UPDATED 01:21 EDT / JANUARY 05 2016

NEWS

Ford, Chrysler to add Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to its cars | #CES2016

The Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have both announced that it will include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into its vehicles. Ford and FCA will join the likes of General Motors Co. and Hyundai Group who were among the early adopters of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Honda Motor Co. and Audi AG, among others.

Ford Escape gets CarPlay and Android Auto

CarPlay and Android Auto will come installed on all 2017 Ford models, sold in North America, with the Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment platform. The rollout of CarPlay and Android Auto will begin with the 2017 Ford Escape, which will also have Ford’s Sync Connect system, a new LTE-based service. The Escape is due to go on sale in the spring.

Owners of 2016 models equipped with SYNC 3 will have to wait until later in 2016 when they will be able to upgrade to get CarPlay and Android Auto. LTE will also be coming to other models, besides the Escape, later in the year.

Chrysler and Dodge get CarPlay and Android Auto

FCA, the parent company of Chrysler and Dodge, has announced a new fourth generation version of its Uconnect infotainment system. The latest addition of a capacitive touchscreen will allow drivers to use both CarPlay and Android Auto in their vehicles.

While FCA has not stated specifically which models will receive support for CarPlay and Android Auto, the company did note that introduction of the new system would happen in 2016.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

To use Apple CarPlay drivers will need an iPhone 5 or later. Once plugged into the car’s USB port, drivers will be able to access music, make calls, get directions, access Siri, send and receive messages, all while their attention remains on the road.

Android Auto is compatible with Android 5.0 or later and provides similar hands-free services to Apple CarPlay, including access to on-demand Google Play Music, Google voice search, and Google Maps, among others. Drivers will also be able to make calls or send and receive messages.

With at least nine major automakers and over 100 auto tech firms at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), there’s bound to be more interesting tech and partnerships on display this week.

Image credit: Maurizio Pesce; Flickr

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