Got a SYNC-tastic Ford from 2011 onwards? Then you will discover that the most recent update (G1 V3.2.2) to the dash software can help you take heed to your smartphone’s incoming emails and SMS messages via the car’s speakers, due to the inclusion of Bluetooth MAP (Message Access Profile). We’ve already seen the tech running in BMW’s iDrive dash system and in MyFord Touch-equipped cars too, so the scoop this is only a wider roll-out to a much bigger range of vehicles — but we’ll welcome anything that keeps more eyes at the prize. Read the entire PR after the break after which enter your VIN on the More Coverage link below to work out in case you are eligible.
- Latest Ford SYNC® software updates will give owners of select SYNC Generation 1-equipped 2011 and 2012 vehicles access to the emerging Bluetooth® standard – Message Access Profile (MAP) – so SYNC can stream and skim text messages aloud from compatible smartphones
- Ford elected to voluntarily adopt MAP in an aggressive effort to enhance the collection of phones that might work with the hands-free text message readback feature of SYNC
- Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) sees growing MAP adoption among leading mobile phone manufacturers
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 18, 2011 – Ford has released its latest free SYNC® software update, G1 V3.2.2, to provide more SYNC users the facility to have text messages read aloud to them while driving.
Tailored for owners of select SYNC-equipped 2011 and early-release 2012 vehicles, the update includes the emerging Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth® standard, that is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and descriptions a hard and fast of features and procedures used to interchange email, SMS and MMS between devices – for that reason SYNC and the smartphone.
Last year, Ford announced it was voluntarily integrating MAP into SYNC for all 2011 MyFord Touch®-equipped vehicles and is now extending the potential to the wider SYNC user community – with thousands of 2011 and 2012 vehicles equipped with the 1st generation SYNC system.
A limited population of phones has the aptitude to work with the text message readback feature of SYNC,” said Mark Porter, supervisor of SYNC Product Development. “With our initial adoption of MAP for our latest generation of SYNC and our recent efforts to integrate it into our previous variations of the system, we are hoping we’re setting an example that encourages more collaboration between Ford, the phonemakers and the wireless industry to assist drivers find smarter alternatives at hand-held texting while at the road.”
In line with Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), MAP adoption by mobile device manufacturers remains in its infancy however the growth needle is commencing to quiver.
Texting is becoming a ubiquitous portion of our day, so it stands to reason the remote message access profile is a vital addition for handsets, automobiles, headsets and aftermarket car kits,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director Bluetooth SIG. “The Bluetooth MAP standard gives users the flexibility to only and smartly manage incoming text messages from their vehicle while keeping their hands at the wheel and eyes at the road. We’re seeing significant uptake in MAP adoption among phonemakers, particularly with recent qualifications from manufacturers corresponding to HTC, RIM, Samsung and LG.”
Ready for an update
Since SYNC launched in 2007, Ford has offered several significant and straightforward software-based updates. And owners are taking advantage, with software downloads recorded on www.syncmyride.com ranging as much as nearly 14,000 every month in 2011.
Major SYNC updates which were released to this point include:
- G1 V2.0 – availability of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report for 2008 SYNC-equipped vehicles (dealership installation required) (December 2008)
- G1 V3.0/V3.1 – availability of SYNC Services for Traffic, Directions and knowledge services for 2010 SYNC-equipped vehicles (June 2009)
- G1 V3.2 – improved voice command structure, constant display of turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates for 911 Assist for 2011 SYNC-equipped vehicles (April 2010)
- G1 V4.0 – AppLink™ software application for hands-free voice control of smartphone apps for the 2011 Ford Fiesta only (December 2010)
- G1 V3.2.2 (non-AppLink)/V4.0.2 (AppLink-equipped) – increased MAP support for select 2011 and early-release 2012 SYNC-equipped vehicles with AppLink which include Ford Mustang (May 2011)
Ford owners keen on determining if their SYNC-equipped vehicle is eligible for any of the available SYNC updates can visit www.syncmyride.com and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
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