Dearborn automaker Ford Motor Co. has integrated Waze, a community-sourced traffic and navigation app, into its Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system. Debuted yesterday during the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Waze users will soon be able to project real-time traffic and navigation information into Ford’s in-vehicle systems.
“Our goal is to bring a human-centered approach to technology in the vehicle, making it as easy as possible for people to integrate the tools that matter most to them,” says Don Butler, Ford’s executive director for connected vehicle and services.
“With the flexibility of our Sync 3 software and AppLink, customers can easily use Waze to get all the traffic and navigation help they need — on a big screen and without having to fiddle around with their phones while driving.”
Waz uses crowd-sourcing to gather information about road conditions from its users, who type in their destination and drive with the app open to contribute data to Waze’s community. Users can also actively report hazards, accidents, or route changes.
Waze’s features include Talk to Waze, which allows users to control the app with voice commands, and HOV route support, which provides additional navigation options and arrival times.
Additionally, Ford is bringing other Sync AppLink integrations onboard and customers will soon be able to utilize iHeartRadio to access thousands of live radio stations or create personalized stations based on preference.
Ford is also working to increase productivity by incorporating WebEx functionality with Sync 3, offering web conferencing options on the go. The company also debuted a new Ford + Alexa app during its CES 2018 presentation, which gives users access to 25,000 Amazon Alexa skills, including playing music, checking news reports, and adding items to shopping lists with voice commands.
