Ford’s New Software Update Enables Siri Voice Activation

Ford on Thursday rolled out a new software update for over 5 million SYNC-enabled vehicles ranging from 2011 to 2016 model years, adding Apple Siri Eyes-Free capability for hands-free access to additional iPhone features.

SYNC is the world’s leading entertainment and communications system with more than 12 million vehicles on the road worldwide. It allows drivers to use their voice to make a call, listen to music, voice-control, select apps with SYNC AppLinkTM and much more.

“SYNC, Ford’s entertainment and communications system, was designed to be flexible and updatable, just like other mobile technologies, so our customers are able to get the most out of their smartphones while behind the wheel,” said Sherif Marakby, director, Ford Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering.

Siri Eyes-Free allows drivers to activate Siri with a long press of the voice recognition button on the steering wheel, similar to activating Siri on an iPhone. Drivers can use just their voice to ask Siri for requests including making phone calls to contacts in their address book, looking up phone numbers for restaurants or other points of interest, setting a reminder or alarm, asking about the weather, select and play music, audibly send and receive text messages, getting directions through Apple Maps.

“Siri Eyes-Free is another great voice-activated feature that not only adds convenience but helps our customers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel”, Marakby added.

The new software update is available for vehicles equipped with the second generation of SYNC, known as MyFord Touch in North America.