I suppose before we get ourselves all bent out of shape we wait and see how this actually unfolds. I also no longer see a mention of a hardware upgrade requirement for the 2016 F-150, so maybe they're either going to cover the costs or they have worked around it?

 

http://www.ford.com/technology/sync/

Taken directly from the main Ford Sync site. Under "Additional Disclosures".

 

See this is where there is a disparity. The owner.ford site doesn't mention it anymore, again.


https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync-...150&sync=sync3

 

Incorrect, you just did not find it. Don't blame Ford. Gotta wonder if people will be able to use it if they can't use a website.

Says "Additional Disclosures" ¥on the bottom. Click it, and see this...

160.*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 (Available Late 2016) and purchase a hardware upgrade through your dealer. 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, Apple CarPlay, iPhone, Apple Maps, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc.

161.*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 (Available Late 2016). Requires phone with compatible version of Android Auto and active data service. SYNC does not control Android Auto while in use. Google and other third parties are responsible for their respective functionality. Message and data rates may apply. Android Auto, Google, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.

 

Well I'm gonna go ahead and insert foot in mouth now.

But I will still blame Ford, for the simple fact that originally it was put out that it will be a S/W update only and no H/W would be required. Then in May, they stated a H/W upgrade was required, and that info was on the front page of what I just posted. Now, they have hidden it again, to seemingly mislead folks.

There's a lot of talk about what exactly the H/W is. The MFi chips that everyone talks about are already embedded in lightening cables that most of us use. And if it wasn't somehow already in the truck none of the apps should work.


And it appears as though they are pushing us back again, says LATE 2016 when it was originally 2016 and then Summer 2016.


And pretty sure I can figure out a dang website, I'm only an Avionics Tech who works on some pretty high tech. But when somebody buries a link all the way at the bottom of a page and you have to search for it, there's some misdirection or misleading going on there.

 

I think this chip is more along the line of a security chip that allows the headunit to talk with some more locked down insides of the iOS device, not the same as the security chip that is in the lightning cable.

I don't understand why people think ford is gouging with this required hardware, why would they had not put it in if they knew it was needed? The android update is just a software update so surely they would do the same with carplay if they could. The R&D process could had been well underway before the carplay standard was finalized. As an avionics tech you should understand that R&D of stuff like automobiles and airplanes is a lot more intuitive and takes longer than something like a cell phone. Technology moves at a lot faster pace than it, that's why I've never been a fan of built in audio units in cars and I think it sucks that it has become so difficult to replace them with aftermarket solutions.

 

in 2010, I bought a 2011 Edge. Ford had always promised Applink would be added to (the messed up) MyFordTouch. That never happened.

I'm not holdin' my breath on this one

 

Thanks for saying this. I basically said the same thing and got my *** handed to me like I'm waiting for a welfare check from Ford. I'm not looking for any handouts from Ford, I was just stating that an upgrade path would have been a forward thinking customer focused concept. Ford's will probibilly come through with the Sync3 ApplePlay/Android Auto, but their recent history in this space is spotty at best.

 

Anybody know Casey Feldman (Product Designer & UI Engineer at Ford Motor Company)?

I bet he know exactly what's up w/Sync3.

 

I've got a 16 F150 with Sync3. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Android Auto and will be very happy if it actually gets updated. But I hope that they fix the other issues with Sync3 with an OTA update too. Mainly the screwy Audio bug that sometimes causes all audio features to shut down until I leave the truck off for a while.