Semantics

I'm interested in this topic but I've been hearing conflicting or confusing information. I was under the impression that car play will be available for the 2016 with sync 3. Will connect also be available with an add on piece of equipment?

MNSportsman

iTrader: (1)

Is that speculation or do you have access to information that is pointing to end of this month? It will be great if it's true!

GDN

Haven't seen any conflicting information, maybe people guessing, but the press is somewhat clear.

'15 - Old Sync - MFT, no big upgrades, no Car Play, no Android Auto and No Sync Connect ever

'16 - Sync 3 - With a software upgade will be able to support Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Car Play requires some sort of "hardware update" is all that has been noted - as above may be a USB port or something. No way to upgrade to Sync Connect - that is for '17 only.

'17 - Sync 3 - Supposed to have Android Auto and Car Play from the factory - new Sync Connect services are an option, but must be included at build time - not all vehicles will have it - must be ordered/built in.

I speculate (just my guess) the Sync 3 update for the '16 to add Android Auto and Car Play would be about the time the '17's start getting built. When they finally get the software for a factory build, they'll also then have it ready for an update to push to the '16's.

For the OP buy the Remote Access and VSS if you want a Ford branded product - if it turns out you don't like it or not your expectations it is pretty easy to resell for probably close to purchase price. Once it is activated you can also transfer your account without a dealer having to be involved.

mgrande

Is the sync connect system similar to the ones other manufacturers offer that are having problems getting hacked?

GDN

That is a good question - we don't know since it isn't out yet, but my guess will likely be yes after some amount of time. We'd like to think that they'll have security top of mind and I hope I'm wrong, but the traditional manufactures just haven't put enough time and energy and money into doing it right and making it that secure.

If you understand VPN's, networks, security, etc in the least - go find the hacking threads about Tesla. Not that they've been hacked and taken over, but the very few people that are have the knowledge to basically reverse engineer to see what is built in and how the cars are managed. It's about one of the most impressive things you'll read. I don't understand it all, but those cars connect to the mothership at least once a day using secure VPN's and passwords updated, etc. I don't pretend to understand all of the details, but I get the gist of most of it. Unless Ford has really stepped it up here (and you know their track record) most of the legacy car companies where tech is being retrofitted vs being an integral part of the vehicle from the beginning - they just aren't usually that secure. Just my opinion.

Ifallsguy

Can anyone answer if there is a way to limit wireless connection to Sync 3? I'd like to keep it from trying to link up with every wireless site nearby while stopped at a light or near a business (or private) internet. That would also limit the chance of being hacked.

Semantics

Regarding connect, I wonder if it would be something that can be somehow piggybacked on this product:


https://accessories.ford.com/electro...tem-11462.html


It seems possible. Who knows. Does the connect also use a cellular connection?

GDN

That product has been available for several years - I added it to my '14 and works all the way up through the '16's I believe. It is called Remote Access - and all you get is what you see on the App - Lock, Unlock, Find and Remote Start. It requires the VSS module which does add shock sensor for the alarm and it will notify you if it goes off.

This device has it's own cell connectivity (sim card is included) and the app is available is usable from your phone or any web browser anywhere in the world you have connectivity. It is just very limited in what they do with it.

Could there be more options I would say yes, but they've never added any other functionality. Inside the truck it plugs in to the OBDII plug - so they've got connectivity to the bus and to a cell modem so I'm sure they could do more, but it has been out for years and nothing more has ever been incorporated. I'm sure they wouldn't add functionality at this point since they are moving on to Sync Connect.

Sync Connect on the '17's will have it's own cell connectivity and integration.

FordIVTteam

Hi Semantics,

CarPlay will be available (later this year) for 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3. It will require both a software update and a hardware upgrade at your local Ford dealer, and fees may apply. Stay tuned for any new announcements and information within your SYNC Owner account at: www.Owner.Ford.com

As for SYNC Connect, I’m unable to speculate at this time on if it will be released for all SYNC 3 systems. If interested in remote access features (lock, remote start, etc.), GDN made a great suggestion of using our Remote Access app. Information and eligibility requirements can be provided directly by our Ford Key department. Ford Key can be reached at 800-367-3539.

Have a great weekend!

Barb

Semantics

Thanks Barb!