Ford Motor stated last week it would look into the growing arena of “over-the-air” software updates, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to its Sync 3-equipped 2016 automobiles for the first time by means of a wireless software update.
The current upgrade to Sync 3, Ford’s interactive touch-screen system, will be accomplished by means of an over-the-air (OTA) update using Wi-Fi, not unlike how brand-new software gets uploaded to smartphones by makers.
After Tesla’s early lead in 2015 presenting OTAs, standard automakers are gradually starting to embrace the new technology, under limits. Issues about security and resistance from dealers fretted about losing service revenue have hindered its adoption.
So far, recognized car manufacturers have not utilized OTAs for security systems, just for non-critical systems like infotainment.
Clients can likewise get the update via the traditional ways of visiting their dealership or using a USB drive, Ford informed.
Android Car and Apple CarPlay are running systems from Alphabet’s Google and Apple Inc that permit motorists to connect their smart devices to their vehicles’ control panel.
Ford’s first use of OTAs follow the 2 months after it stated it would work with 400 engineers to work on connectivity, primarily from Blackberry Ltd’s shuttered phone handset business. Blackberry QNX powers Sync 3 system of Ford.
Apart from being more convenient for clients, OTAs can bring automakers cost savings, as a significant percentage of warranty repair problems and recalls can be remedied through OTAs.
