Ford vehicles have been coming with Alexa support for a few years now, albeit it was only available on cars with the Sync 3 infotainment system. Using Alexa also required one to install Ford’s AppLink app on their phone. This created friction when one wanted to use Alexa while inside their Ford car.
Ford is looking to change all that by adding native Alexa integration to its vehicles with Sync 4 infotainment system.
Starting this fall, Ford will begin rolling out an improved implementation of Alexa to Sync 4-equipped cars in the US and Canada. Once Ford releases the update through its Power-Up program, you won’t need the company’s AppLink software to access Alexa in your car anymore
Ford initial rollout will involve approximately 700,000 vehicles in North America, with more cars in Europe and other parts of the world to follow later. Bronco, Edge, F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Super Duty models will get first access to the new Alexa experience. So what’s the catch, you ask. Well, it’s that you’re getting access to this better experience as part of a three-year trial that starts after you install the associated Power-Up OTA update or the warranty on your new 2022 model car begins. After those three years, “fees may apply.” You’ll also need FordPass Connect, which is an optional add-on you may have not bought with your car.
Today’s announcement is the start of a new six-year partnership between Amazon and Ford that will see the two companies develop new features and Alexa skills. Over the next few years, Ford plans to roll out this new built-in version of Alexa to millions of its cars.
