New Connected Vehicle Navigation Apps

Ford's new in‑vehicle apps are designed to help drivers navigate to new destinations quickly, confidently and accurately. At MWC Barcelona, Ford has announced two new smartphone navigation app integrations designed to help drivers find their way – for business or for pleasure.

Building on a comprehensive suite of in-vehicle apps for the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment platform, the navigation services will give Ford owners confidence that they will arrive at precisely the right location – irrespective of address or postcode – while taking the most appropriate route for their type of vehicle.

With the new SYNC 3 AppLink integration, Ford drivers with the what3words iOS or Android app will be able to navigate confidently to a precise location – be it a specific entrance on an industrial estate or a meeting spot for a mountain bike ride in the country – simply by saying the three‑word address as a voice command.

Sygic Truck Navigation, a leading navigation app for professional drivers, is the first to bring features tailored for commercial vehicles to an in-dashboard display, helping vans avoid narrow roads or getting stuck beneath low bridges. Sygic Truck Navigation also includes configurations for camper vans and motorhomes, providing optimised routing and custom points of interest including camping areas.

Don Butler, executive director, Connected Vehicle Platform and Product, Ford said “For commercial vehicle drivers working from a mobile office, on‑the‑go connectivity is now more important than ever,  with the addition of what3words and Sygic Professional Navigation to the AppLink and wider SmartDeviceLink ecosystem, Ford is providing important new tools to help get the job done, enabling drivers to navigate to their destinations quickly, confidently and accurately.”

Ford’s SYNC 3 AppLink infotainment system allows drivers to use supported smartphone apps on their vehicle’s integrated touchscreen. Assisted by advanced voice commands and intuitive steering‑wheel controls, for more productive and enjoyable distraction‑free journeys.

FordPass Connect lets drivers and passengers stay connected throughout their journey, for as many as ten devices up to 15 metres outside the vehicle, with a 4G LTE‑powered Wi‑Fi hotspot which provides super‑fast in‑vehicle internet access.

Ford has also revealed that TIDAL, the artist-owned music streaming service with HiFi audio capabilities, is arriving in Ford vehicles in Europe. Bringing fans and music closer together through 60 million songs in the highest audio quality available, TIDAL also features engaging podcasts, curated playlists and exclusive livestreamed concerts.

Other apps already in the SYNC 3 AppLink ecosystem include popular community‑based traffic and navigation app, Waze; Cisco Webex, which enables drivers to safely join in and participate in meetings on the go with voice commands; and Radioplayer, which lets drivers listen live or on demand to tens of thousands of programmes and podcasts.