http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/08/f...tions-to-sync/

Just another reason to spring for it if you're on the fence. Flies right in the face of the 'its going to be obsolete' argument

 

Actually, that new function is for people using Sync and their cell phone for navigation. It doesn't change anything for the navigation system in the electronics package. "TDI is a recent addition that adds a GPS receiver which allows Sync equipped cars and trucks to provide directions even if the vehicle doesn't have the full map based navigation system in place."

I have thought for some time that Ford should upgrade the software in the navigation system to something like this, though. If you have certain models of Garmin Nuvi, you can build a route on Mapquest and upload it to the GPS. Ford could allow you to build the route online, upload it to a flash drive, then download it to the car from the flash drive. The navigation system will find you the quickest route but sometimes you're not looking to save time, you want the most scenic route.

 

Pretty cool...still can't justify $2300 for a hardmounted GPS and DZ climate control.

 

Yeah but I have a Droid with the car mount, it already has Google Maps

 

Glad to hear it! Also good to hear that they're updating the system after they put it in cars, it's a good sign for its longevity. Might eventually be overwhelmed by MyFord, but using Google Maps should keep it up to date and working regardless of any other changes.

I wonder if they'll throw in some street views. You come up on a turn and it shows you the streetview capture of what the turn looks like. I mean why not? 8 Inch screen. As long as it isn't too distracting to the driver.

 

Ditto.. Though like someone else mentioned you will still be able to use your SYNC as a navigation tool if nessesary W/O having to have the the factory nav screen applied on the car. At least that was my understanding.

 

you can use it with the eleck pkg too

 

It says it's for SYNC. Even non electronics package cars have SYNC. I've used SYNC's navigation 4-5 times now, and it works very well. This is just using the preferred layout of google's directions... It says nothing about integration of google maps popping up onto an in-car screen. Rather it's the convinence of when you look up a location and hit the directions you can immediately send it to the car.

Hence nothing to do with electronic package. And another reason why it's not worth it (to me). As I can get, sports, news, directions, movie times, restaurants, local happenings, traffic, etc... all with SYNC.

 

I think the interior looks more complete with the Nav screens than without them....just my .02, that's why all my cars have Nav.

 

Yes, non-elec pkg cars can have it, thats not the point.

People use the lame excuse, the elec pkg will be obsolete. When in-fact it couldn't be further from the truth

 

This is designed for cars WITHOUT the electronics package so they to can (more) easily have turn by turn navigation.
The purpose is to add more Nav like functions to the base radio model cars.

Turn by turn is already available but doesnt always take the best route and you can plan you route more specificaly with this setup.

 

I think this is pretty sweet. I have been really waivering on getting the EP or not, then one of the Ford salesman finally showed me how the regular sync works and was really blown away by it. I feel better now that if I don't get the EP that I can get info through sync. There really is a slew of features that Ford never advertsises about sync that are really great. This just adds to the package.

I would like the looks of the EP but still not sure yet. At least sync is very useful.

 

+1

I'm just sayin...

 

Not the point? -The thread is called "electronics package got better" when it's SYNC that got better. Elec pack isn't worth the price for offering the same features on standard SYNC model. But with the Elec pack, you get dual climate control and a different look... over it. I was very close to to getting it in mine until I learned all about it, and opted for the 1000 instead.

 

I've ordered the electronics package myself, so I hope you are right and Ford does offer more features in the future. There's a lot of potential for the navigation system. As of now, the Sirius Travelink doesn't offer much I care about but perhaps they will add to it. With the regular navigation, for instance, it can show you the gas stations in the area but Travelink can supplement it and show you the gas prices for each place.

With or without Travelink, if you have the nav system you can press a button on the steering wheel and say "Find a Mexican restaurant" and it will display some choices. Imagine if it were enhanced with Travelink and the screen could also show an easy to understand icon for each choice indicating average customer rating. I'm not suggesting that you should be reading lengthy restaurant reviews while piloting your vehicle, but just have a simple icon for each entry. Maybe a second icon that indicates the price range at each place. Sirius wouldn't have to hire an army of restaurant critics. There are web sites that rate restaurants and Sirius could partner up with one of them.

And Droid advocates, you don't have to tell me that you can do this already. I understand you love your Droids but the topic here is the built-in electronics from Ford.

 

You can use it if you have the eleck pkg too.


Yes SYNC got better, still, not the point I'm trying to make.

The elec pkg got better as well, and as you can see Ford is and will continue to update it.

If you don't/didn't wanna get it because you think the standar SYNC, droid phone, etc will suffice then fine I'm not out to convince anyone. My only point is this SAYING THE ELEC PKG WILL BE OBSOLETE IS NOT A VERY VALID ARGUMENT SINCE IT SEES PRETTY REGULAR UPDATES [/stinger]

 

This.

I'm sure they could do that by linking it with Yelp or the google reviews. Its probably going to be an app for MyFord in the near future

 

lol large and in charge font wars!

Well then this is titled wrong...
I never once in all of my postings said it was obsolete, I said it was over priced for the features it provides... just me tho.

And Mercedes MyCommand looks to already be the top notch in Interfacing.
That's what Ford should aspire to. If they do, then it'll be a system worth looking into.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/4292633

 

LOL Tony I just did that to tease Stinger.

And I'm not accusing you specifically. its just I've seen that argument used multiple times on here

 

That is pretty awesome. I think for a Ford, the Sync system is pretty incredible. Also incredible still since the Mercedes can't use this system yet, not enough 4G. Hate to say it but satellite will still be more reliable here in Texas as 4G will be available in the metro but there is a lot of land between the metro areas. Especially Oklahoma. So I see this being much further off than we might think. Sync is at least still pretty relative and one of the most updated system that is fully integrated into the car. I agree, the Mercedes system is something to look forward to but it seems like Sync is headed that way already.