Forestier

Google Maps and Apple Carplay under IOS 12 - LIVE! Typical, after all the effort of getting the F7 version on Sync 3 maps, Google Maps comes to Apple Carplay! I stopped using Carplay earlier this year as Apple Maps were a dissapointment on a long touring drive in Spain & Portugal. For those Iphone using SMax owners that haven’t picked up on this, at 18:00 Monday 17th, Apple released an IOS 12 update. I had seen rumours that Apple would, for the first time, allow third party map apps to run under Carplay. I had also read that, for this to work, Google & Waze needed to release new versions of their apps. I updated to IOS 12 on Tuesday but no sign of a new Google Maps release. I searched the net but no sign of a predicted release date. Then, just this morning, an updated Google Maps appeared on the app store! Just plugged iPhone into car USB and enabled Carplay under Sync 3 settings. Carplay screen appears with Apple Maps icon on home screen BUT swipe to second screen and you have Google Maps! This seems to excite me more than it should, I need to get out more!!

Mmm .... just tried a short trip & not impressed. Bit of a clunky interface, screen icons slow to respond when touched. Not very intuitive. Maps a bit garish. Deleted App from phone. Will see if I can borrow and Android phone & try Google Maps. I wish Ford would get their finger out and update my maps!

Sygic is now shown on the list of Sync 3 enabled apps on Ford UK website. As it looks like a long wait for Sync 3 inbuilt nav maps to be updated, still on 04/14 in a 2017 car! I have been looking at the options. Apple maps on Carplay was first thought as I am using an iPhone. Apple maps is a much improved product but, so I read, it only stores the route you set. So, if you lose mobile signal and need to divert from original programmed route, you have a problem. It also does not do waypoints other than a divert to a POI, eg Fuel / Restaurant etc. I drive a lot in France and mobile coverage is patchy so, I need an app that downloads all its maps and works offline. I thought of buying a cheap Android phone and using Google Maps, which I prefer, and I think? that you can download some mapping so you can have offline navigation. I need to research this but it will cost £50 for a second hand phone. Saw the Sygic app on Ford site and it does download all maps for your chosen countries. Comes with lifetime traffic, (at a cost). Has waypoints. I just wasted half a day because, of all the versions of Sygic on the Appstore, I chose the wrong version, you need CAR NAVIGATION : MAPS & GPS. All other versions dont work. Downside is that this version uses Sygics old map interface which, whilst pretty clear looks a bit dated. Other non Sync 3 versions look nicer. Also, our version costs £48.99 with lifetime traffic and Car Connectivity. Normal Western Europe version is just £18.99! I have 7 days free trial before I decide so will report back in a week or so.