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Ford adding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

Posted at 10:58 AM, Jan 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-04 10:58:30-05

Ford Motor Company announced on Monday they are adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to all new vehicles with the SYNC connectivity system.

On top of that, the company also said it is adding 4G LTE and several new AppLink apps to help drivers stay connected behind the wheel and away from their car.

Beginning this year, owners of Ford SYNC 3-equipped 2017 vehicles can access Apple CarPlay if they are iPhone users or Android Auto if they use an Android. Anyone with a 2016 vehicle can upgrade later in the year.

Apple CarPlay gives iPhone users access to Maps, Messages, Phone and Music through Siri voice control and also allows users the opportunity to use more apps.

Like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto allows users to access Google voice search, Google Maps, Google Play Music and more by using the touch screen and steering wheel controls.

Ford isn't the first company to partner with Apple and Android. Earlier this year, General Motors announced a partnership that would make Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available on 14 different 2016 Chevy models.

Both are expected to be available on more than a dozen different brands including Honda, Kia, Nissan, Mazda and more.

On top of the apps, SYNC Connect with 4G LTE gives drivers the ability to access their car remotely, including a remote start, unlock doors, check fuel level and locate your parked vehicle.

Right now, there are more than 15 million SYNC-equipped cars on the road and 43 million are expected to be on the road by 2020.