Ever since it was launched in 2007, Ford’->ke31s SYNC in-car entertainment and communications system has pioneered the infotainment game. Sure, it’s had its quirks along the way, but by and large, SYNC has been everything that Ford has hyped it to be. Now that it’s on its third-generation - aptly titled SYNC 3 - the system is set to welcome Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the fold, allowing Sync 3-equipped cars to benefit from the services that the two platforms provide for their respective users.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected to enhance the level of connectivity for iPhone and Android users. Each platform has a different method of offering these services, but both cover a gamut of useful tools that would provide massive benefits for the driver.

In addition to the introduction of the two mobile phone platforms, Ford has also promised a number of new apps for SYNC 3 that can be accessed through AppLink. Whether it’s on-the-road tools like the AAA app for US residents and CAA app for Canadian residents, or entertainment search apps like Eventseeker and Cityseeker, SYNC 3 will be able to offer these services beginning with all vehicles sold in North America as 2017 models. The new Ford Escape->ke233 will get first dibs on the system, followed by other 2017 models. Even owners of 2016 models are going to have the chance to upgrade their SYNC systems, although that’s expected to happen "later this year".

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Why it matters

I’ve admittedly had my issues with Ford’s SYNC infotainment system in the past, but even with all the hiccups, I’ve always found it to be one of the better ones on the market.

Hearing about these additions is pretty exciting, but like most things that have to do with connectivity, it’s always best to hold the judgment until you’ve tried it out personally. That’s what I plan to do. I’m eager to see how compatible the Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto platforms are to SYNC. Will it be a seamless connection or will it be rife with bugs and such? I’ve had some experience on the latter and I can tell you it can get annoying pretty quickly.

But, as I said, judgment won’t be made until I see it for myself. I like where it’s going, that much I can say. The Eventseeker and Cityseeker apps, for instance, are welcome additions into the fold. Same thing with the AAA and Concur apps. Those should be mighty useful when the situation calls for it.

I just hope these additions perform as well as they've been advertised.