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2020 ST infotainment Systems, Sync3, Apple CarPlay, etc. BEGINNER QUESTIONS
- Thread starter Fear
- Start date
Everything you access or connect to the touch screen, pretty much.
Honestly, I'd say get to reading. When I first came on here I was reading the sub forums back as far as they went. Lots of questions already asked and answered, lots of things you might read that you didn't even think to ask. Also, get to reading the owner's manual. Many of the new owner type questions that are asked here are answered in great detail in the owner's manual. Though, don't be discouraged from asking anyway, this is a friendly place and you'll get your answer.
Honestly, I'd say get to reading. When I first came on here I was reading the sub forums back as far as they went. Lots of questions already asked and answered, lots of things you might read that you didn't even think to ask. Also, get to reading the owner's manual. Many of the new owner type questions that are asked here are answered in great detail in the owner's manual. Though, don't be discouraged from asking anyway, this is a friendly place and you'll get your answer.
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2nd, little reading through the forum will net you a lot of useful information.
The infotainment is the center screen with the navigation. Because you get the information from navigation, settings, etc and then the entertainment refers to radio, satellite, anything you get from connecting your android or iPhone will show up as well.
If you're looking for specifics a quick search on youtube will have some walkthroughs, things to explore (no pun intended) and deeper settings you may like to tweak.
The infotainment is the center screen with the navigation. Because you get the information from navigation, settings, etc and then the entertainment refers to radio, satellite, anything you get from connecting your android or iPhone will show up as well.
If you're looking for specifics a quick search on youtube will have some walkthroughs, things to explore (no pun intended) and deeper settings you may like to tweak.
OP
Thread Starter
#5
Thread Starter
#5
Thank you, cheetoduster. I appreciate your straightforward answer. That is what I thought it meant.
YES, I am working on reading everything I can find. The reason I asked such a basic question first was to make sure that I was discussing apples to apples. With all of the technical terms / marketing names, I was getting myself confused. Thought I would start with the basics. Lol.
My vehicle has SYNC3 installed. It is capable of running Apple CarPlay. During our 24 hour Test Drive, we used the SYNC3 navigation system by itself before we managed to get CarPlay working. Apple‘s navigation interface is much easier for me to use as I am used to it.
I plan to use my iPhone hooked up through CarPlay for Navigation, Music, etc.
My REAL question is this… (and I can’t seem to find a straightforward answer)—
IF I PLAN TO USE APPLE CARPLAY, DO I REALLY NEED TO SUBSCRIBE YEARLY TO THE FORD SYNC3 SYSTEM??
I have seen posts from people that have both SYNC3 and CarPlay.
AND
Others indicate that they ONLY use CarPlay.
I understand SYNC3 to be Ford’s version of “CarPlay“ for people who do not have iPhone.
If this is correct, Why would anyone need both systems?
YES, I am working on reading everything I can find. The reason I asked such a basic question first was to make sure that I was discussing apples to apples. With all of the technical terms / marketing names, I was getting myself confused. Thought I would start with the basics. Lol.
My vehicle has SYNC3 installed. It is capable of running Apple CarPlay. During our 24 hour Test Drive, we used the SYNC3 navigation system by itself before we managed to get CarPlay working. Apple‘s navigation interface is much easier for me to use as I am used to it.
I plan to use my iPhone hooked up through CarPlay for Navigation, Music, etc.
My REAL question is this… (and I can’t seem to find a straightforward answer)—
IF I PLAN TO USE APPLE CARPLAY, DO I REALLY NEED TO SUBSCRIBE YEARLY TO THE FORD SYNC3 SYSTEM??
I have seen posts from people that have both SYNC3 and CarPlay.
AND
Others indicate that they ONLY use CarPlay.
I understand SYNC3 to be Ford’s version of “CarPlay“ for people who do not have iPhone.
If this is correct, Why would anyone need both systems?
Sync3 is basically the operating system for the infotainment. It's not subscription based, it's just there installed on your vehicle. Think of it like Windows on your computer. CarPlay or Android Auto are like applications that run on Sync3. Sync3 does not support CarPlay or Android auto wirelessly, you have to plug your phone into the USB in that little cubby under the infotainment/hvac controls. At that point AA or CarPlay will launch.
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First World Question: Just purchased a 2025 Explorer ST. iPhone is connected via bluetooth. No issues streaming from phone. My question is how to voice to text to Explorer to send? Tried inside and outside Apple Car Play but no luck. Any thoughts?
Second thought. Was saying "Hey Google". Now thinking using the voice button on the steering wheel instead.
Second thought. Was saying "Hey Google". Now thinking using the voice button on the steering wheel instead.
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