[ZygyKoz]

Hey Mates!

So has anyone been able to successfully hack/modify the SYNC 3 system? I am curious to see what is out there, and what is possible.

My initial interests would be to have the following from most desired/highest priority to least:

• Get rid of the annoying “features have been disabled while your vehicle is in motion” popup.
  
• Auxiliary video input via HDMI (or mini/micro), or RCA mini-jack AV, or even regular component/video input.
• Android screen mirroring/sharing.
• Web browser / open WiFi and system access.
• Streaming apps/videos like youtube, etc…
• Android apps (e.g. torque with ODBII adapter)….
• GoPro WiFi integration/dash cam/track cam (I know I know this one is way out there hopes and dreams).

What are everyone’s thoughts? Feedback? Or is any info already out there?

 

[BrettRS]

A quick Google sleuth shows nothing of not about Sync 3 hacks, Sync 2 and MyTouch there is plenty on.

 

[greenturbo2]

I'm sure we'll get some eventually. Sync 3 is still relatively new.

 

[pdxgeek]

"Android screen mirroring/sharing." That will be basically coming with the carplay/android auto update due soon.

 

[ZygyKoz]

"Android screen mirroring/sharing." That will be basically coming with the carplay/android auto update due soon.

I wouldn't hold my breath. I still think it will be limited functionality for certain apps when released. Especially with a SYNC3 system that doesn't even let you type in a destination into the nav when in motion....

 

[pdxgeek]

I wouldn't hold my breath. I still think it will be limited functionality for certain apps when released. Especially with a SYNC3 system that doesn't even let you type in a destination into the nav when in motion....

You do realize that Android Auto/Apple CarPlay is more of a projection "protocol" and is only limited by the apps themselves on the phone, and not by the manufacturer, right? Ford can't "nerf" Android Auto or Car Play. Its basically only a projection system that allows touch interaction. The headunit is basically just an external monitor for your phone at that point.

 

[randman2011]

I wouldn't hold my breath. I still think it will be limited functionality for certain apps when released. Especially with a SYNC3 system that doesn't even let you type in a destination into the nav when in motion....

That's the whole point of Android Auto and I assume CarPlay as well. They don't have to limit functionality while the vehicle is in motion because it's specifically designed to not require your attention or button presses. Google's apps are all voice controlled and developers are severely limited in what they can do with the system in order to force them to do the same.

Also, since Android Auto and CarPlay are run and updated via your phone, Ford can't impose restrictions on their features or operation. Ford can only choose what info is available to them, which will likely be pretty much nothing but that doesn't matter.

 

[ControlNode]

I'm of the understanding that Google is restricting apps with access to AA through their store. Google has to approve the AA interface layer of an app before allowing the app with AA enabled on the store. Not sure how "allowing 3rd party" apps and installing custom APKs will affect this restriction. Would be great if a 3rd party app came out that just allowed full screen mirroring, home screen and all. Would be awesome to have SoloStorm and Torque Pro in the dash like that.

 

[randman2011]

I'm of the understanding that Google is restricting apps with access to AA through their store. Google has to approve the AA interface layer of an app before allowing the app with AA enabled on the store. Not sure how "allowing 3rd party" apps and installing custom APKs will affect this restriction. Would be great if a 3rd party app came out that just allowed full screen mirroring, home screen and all. Would be awesome to have SoloStorm and Torque Pro in the dash like that.

That is correct. Due to the safety implications of running things on a screen in a car they are screening apps to make sure that they conform to some interaction standard that they have set, but this is only for the Play Store. Google has no way to enforce those standards through other means, so one could download an apk and install it on your phone to bypass that. However, Google's Auto API is pretty barebones. There isn't too much that apps could do against that standard even if there was no fear of Google rejecting it. Per the OP's concerns, you would likely have to hack Sync 3 before you could get any sort of high fidelity video streaming through the head unit. You can show pictures, though, so you may be able to get some sort of gauges if you don't mind a relatively low refresh rate.

 

[jmunjr]

So I guess no Pokemon Go then on AA...

 

[pdxgeek]

you may be able to get some sort of gauges if you don't mind a relatively low refresh rate.

That is in the works...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Auto#Car_hardware_support

 

[ZygyKoz]

Like I said......dont get your hopes up everybody: http://g.co/androidauto

We all want pure, open, full access of Android on our nav screen, we really do; but the reality is that isn't happening anytime soon......especially not with the first Sync3 update to support it to begin with.......

 

[pdxgeek]

No, you want that, but full access to android on our nav screens is a TERRIBLE idea from a safety standpoint. Android Auto/Carplay bridges that gap by being simple and safe access to your phone's software. You will be fumbling with your nav screen 10x longer than if you were just running it off your phone at that point.

 

[ZygyKoz]

No, you want that, but full access to android on our nav screens is a TERRIBLE idea from a safety standpoint. Android Auto/Carplay bridges that gap by being simple and safe access to your phone's software. You will be fumbling with your nav screen 10x longer than if you were just running it off your phone at that point.

Obviously you shouldn't be fumbling on your Android OS for 10x longer than a navigation touch screen takes while driving......just like you shouldn't ram into crowds of pedestrians, or drink and drive, or do burnouts in the middle of busy 6way intersections mid day......

They're limiting the advancement of this technology and bringing the pace down to a crawl. I just have a feeling that it's going to be a drag to work with from developers to car manufacturers to dealerships/service depts to end users. This is just based from
(1) what I've read and heard already on AA so far,
(2) what the current version offers (from all of its 30 something apps, half of which do the same things),
(3) previous attempts at similar integrations (look at MirrorLink today, that was a disaster and it had all the same hype and got nowhere, and that was just the more popular project, and now Android Auto looks to be taking the same approach still,
(4) the personal experience myself and many RS owners ran into after taking delivery: WOOHOO Sync 3 with Android Auto in my new car, that's awesome! Months later happy time car arrived and it's back home, time to setup my Android Auto...........annnnnnd NO! NOPE! Not there....turns out the car doesn't come with AA but instead you will have to upgrade firmware / software sometime in the next 2 to 12 months to get it.......so now customer is already upset about this, but at least the system has built in WiFi chip and can connect via a router or Hotspot and should be an easy OTA update.......annnnnnd NO! NOPE! Not really, can't do that.......you will have to bring it in to everyone's favorite place: the dealership! Because everyone enjoys that.... And I can't wait for the first post that says "Dealer wants to charge me $380 for Sync3 update ($200 sw and $180 labor)"......but in the meantime enjoy another failed mediocre smartphone integration through our in house app link system where you can listen to music from 3 of the same apps just by different companies or order a Dominos f***ing Pizza!!!
(5) I could go on but I feel like my post has started to take a hard turn into ranting, so I'll finish for now.

Simply put the car screen and smartphone and other technologies have such potential, and it seems like all parties involved are doing everything to stall it as much as possible........

I don't need more restrictions and limitations than the equivalent amount of time to complete a task via touchscreen......it defeats the purpose and with the new system in the RS it is so ridiculous that i simply grab my phone and throw on Waze for nav, or a USB stick for audio files....... As I'm sure many others do as well.....

 

[inchoate]

i just want an "off" switch.

 

[Xicutioner]

i just want an "off" switch.

$4 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Toggle-Switch-SPST/dp/B0002ZPBRA

 

[Frozen Mike]

I contacted "Ford in vehicle technology" today for a update on Android auto for our cars got this... "The Android Auto update is due to be released later this year. Check back later for details!":sleeping:

 

[ZygyKoz]

I contacted "Ford in vehicle technology" today for a update on Android auto for our cars got this... "The Android Auto update is due to be released later this year. Check back later for details!":sleeping:

Thanks for updating us!

 

[sedde]

Wont this work?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232057093156

Seems like an easy upgrade and you retain all the functions from the steering wheel, expect for voice commands. No need to mirror your phone anymore, there are apps and gps within the unit and actually a working playstore.

Also, my car is coming with sync2, can anyone pinpoint on some hacks before i completely switch it with one of these units?

 

[ZygyKoz]

Wont this work?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232057093156

Seems like an easy upgrade and you retain all the functions from the steering wheel, expect for voice commands. No need to mirror your phone anymore, there are apps and gps within the unit and actually a working playstore.

Also, my car is coming with sync2, can anyone pinpoint on some hacks before i completely switch it with one of these units?

Interesting concept, but the unit you linked to is severely underpowered and already out of date. 1gb ram and android 5.1, you're not going to have a good time....