will first launch on the new 2017 Ford Escape, with other vehicles to follow.

Shaay

 

A hardware upgrade is not needed for Android Auto or Carplay. These features will be added in an update to current SYNC 3 equipped vehicles this year.

I think we'd all prefer this to be so, but footnote #160 on the page linked above appears to be explicit enough that it must be referring to something specific arising from Apple CarPlay compatibility (whereas the note for Android Auto makes no reference to a hardware upgrade).

160. Available feature. Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Apple CarPlay is available on 2017 models with SYNC 3; owners of 2016 models with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade and purchase a hardware upgrade. Requires phone with compatible version of Apple iOS and active data service. SYNC does not control Apple CarPlay while in use. Apple is solely responsible for their functionality. Message and data rates may apply. Apple CarPlay,tm iPad,® iPod,® iPhone,® iTunes,® and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc.

161. Available feature. Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Android Auto is available on 2017 models with SYNC 3; owners of 2016 models with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade. Requires phone with compatible version of Android Auto and active data service. SYNC does not control Android Auto while in use. Google is solely responsible for their functionality. Message and data rates may apply. Android Auto, Google and Google Maps are trademarks of Google Inc.

 

I had a chance to try the Iphone in my 2017 w/ sync3. When the phone was plugged in the screen on the dash changed over to a screen with iphone-esque icons. It would also change the screen depending on what was opened on the phone itself.

I normally use a windows phone, which doesnt do the car play thing, but does seem to work fine for all the bluetooth phone/text features.

 

From a technical standpoint, the USB port of any head unit (factory or aftermarket) needs the ability to work as a host as well as a peripheral.

Let me explain. With CarPlay and Android Auto, the devices connected to the head unit serve information to it. In order for key presses (which in either case includes touching the screen of the head unit, using the knobs, or using the steering wheel controls) to control an Apple or Android device, the head unit has to work as a peripheral. Let me explain.

In host mode, devices connected are enumerated (enumeration allows the head unit to easily find the device, it is a term for giving it a computer searchable address in the head units memory) and set up as an input (to serve data or give commands). The host takes in this input and handles displaying/playing it. This is how you are able to use a phone as a media player. The head unit acts as a host, which allows it to access the storage of the phone.

In peripheral mode, the head unit acts as an input device and the phone is the host. If you have ever used CarPlay, apps that are opened on the head unit are also opened on the phone. In order to receive commands for the apps, the head unit has to emulate being a peripheral (such as a keyboard or mouse, in the case of a phone it acts as the digitizer (the thing that turns screen presses into "clicks" on a capacitive screen)).

There is a difference. In host mode, searching through media is not the same as input. It is just a function of having searchable and browsable files, in the perspective of a computer. However, a host cannot provide input. Opening an app and browsing through (which is something that is not static storage like media files) require the user to give input to the app. This can only happen in peripheral mode.

I hope this all made sense. In regards to changing the module, it may have something to do with how the head unit's computer sees the USB port. Some USB hubs do not support host mode, some do. The two ports in the FEs are basically a hub. This may be the case with some of the 2016 FEs. It may be that on some of the later manufactured models they added it to prepare for the Sync upgrade. That is something the @FordIVTteam would be able to find out.

 

So please clear this up for me. We have a 2016 Titanium with Sync 3 and really, really want Car Play. Does anyone know definitively WHEN this will be available to us and IF it will be on a normal update? (Without hardware or firmware update required).

 

Just bumping this thread to see if there's any new data

 

No news yet. Once it is announced, I'm sure it will be posted here.

 

Actually, I believe the following may count as a bit of "news" being dribbled out on Ford's web site:

https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync...arplay/sync-3-plus-apple-carplay-support.html?year=2016&model=Escape&sync=sync3

Owners of 2016 model year Ford vehicles with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade and purchase a hardware upgrade to use Apple CarPlay. Please check back on the Ford Owner site this summer for more information about these upgrades.

I believe "this summer" is the most specific they've ever been about timing (up until now it's been "later in 2016," which could have meant December). So it sounds like we're close.

 

Actually, I believe the following may count as a bit of "news" being dribbled out on Ford's web site:

https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync...arplay/sync-3-plus-apple-carplay-support.html?year=2016&model=Escape&sync=sync3

Owners of 2016 model year Ford vehicles with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade and purchase a hardware upgrade to use Apple CarPlay. Please check back on the Ford Owner site this summer for more information about these upgrades.

I believe "this summer" is the most specific they've ever been about timing (up until now it's been "later in 2016," which could have meant December). So it sounds like we're close.

@FordIVTteam -- Happy autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere! Did we miss any new information regarding the upgrades?

 

Someone posted that on this thread about a week ago.

http://www.fordescape.org/forum/201...on-forum/50529-apple-carplay-sync-3-a.html#/forumsite/20568/topics/50529?page=2

 

Ford issued a press release yesterday announcing that Sync 3 will be available across its entire vehicle lineup for the 2017 MY. They also touted Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, as well as "rapid deployment of new innovations via Wi-Fi over-the-air updates."

https://media.ford.com/content/ford...016/07/25/ford-bolsters-availability-of-sync-3-plus-apple-carplay--android.html

@FordIVTteam, now that we're 2/3 of the way through summer, is there any word on when the the first such OTA update will be available for 2016 MY vehicles with Sync 3? We'd love to see some of this rapid deployment you're describing!