I had a choice between a '15 Lariat pretty much fully loaded and a '16 Lariat with fewer options with Sync3 when I was buying. The Sync3 was definitely superior in just about every way-except I do like the "homepage" look of the Sync2 better. Based on my brief time with the system, I thought overall Ford did a nice job with the Sync3.

I ultimately went with the '15 with about $3K more in options because the discounts made the '15 several grand cheaper than the '16. I couldn't justify getting less truck for more money just to get Sync3. Every once in a while when my Sync2 is lagging or ignoring my inputs, I wish I had picked the '16.

I'm hoping eventually some more infotainment upgrade and/or well-integrated aftermarket options become available. In the meantime, the Sync2 isn't too bad. It does everything I need it to do without too much drama.

 

Wow, you must miss out on a lot in life with such a broad strokes approach to technology (and likely other things). Microsoft didn't "make" MFT or Sync 2, they supplied the underpinning OS and I believe some of the voice recognition software, and it's also a good 10 years old, so no, it's not spectacular. Ford hired out to another company to build what we know as MFT, and that company did a poor job.

QNX is also an underpinning system that is in wide use by several auto manufacturers, not just Ford and Chrysler, and is an outstanding system. And again, BB didn't "MAKE" Sync 3, they made the core and Ford built Sync 3 off of it (in house this time, showing they can learn their lesson), which allows for Ford to add both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay more easily and at lower cost than if they had to develop a system from nothing.

Current QNX Use:
"Besides Ford’s new SYNC 3 system, 40+ other car makers use QNX. Examples from the 2015 model year include the virtual cockpit in the Audi TT, the entertainment system in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, the new OnStar 4G LTE system for GM vehicles, and, as we announced this week, Volkswagen is using QNX in number of its 2015 models, including the Touareg, Passat, Polo, Golf, and Golf GTI. LG is also building systems using QNX."

QNX has over 50% market share, destroying everyone else in the space.

So yeah, opinions and all that, but maybe get even the most basic amount of information on things before attempting to blindly trash them.

 

QNX is also used by the major defense contractors for mission critical applications.

 

Other than Sync Connect (16's supposedly not upgradable) and CarPlay/Android, do we know of any other improvements coming in the update later this year? Has anyone seen a 2017 vehicle with the newer version? Screen shots? Anything? Or have no new 2017 models with it in there hit the streets yet or been reviewed?

After using my Sync 3 for a few months, I am very happy with it... but there are a few things that I would like to see improved:
1) The Vehicle health status app interface crap: Just let me get a health report on the screen and send it to my email the next time in WiFi range.
2) The Sirius weather map and screens are crap. Weather map is not touch zoomable... does not observe time zone/DST settings for showing update time... weather itself is VERY low res (I am not sure if Sirius has a higher res version on their sat or not).
3) The steering wheel mute button should work for calls too.
4) Wallpaper ability would be nice.
5) Keypad buttons are very small for phone dialing.
6) Nav maps are good but not the same quality as free iPhone apps... would like to see some improvement.
7) Map update (a whole other topic)
8) There are times when Nav does not show me time and miles remaining, and ETA... I can't figure out why or when... good to always have on screen.
9) On many screens the time is not displayed... and there is NO other time display in the vehicle... all screens should have time somewhere.
10) Nav map should have easier way to adjust the zoom level... preferably from steering wheel buttons... pinch zoom and the +/- buttons are a pain when driving.
11) Should be a screen to set the nav voice volume level... should not have to wait until it says something to be able to turn **** to adjust it.

There are probably more, but these are just off the top of my head.

I would love to have some insight into what is coming in the update... I am really curious to know if Ford is going to provide meaningful updates to keep my vehicle current and within a few years of state of the art (already a few behind when it was new so I don't ever expect it to be current), or if they will only do bug fixes and we have to make sure with this for as long as we own it.

 

I like my Sync 3. I think it is leaps and bounds better than Sync 2. I will be first in line at the dealership to get Carplay as well since I have seen in action on other vehicles, and believe me it is a VERY nice upgrade.

 

I agree - Sync3 is actually pretty good. It is a million times better than the system my wife's Infiniti QX60 and my Q70 have - they are lethargic and have very few features in comparison to the Sync3. I am very happy with it so far.

 

Nada, I have apple stuff and love it. I also realize that no hardware or software combo is problem free. Apple, UNIX, Windows are just different, some people can't separate different from better / worse.

Also have a Windows machine that works fine. I have no problems with sync 2, well other that random restarts and lookups, slow,response, and a horrible menu system for settings.

I'm looking forward to sync 3, when I test drove a truck it seemed impressive

 

There's some promise with this SYNC2/MFT ---> SYNC3 upgrade path, but right now I'm calling vaporware, as we're halfway through the year and it's still not available. I've been watching site site for a few months now.

There's also a discussion about it here.

 

Wasn't defending Microsoft nor Sync 3. Was just merely pointing out that if you wanted to bash either one then you should at least know that Sync 3 was not MS based.

 

I miss a physical "home" button. If I'm a few "levels deep", it is rather distracting (and annoying) to have to hit the soft back arrow a couple of times, then the home icon.

Otherwise, I wholeheartedly agree with all the ones you posted!