Ford Brings Intelligent SYNC3 Infotainment System to the Middle East

Ford is set to debut the latest generation of its innovative communications and entertainment system SYNC^®3 on most 2017MY models in the Middle East. In addition to other new languages, Ford’s SYNC3 will support Arabic for the first time – both text and voice activation – enabling simpler control for Arabic-speaking drivers.

Ford SYNC is already in use by drivers of 15-million vehicles worldwide to voice-activate essential in-car features, greatly improving ease of access to numerous phone and multimedia functions. The system has also significantly enhanced safety on the roads, enabling drivers to remain focused on the road while accessing the vast range of available communication and multimedia features.

For development of the third-generation system, Ford used insights gained from over 22,000 comments and research clinics and surveys to come up with a new version that is the most customer-centric designed system. Simplifying the user experience by putting the audio and phone options customers use most at their fingertips, SYNC 3 has been further improved through increased processing power and a reduction in the number of steps required for a command.

SYNC3 enables customers to use pinch-to-zoom and swipe gestures on an eight-inch touch screen that is similar to smartphone screens, thus making it easier and more intuitive to use.

Speaking about the introduction of SYNC 3 in the region, Kalyana Sivagnanam, vice president marketing, sales and services, Ford Middle East and Africa said that SYNC3 will make it easier to stay connected while on the move. It has been designed to complement modern smartphones, with an intuitive touch screen and an exciting array of new features, is significantly faster, and offers a higher resolution interface that is simpler, and easier to read and use than the previous version. Customers in the Middle East are considered to be among the most connected customers in the world, and using SYNC 3 is a substantial step to staying connected on the move.”

More Features

Ford has significantly improved smartphone integration with several new features, including Apple CarPlay. Thus, iPhone users can use SYNC 3 to make phone calls, access music, send and receive text messages, and get directions that have been optimized for traffic conditions through voice control even as they focus on the road. The system is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free and they can easily access Siri with iPhones connected via Bluetooth.

Android users can activate Android Auto, which makes the platform’s apps and services like Google Search, Google Maps and Google Play Music accessible seamlessly through SYNC3.

More than Navigation
The Navigation aspect of SYNC3 has been greatly improved with features like 3D support with landmarks, a Mecca compass, and enhanced junction view comprising detailed lane visuals and guidance. In order to make it easier to see the full route when the next step is to be taken after more than three kilometers, navigation automatically zooms out.

If you are unable to get a GPS signal, you need not worry if you have SYNC 3 as it provides full dead reckoning support or the ability to navigate without a GPS signal – unlike navigation apps on smart phones. The navigation also includes over 3.5 million “points of interest”, and over 3.5 million kilometers of road. There is minimal possibility of getting lost, especially with the bonus offer of free map updates for five years. This is an essential requirement in a region where new landmarks appear on a regular basis.

Another main highlight is Smart Fuel Indicator, which will warn motorists when their vehicle is low on fuel and display the navigation map is displayed with SYNC 3 automatically showing the positions of petrol stations on the map, so that the possibility of being stranded with an empty tank is quite remote.
Ziad Chaaban, EES Engineer, Product Development, Ford Middle East and Africa, added that customers now benefit from a SYNC3 variant that has been customized for the Middle East, giving them options to  control media and climate through their Bluetooth-connected phone, just by speaking to SYNC. One of its most notable features is the language choices for SYNC 3 navigation, as it includes Arabic for the very first time. Customers will also have the opportunity to update their maps – free for five years – from the comfort of their own homes.