Ford’s SYNC 3 receives update

Ford Motor Co are bringing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support to 2016 model vehicles equipped with SYNC 3.

Customers will be able to install this SYNC 3 update either by downloading the software to a USB drive, visiting a dealership or ‘over-the-air’ (OTA) via a Wi-Fi connection, not unlike how new software gets uploaded to smartphones by manufacturers.

After Tesla Inc’s early lead in 2015 introducing OTAs, traditional automakers are slowly beginning to embrace the new technology, within limits. Concerns about security and resistance from dealers worried about losing service revenue have hampered its adoption.

Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services, said ‘Our SYNC 3 software platform was designed to be easy to update so we can get our customers the latest and greatest features, functionally and security enhancements.’

‘With over-the-air updates, we can deliver new features to customers in the background while they continue using their vehicles.’

Though Ford has been issuing SYNC upgrades since 2009, this is the first time the company is offering an update via Wi-Fi.

Customers can update their software by visiting owner.ford.com to download and install with a USB drive, or by visiting a dealership. Customers with Wi-Fi-enabled vehicles and a Wi-Fi network can set up their vehicle to receive the update automatically.