Ford Reboots Touch-Screen System With New SYNC 3

Ford today introduced SYNC 3, a new communications and entertainment system that builds on the capability of SYNC technology already in more than 10 million SYNC-equipped vehicles on the road globally. SYNC 3 begins arriving on new vehicles next year.

"Ford is delivering an easier way for customers to stay connected," said Raj Nair, Ford chief technical officer and group vice president, Global Product Development. "SYNC 3 is another step forward in delivering connectivity features customers most want, and they tell us this kind of technology is an important part of their decision to buy our vehicles."

Citing smartphone ownership of about 80 percent by Ford customers, Nair said Sync 3 will "perform more like today's smartphones and tablets but with specific details to make it appropriate for travel." He further added Sync 3 was the most heavily researched program in Ford's history.

Here's a brief summary of the new Sync 3's features:

1. Intuitive interface: Optimized for hands-free use, SYNC 3 also reduces on-screen complexity and prioritizes the control options and gets a new touch screen that delivers an experience similar to a smartphone or tablet, like quicker response to touch as well as voice commands and smartphone-like gestures.

The display gets a bright background and large buttons for daytime, whereas at night, it automatically switches to a dark background to help reduce eye fatigue and minimize reflections.

2. Easy-to-use voice recognition: SYNC 3 now allows users to play music with commands as simple as "play <song, artist, album, or genre>". The system also offers seamless integration of Siri Eyes-Free control for iPhone users.

3. Innovative features: AppLink now automatically discovers smartphone apps including Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, NPR One, SiriusXM Radio and iHeartRadio Auto, and displays their unique graphics and branding. Music and news apps are automatically displayed along with other media sources, just like AM/FM or SiriusXM.

Furthermore, the customer's Bluetooth-connected phone is used to dial 911 in the event of a significant accident, alerting first-responders with the vehicle's location. With SYNC 3, the car relays additional information, including if airbags were deployed, the type of crash (front, side, rear or rollover) and the number of safety belts detected in use, in order to help emergency call takers dispatch the appropriate resources to the scene.

(With inuts from Reuters)