Why would anybody ever want to use the Ford maps when they can use Google maps, or I guess Apple maps? Seriously, why?

 

True this. Acura I mentioned early I am NOT a fan of the nav, much prefer Google-Waze-Apple whatever. My truck doesn’t have nav but I would assume it’s similar.

The best reason for using in car navigation would be if you didn’t have cell service. That happens to me when I’m cutting canyons here in Colorado but only occasionally and I’m usually not in a cage while doing so anyway.

 

Google maps will ask and to download maps if there is a chance of poor signal. I always have Maps downloaded for my area and anywhere I go for vacation. Takes very little space and works great. No problem.
BTW I have tried to like apple products and had to many issues if you use anyrhing other than apple with them. Android just works......

 

It does, the problem is the navigation button starts Apple maps instead of factory Nav.

 

Ford has a deeper integration with CarPlay than some other manufacturers. This is sometimes good, sometimes bad. The bad is not being able to get away from Apple Maps when on the Sync Home screen. The good (well, aside from that issue in Pre-2019s before the 3.0 fix) is stuff like how your truck passes your actual speed and location to apps like Waze without having to rely on your phones less accurate, especially if stored lower in the vehicle, GPS system.

That heavier integration is unfortunately why Waze was reporting higher speeds in Pre-2019 F-150s that didn't have the recently released Sync fix. That was unfortunately a Ford problem, but it doesn't change that when properly working it's a much better configuration than Android Auto relying on the phones GPS which can be less accurate, especially if not mounted where it has open sky sight lines. My phone never is, and I don't care for it to be, so this is a huge advantage IMO.

The only thing I would want as far as maps go is for Good Maps/Apple Maps/Waze/Whatever to be able to send navigation instructions to my center cluster like the Ford Nav does. Maybe in a future Sync update or something.

I haven't had the other Sync issues you mentioned, in either my 2017 or 2019 I have not once seen a message that a camera was unavailable. It's very responsive and all that. CarPlay definitely has made things even better on top, and it's one of the main things keeping me with iOS as a few friends are major Android fans, but can't stand Android Auto compared to CarPlay, especially in the text message/voice command area. The new CarPlay revamp will be welcome though, my biggest irk with it is not being able to move away from an app on the phone without it moving away on CarPlay. I don't mess with my phone when driving, but if I am the passenger or my wife goes to look up something it takes away focus on CarPlay, was a bad idea and glad they are resolving it.

 

I do not see any value in Sync's on-board navigation, over Google Maps or Waze. It is like comparing a dedicated GPS unit to the phone maps. Having to update the maps is annoying, and you never know if you have the latest. With Google Maps and Waze (and presumably Apple Maps) you always have the latest and greatest.

If I have a choice, I am not paying extra for Sync navigation.

 

This is exactly what I was thinking. All factory navs are old garbage, especially Fords.

 

Oh lord NO! Sync1 is pure garbage for simple fact of the never ending "Would you like to run a vehicle health report? Press OK to choose YES or to be reminded later". YOU CANT TURN THAT **** OFF. Sync has to be updated to get the option of disabling that junk. But guess what, you cant update that original SYNC through the BT phone connection, you have to take it a dealer. I have lived with that **** for 10 years, and just took my F150 for a small repair and told them to update the sync. guess what, I have a sync hardware failure that is preventing the update from uploading.

 

Sync 1 works like a charm...lol

 

Car makers are in league with Apple/Android to help sell their products. Same as they are a partner with Sirius. All anyone really needs is a super simple HDMI input into your sync (or any current car display screen). My guess is Android and Apple pay them not to offer this. It is all about product placement, not what is best for you.

Oh the last time (a couple days ago) that Sirius called me with a "special" offer I told them I would re-activate Sirius if they would give me $10/month. I told her check with her management and get back to me if that was possible. I doubt they will stop calling but worth a shot.