Ford ADDS GOOGLE MAPS ‘send to sync’ service to beam driving directions into CAR; No extra cost

[SYNC Guide]

Ford ADDS GOOGLE MAPS ‘send to sync’ service to beam driving directions into CAR; No extra cost

 

* Ford adds Google Maps to its ‘Send to SYNC’ feature, allowing drivers to send destinations from Google Maps to their Ford vehicle through the cloud-based SYNC® Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) app

* Drivers download destination information into the vehicle via their Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones; the information will be processed into audible turn-by-turn directions, eliminating the need to bring printed maps into the car and helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road

* ‘Send to SYNC’ launches later this month and will be available for existing 2010-11 models equipped with SYNC TDI; no extra hardware, software updates or costs are required

[SYNCmole]

So how do we go about enabling or using this once it's available? Do we need an app for our phone or is the option going to be built into a future version of Google Maps?

[fallsgable]

How are we going to get this updated feature?

how are we going to be notified of its availability?

How do I know if I have an existing 2010-11 models equipped with SYNC TDI?

[Muzicman61]

My guess is you will have to have a phone with a data plan, navigate to Google on the phone and then select "Send to Sync". Hopefully there will also be a way to do it from a home PC but I'm skeptical.

[uh60james]

Any idea what the status of this is? I thought we were supposed to have it this month but still not seeing it as an option on Google Maps. They added GM brands but still no Ford or Sync listed! I tried it from my phone as well and there was no option to send it to a car period, just email.

[joeygibson]

Any idea what the status of this is? I thought we were supposed to have it this month but still not seeing it as an option on Google Maps. They added GM brands but still no Ford or Sync listed! I tried it from my phone as well and there was no option to send it to a car period, just email.

 

I went to Google maps this morning on my computer, clicked on the "Send" button, but Ford of SYNC was still not listed. I logged out and back in and now Ford is an option. If you find a location, then click the Send button, then select "Car" from the left-side, then pick Ford from the dropdown. It asks for the phone number of the primary phone associated with your SYNC system. That's it. I haven't gotten the SYNC to retrieve the location yet, but I will next time I'm in the car.

 

Joey

Edited July 6, 2010 by joeygibson

[mattr]

I tried, it says "Invalid user account. Please visit the help page.". The help page says: "Invalid user account. Please visit the help page."

You will receive this message if SYNC® is unable to match the mobile phone number that you entered with an active SYNC® account. Please confirm that you have typed your mobile phone number accurately and that you have excluded the country code "1" from the beginning of the number. If the number is correct, visit www.syncmyride.com to verify your SYNC® account status and that the mobile phone number entered is the active SYNC® account mobile phone number.

 

Well my phone number is correct and active. I went to the chat with sync support and they said: "Due to the complexity of your concern, we would like to suggest an alternative communication medium. The SYNC Support Center can be reached at 1-800-392-FORD (3673) option 1 and then option 3" :o I don't feel like calling right now.. i will try later!

[lxzndr]

I went to Google maps this morning on my computer, clicked on the "Send" button, but Ford of SYNC was still not listed. I logged out and back in and now Ford is an option. If you find a location, then click the Send button, then select "Car" from the left-side, then pick Ford from the dropdown. It asks for the phone number of the primary phone associated with your SYNC system. That's it. I haven't gotten the SYNC to retrieve the location yet, but I will next time I'm in the car.

 

Joey

 

I tried it myself last week and it works.

I had to connect to the services, and then it told me it had a destination from Goggle and asked if I wanted to have it route me there.

It wont follow the google route, it will just use the destination to generate its own route. But, anyone could send you the destination by using your registered phone number. I have problems telling it where I want to go using the voice prompts sometimes, being able to send the destination to the car, or even have someone else do it while you are driving could be helpful.

[umpire.20]

I am a new SYNC owner. I happen to have a Garmin GPS also. I am interested to know this ........

 

If, from Google Maps, I send a destination to my SYNC and it is read properly, does SYNC then give me turn-by-turn directions? And, if it does, what happens to my radio while I'm driving?

 

Basically, I'm asking that if listening to the radio, how do I receive the directions from SYNC? Will it cut the radio in & out (like bluetooth does) or must I drive in silence awaiting turn-by-turn directions?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[turtle]

I am a owner of a 2010 Ford Taurus Limited, living in British Columbia Canada, I went onto Google Maps and navigated a rout then clicked on the send to car and it only gave BMW, Infinity, Mini,Nissan & Rolls Royce for option vehicles is this because i am a Canadian or is Ford Sync only allowing these choices.

Ford Canada better get into the 20Th century!! :chairshot:

Edited June 14, 2012 by turtle

[mv-clear]

I am a owner of a 2010 Ford Taurus Limited, living in British Columbia Canada, I went onto Google Maps and navigated a rout then clicked on the send to car and it only gave BMW, Infinity, Mini,Nissan & Rolls Royce for option vehicles is this because i am a Canadian or is Ford Sync only allowing these choices.

Ford Canada better get into the 20Th century!! :chairshot:

 

None of the cool features seem to be avaliable in Canada. So I guess it's cause we're Canadian.

[tpchristian]

I think that it no longer works with google. I don't know why. Maybe they have to pay google and they are too cheap to do this anymore. You can use map quest. I don't think I've used map quest since the late 90's or eary 00's

[briando]

does ford navigation seem comparable though?

[abjb]

does ford navigation seem comparable though?

 

I think Ford needs 2 maybe 3 more years before they can compete with this.

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-nuvi-40LM-4.3-Portable-GPS-with-Free-Lifetime-Maps/17327927?page=seeAllReviews

 

Those life time maps are a deal MAKER for me.

[Malibu3105]

I am using an Iphone 4s. I don't see any "Send" option when i create a route.

Can someone explain exactly where the Send button is?

[briando]

 

I think Ford needs 2 maybe 3 more years before they can compete with this.

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-nuvi-40LM-4.3-Portable-GPS-with-Free-Lifetime-Maps/17327927?page=seeAllReviews

 

Those life time maps are a deal MAKER for me.

 

hopefully ford can step up and get this soon!

[Malibu3105]

Hmmmm 2 or 3 years, well one of the car manufactures will probably license Garmin to do their GPS.

 

And 2 or 3 years is enough time for GM to have a good 40mpg hybrid, and 2 or 3 years is enough time to get plenty of use from my FFTI.

 

So may be trade in time. GPS aside, by then I will be so sick of Sync that I may never purchase a Ford again.

 

But, maybe they are all that way.

 

Next time I will rent one and drive it for a month or so to make sure.

[ckrsFusion]

I think that it no longer works with google. I don't know why. Maybe they have to pay google and they are too cheap to do this anymore. You can use map quest. I don't think I've used map quest since the late 90's or eary 00's

 

This is just sad. Microsoft could have at least added Send to Sync for BingMaps. That would have been better than Mapquest. Same could be said for the lack of Windows8 phone support for MyFordMobile (based on MSFT Sync). MSFT has all the pieces but continually fails to connect the dots. MSFT should play to win or go home.

 

Shame.

[Malibu3105]

Not Microsofts fault. Ford does not have to use them. Ford needs to use an OS that works for it's customers for all brands of phones. It isn't that hard, it is Ford's responsibility to pick an OS or OS's that will provide what is needed. They have not done that and there has been plenty of time, so I doubt they ever will.

 

I will shop better next time.

[CARR142]

You all, might want to try the APP, (send to car), at the play store. I think this app uses Map quest for it nav. I have used this app and it work.

[briando]

You all, might want to try the APP, (send to car), at the play store. I think this app uses Map quest for it nav. I have used this app and it work.

is it compatible with ford sync?

[CARR142]

Yes, it is good to go with ford sync.

[Malibu3105]

You all, might want to try the APP, (send to car), at the play store. I think this app uses Map quest for it nav. I have used this app and it work.

 

Many of us if not most have iPhones, so no app is available. As far as Mapquest I have tried and it doesn't send to anywhere. Plus it just doesn't work as well as Goggle Maps.

Just like most of the Sync functions don't work well with an iPhone.

 

I am guessing that Ford assumed people buying cars don't really care about those things. Of course they are wrong.

I had trouble yesterday where Sync just locked up for a minute or two. Did not respond to any touch, no nav, music just kept going, finally it responded, when I ejected the CD.

[Rich B.]

Where do Ford's maps originate from? Do they have their own topographers and geographers? Never got lost, forgot I haven't gone anywheres yet though. Wife's Garmin was atrocious, even with updates it would lead you wrong every time. Actually it was better being lost.....

[Malibu3105]

Where do Ford's maps originate from? Do they have their own topographers and geographers? Never got lost, forgot I haven't gone anywheres yet though. Wife's Garmin was atrocious, even with updates it would lead you wrong every time. Actually it was better being lost.....

 

That is a good question. Probably an update once a year maybe, and paid for after a certain time.

 

I have used Garmin for a very long time. The one I have now has free lifetime updates, and updates 3 or 4 times a year.

 

It is usually right on, but it is a tool. It can take me on a weird route sometimes, but is about 90% in getting me where I need to go. Many times it is wrong due to the map being wrong from new construction or something like that.

 

But my Garmin is fast, has lots of sorting options, as well as searching options like finding a location near my destination, or near my route.

 

Sync NAV has no options. Just a date or alpha sort. Can't sort by closest or custom category.

I only have a few destinations in my Ford NAV as I always have to page through, and it is extremely slow in that each time I push the screen there is a delay before it updates the screen.

 

Once in a great while it is faster.

 

There is a Sync update out, I am going tomorrow I hope, and maybe it will be better.