Automakers have been competing fiercely over the past few years to include the latest high-tech features and in-car technology, and Ford has long been at the forefront of this infotainment revolution. The Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system provides drivers with a vast range of useful functions, but the company's recent partnership with the Waze navigation app is set to push things even further. By becoming the world's first auto manufacturer to integrate Waze compatibility directly into its infotainment system, Ford is giving drivers an even higher level of connected technology that allows you to get where you need to go in the quickest, most efficient way possible.
Waze: Optimized Routes for Shorter Drive Times
Waze is one of the world's most popular navigation apps when Google purchased it in 2013, and things have only improved from there. The app takes advantage of crowdsourced alerts and reports along with road, weather and traffic information to provide drivers with the optimal route to their destination. Working in real time, the app can guide you through traffic in order to minimize your drive time. Users can also view accident alerts and even speed trap alerts to help avoid hazards and violations that could further slow down your trip.
Unfortunately, Waze was only available for use on your Apple or Android device. Now that Waze is available on the Ford Sync 3 system, it takes advantage of SmartDeviceLink technology to perfectly mirror the app from the phone to the infotainment system touchscreen. Now users will get the exact same experience with all of the same functions and features as they would when using the Waze app on their phone.
To use the app, all you'll need to do is open Waze on your smartphone and then plug it into the infotainment system USB port. From there, all of your Waze functions will be automatically displayed on the touchscreen. This includes the Talk of Waze voice commands function, which allows you to get directions without ever needing to take your hands off the wheel. After selecting your destination, the turn-by-turn directions will then be displayed on the touch screen and voice instructions played over the vehicle's speakers.
Which Ford Vehicles Are Compatible with Waze
As of writing, Waze is available on all Ford vehicles with the SYNC 3 infotainment system. All new 2018 Ford models have this compatibility built-in, while anyone who owns an older model with the SYNC 3 system can enable Waze compatibility by installing a USB update available at Ford dealerships. This means that you can take advantage of the world's most popular navigation app no matter whether you drive a 2016, 2017 or 2018 model.
Still, Waze is only one of the many apps that you can download to your SYNC 3 system. This means that you really ought to check out SYNC 3 in person if you truly want to appreciate all it can do. We want to invite you to visit us at Gwinnett Place Ford, where our sales associates would be happy to tell you more about Ford's Waze compatibility and answer any other questions you may have. The only way to fully understand all of the many benefits that the SYNC 3 system provides is to check it out for yourself firsthand. In addition, we can arrange for you to test drive any of our new Ford vehicles to ensure you have all the information you need when choosing your next new vehicle.