Ford SYNC2 already superseded

Ford has unveiled its third-generation in-car infotainment system in North America, where it will be available from next year and offered throughout the full Ford and Lincoln line-ups by the end of 2016.

To be known as SYNC3 globally, the new touch-screen multimedia technology replaces the MyFord system, which is known as SYNC2 in Europe and Australia, where it's just been rolled out in the new FG X Falcon and SZII Territory.

Not just new in name, SYNC3 is based on BlackBerry's QNX in-car operating system, instead of the Windows Embedded Automotive computing platform by Microsoft, with which Ford has partnered for its in-car entertainment and navigation technology since 2007.

Cosmetically, SYNC3 presents a brighter, colour home screen with larger and more clearly defined buttons, replacing SYNC2's darker colour scheme with four quadrants, for audio, climate, phone and, if fitted, navigation.

New features include a simpler menu bar along the bottom of the screen, larger text and touch zones, and quick-access buttons for supported smartphone apps and settings, although the colour touch-screen remains eight inches in size.

Ford says SYNC3 is faster, more intuitive and more smartphone-like than SYNC2, thanks to new features like swiping, pinch-to-zoom, a one-box search function and the ability to receive software updates via a home Wi-Fi network. Vehicles equipped with SYNC2 will not be able to upgrade to SYNC3.

Developed in response to newer rival infotainment platform such as Chrysler's Uconnect system and following Ford's slump in US initial quality surveys, SYNC3 will work with any smartphone but includes Siri Eyes Free capability for more seamless integration with Apple iPhones.

Ford is yet to advise when SYNC3, which will be fitted as standard to Titanium-grade Fords and available for about $1000 in other models in the US, will become available in Australia.