We share the differences with Ford Sync Vs Sync 2
Discover the changes between the integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment systems offered by Ford.
June 23, 2015
In-car infotainment systems are high on the agenda when buying a new car. From connecting your smartphone to adding a location into your Satnav, this is now an important factor in the car buying process.
Ford’s first offering of the infotainment system came in the shape of Ford Sync. Such systems were only expected to be found at the high end of the market where their importance was first realised, but Ford were quick to introduce this concept into more affordable models.
The first generation of Sync allows you to instruct the system to perform simple tasks using voice recognition. Ford Sync is really easy to navigate and a simple instruction “phone, call home” will call the number under the name ‘home’ stored in the smartphone which is connected to the system.
Sync offers a 5” colour multi-functional display with navigation and 1 USB port to connect your devices. It is able to read your text messages aloud, select music from your USB connected device, access your phone’s contact list and comes with an SD car slot to add and/or update map data. Smart phones can be connected to the system using Bluetooth connectivity.
The main focus for Ford when developing Sync 2, was to dramatically improve voice recognition. Sync 2 will respond to more naturally spoken phrases such as “I’m hungry” which will then prompt the system to show you the nearest food outlets in the area. The updated version of sync offers an 8” colour touch screen which is split into four sections: audio, satnav, climate and phone. With Sync 2 you can control the climate temperature of the vehicle with a simple voice command, so that you aren’t fiddling with the climate control whilst trying to keep your attention on the road ahead. It boasts 2 USB ports with smart charging and an SD card slot for map and audio file updates.
While Sync offers phonebook calling using your contact names, Sync 2 offers a more intuitive version of this feature. An additional improved feature of the Sync 2 system is that you can send a customised message using voice control as well as reading messages aloud.
Not only can you now control multiple functions with Sync but a range of apps are now available with Sync 2, meaning you can tailor the system specifically to your needs. Apps such as Spotify and cityseeker can be accessed through your connected smartphone thanks to applink. To access the apps which are compatible you can browse the Ford app catalogue.
With Sync you can use your voice to make a simple request. Whether you want to make a call or change the radio channel you can simply ask Sync to perform the task. Sync is tailored to your vehicle and the technology it has so as to inhibit confusion of what you can request of your vehicle. The enhanced voice controls found in Sync 2 now respond to a more simplified and adulate grammar, meaning you can speak more naturally to get the system to complete tasks.
To use the voice control the driver simply presses the button located on the steering wheel and states the command intended. When the voice button is activated a list of previous commands is shown on the screen, so that a reoccurring duty is even easier to perform.
If you are looking for a car which has an infotainment system which is easy to use with minimal distraction to your driving, and enables you to stay in touch whilst on the road, Ford Sync and Ford Sync 2 should make your choice much easier.
