![]() When you ask Sync and Scout to get directions home, the app pulls your GPS location and your home address and plots a route home. ![]() Here's what I learned was actually happening behind the scenes. Suddenly, the Ford Sync system started giving me turn-by-turn navigation with little onscreen turn prompts and arrows. Sync and Scout work pretty well for navigation, but the voice prompts could use some clarification. After a bit of fiddling with the system while parked (safety first) I got annoyed and just drove away, without the directions. What it won't do is start giving turn-by-turn directions. From here, you can access your saved locations, get traffic updates, or just initiate turn-by-turn directions by say something like "Drive home." The app will think for a bit and then report that it has downloaded directions and that you're now free to use your phone. When you fire the Premium version of the Scout app up via the Sync voice commands, "Mobile apps, Scout," you're greeted by onscreen text that indicates that you're ready to start giving the app voice commands. Here's how it works and where my the confusion happened. For example, the way the Scout navigation worked in tandem with the Sync system's built-in turn-by-turn guidance engine had me scratching my head until I got a trip or two beneath my belt. Sometimes the lack of visual feedback required a bit more mental processing than I'm used to. To be fair, it's possible that my phone is as much to blame for this communication error as the Sync system - perhaps completely - but I'm reporting my experiences. Upon exiting and re-entering the vehicle, Sync began to recognize Amazon, but seemed to forget that iHeart and NPR were installed on my phone. after installing Kaliki Audio Newstand, iHeart Radio, Scout, and NPR News, Sync stopped recognizing Amazon MP3 as a valid installed app. However, every now and then, Sync just wouldn't recognize and app as installed, particularly if you have a lot of compatible apps installed on your host phone. You should also be able to request your custom stations by saying, for example, "Listen to Michael Jackson Radio" or rate songs by saying "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." If, for example, Pandora is installed on your phone, you should be able to just say, "Mobile apps" and then "Pandora" to begin streaming your custom stations from the internet via the app. Generally speaking, AppLink setup should be as simple as installing the compatible app on your phone, pairing your phone with the vehicle, and then issuing voice commands via Sync. These apps add functionality such as navigation, audio playback and streaming, news broadcasts, and more to the Escape's dashboard. I did my testing with an Android phone over Bluetooth connection, but the operation and results should be similar with a USB connected iPhone.įord Sync AppLink boasts well over 22 compatible apps just for Android and about as many for iOS. When paired with a smartphone, Ford Sync gives drivers voice-controlled access to mobile apps. On roads with a bit more space to move around in within the lane - unlike San Francisco's sometimes cramped local highways - drivers may not even notice the slight twitchiness, but I feel it bears mentioning. ![]() That said, the Escape wasn't as twitchy as, say, the Mazda CX-5, and certainly not as swayed by crosswinds on the freeway. ![]() Over rough and cracked asphalt, I could feel the vehicle seemingly moving around beneath me and twitching about, requiring lots of small corrections and concentration. However, I did notice that the Escape feels noticeably less planted at highway speeds than its smaller platform-mate. There's no beating the laws of physics, but Ford's engineers have done a good job making the Escape feel more carlike and accessible than ever. Very slightly, I feel I should emphasize. Only in the larger, elevated Escape the element of sportiness is slightly dulled. Being based on the same platform as Ford's Focus, the Escape garners a lot to the same praise that's been heaped on the compact - a controlled ride that's not too mushy, predictable amounts of grip, and a general feeling of responsive handling that automakers like to call "European tuned" in their marketing materials. (An all-wheel-drive option is available, but not equipped.) The steering was responsive with good initial turn-in that makes the crossover feel pretty nimble at parking lot and city speed. Speaking of the performance envelope, I was pleased with our front-drive Escape SE's handling.
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