Navigation Maps
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 943
Likes: 329
From: Colorado Rockies
Navigation Maps
I have a couple questions about using Android Auto or Apple Car Play maps; I searched but did not find an answer. I'm getting ready to buy a new cell phone and have to decide which would be better for me; Android or Apple.
1. When using my current phone (Android Auto) the map on my '20 Explorer (Sync 3) is about 25% of the screen; the remainder of the screen is wasted on some worthless stuff. If I use the sync 3 map, I can get full screen. Is there a way to make the Android Auto map full screen?
2. My new truck will be Sync 4. Is it going to behave the same?
3. If I cannot get full screen maps with Android Auto, can I get full screen maps with Apple Car Play? On both the Sync 3 and Sync 4 vehicle?
I understand the navigation on my Explorer will go away after a time (couple years?) and on the new Super Duty Lariat it only last 90 days unless I pay a subscription. In both cases I don't think the sync navigation is updated as well as Google maps or whatever the Apple equivalent is; especially for traffic/construction updates.
Thanks
1. When using my current phone (Android Auto) the map on my '20 Explorer (Sync 3) is about 25% of the screen; the remainder of the screen is wasted on some worthless stuff. If I use the sync 3 map, I can get full screen. Is there a way to make the Android Auto map full screen?
2. My new truck will be Sync 4. Is it going to behave the same?
3. If I cannot get full screen maps with Android Auto, can I get full screen maps with Apple Car Play? On both the Sync 3 and Sync 4 vehicle?
I understand the navigation on my Explorer will go away after a time (couple years?) and on the new Super Duty Lariat it only last 90 days unless I pay a subscription. In both cases I don't think the sync navigation is updated as well as Google maps or whatever the Apple equivalent is; especially for traffic/construction updates.
Thanks
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 184
Likes: 123
That's a limitation of sync. On sync 4 with the large display there is still a sync card on the right so you don't fully get into android auto or carplay. However with the screen as large as it is you still see plenty.
Word is ford will be releasing a sync 4 update so you can go full screen.
I have carplay and it's wonderful. You can use apple maps(what I prefer) or google maps or waze or a million other navigation apps. Some suited for towing a trailer that will route you appropriately, Some for offroading and overlanding. Most will download and store maps so they work without signal.
It's wayyyyy better than the build in nav on any vehicle and for most cases, free.
Word is ford will be releasing a sync 4 update so you can go full screen.
I have carplay and it's wonderful. You can use apple maps(what I prefer) or google maps or waze or a million other navigation apps. Some suited for towing a trailer that will route you appropriately, Some for offroading and overlanding. Most will download and store maps so they work without signal.
It's wayyyyy better than the build in nav on any vehicle and for most cases, free.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,440
Likes: 4,945
On the SYNC 4 12" screen, you get about 3/4 of the screen as your map, the other 1/4 is the place where you can use the other functions in SYNC 4.
As to whether android or IOS is better, up to your preference.
If you've been on an android phone for a long time and never had an iPhone, you will probably be happier sticking to the one you know.
As to whether android or IOS is better, up to your preference.
If you've been on an android phone for a long time and never had an iPhone, you will probably be happier sticking to the one you know.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
1. When using my current phone (Android Auto) the map on my '20 Explorer (Sync 3) is about 25% of the screen; the remainder of the screen is wasted on some worthless stuff. If I use the sync 3 map, I can get full screen. Is there a way to make the Android Auto map full screen?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,440
Likes: 4,945
Don't know if this will help, but with my old android phone, I had to physically plug it in to the truck for Android Auto to work properly in my 2022 KR. Have since bought a newer android phone and Android Auto works fine via bluetooth. BTW, my last phone was 4 years old.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,946
Likes: 4,037
Newer phones ~ 2years old or newer should all work with the wireless AA or CP, provided they are current on OS. It pretty much comes down to preference and what you know. Years ago I tried an Android based phone instead of iphone and went back to iphone within a week due to incompatibility with pre-MFT. On the iphone, you could easily access the entire music library regardless if it was usb or BT, but the Galaxy at the time could not, only though BT and the audio quality sucked. FF to today, only reason I would not try an Android, all my apps are through Apple, along with music and books and can't be transferred. The same is more likely with the Android, so if you have had Android for a while, you might have stuff on it you can't transfer to the Apple. With the cost of these things, if it doesn't work out as you hoped, it's an expensive oops.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 943
Likes: 329
From: Colorado Rockies
Thanks, My Android is five years old running version 8.0.0; probably on it's last legs. In my Explorer, it has to be plugged in to activate Android Auto, but it connects ok via Bluetooth for calls & media. Sounds like I may be ok with the Sync 4 and big screen; but not much hope for improvement with my Sync 3 Explorer. I have been thinking of going iphone anyway because it will run an aviation app I like which is not available on Android.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 943
Likes: 329
From: Colorado Rockies
That's a limitation of sync. On sync 4 with the large display there is still a sync card on the right so you don't fully get into android auto or carplay. However with the screen as large as it is you still see plenty.
Word is ford will be releasing a sync 4 update so you can go full screen.
I have carplay and it's wonderful. You can use apple maps(what I prefer) or google maps or waze or a million other navigation apps. Some suited for towing a trailer that will route you appropriately, Some for offroading and overlanding. Most will download and store maps so they work without signal.
It's wayyyyy better than the build in nav on any vehicle and for most cases, free.
Word is ford will be releasing a sync 4 update so you can go full screen.
I have carplay and it's wonderful. You can use apple maps(what I prefer) or google maps or waze or a million other navigation apps. Some suited for towing a trailer that will route you appropriately, Some for offroading and overlanding. Most will download and store maps so they work without signal.
It's wayyyyy better than the build in nav on any vehicle and for most cases, free.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 968
Likes: 576
From: Middle TN
Just Switched
For what it's worth, I just switched to an iPhone after 25 years of Android phones. The main reason I decided to switch was because I use iTunes as the main eco-system for my music collection, and iPhone/CarPlay integrates with that seamlessly. It's possible to sync an Android phone with iTunes, but I had to use several apps, go through several extra steps, and deal with inevitable glitches when they come up.
On a side note, I've always used Google maps and I thought I'd be sticking with that, but Apple maps actually has some nice features and it's growing on me. As previously stated, you can use Google maps, Apple maps, Waze, or any other app on an iPhone as long as the app is compatible with CarPlay. For me the jury is still out on which map will be my default.
I think the 12" screen is plenty big enough even though it's shared. For me, having the map on the main screen and song info on the shared screen is just about as handy as a front pocket.
Overall I'm glad I switched and have no regrets. If you decide to switch don't worry about the learning curve, it's not too bad. Good luck!
On a side note, I've always used Google maps and I thought I'd be sticking with that, but Apple maps actually has some nice features and it's growing on me. As previously stated, you can use Google maps, Apple maps, Waze, or any other app on an iPhone as long as the app is compatible with CarPlay. For me the jury is still out on which map will be my default.
I think the 12" screen is plenty big enough even though it's shared. For me, having the map on the main screen and song info on the shared screen is just about as handy as a front pocket.
Overall I'm glad I switched and have no regrets. If you decide to switch don't worry about the learning curve, it's not too bad. Good luck!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
I'm cheap on some things, and connected services is one of 'em ... and is why I refuse to pay $80/year for connected navigation. I paid a little over $200 for a Motorola "Moto G Stylus" running Android 11, and use Tracfone prepaid services ... costs me about $125/year. I rarely use it to look up anything on the internet, mostly because it usually can wait until I'm sitting here at my PC with a big monitor. I also rarely ever go outside the one Google map I've downloaded, but I know I can download additional maps as needed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,946
Likes: 4,037
Does the pro Max fit the wireless charger in the truck? I have one myself, and wonder how well they fit.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 204
Likes: 115
From: Zephyr Cove, NV
My wife's does, but it makes the phone super hot, so she doesn't charge it there. I've read about many people's Apple phones getting too hot using the OEM wireless charger. It's not worth the risk of ruining a $1500 phone when it takes a couple seconds to plug it in.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 943
Likes: 329
From: Colorado Rockies
Same question, what app? I have a Rand Mcnally tablet specifically for RV use, but it is so heavy that there isn't a mount on the market that can keep it from shaking. It is also not very well designed. I bought it because it has a dashcam feature, one of the few that have one and the RV maps, but the camera is not integrated with the navigation like Garmin does. I only use it now to verify the routes on the Garmin and toss it in the console when done. My F350 has a Kenwood with Garmin, so I can switch between Carplay and Garmin. Would be nice to have a map app for RV instead.
Does the pro Max fit the wireless charger in the truck? I have one myself, and wonder how well they fit.
Does the pro Max fit the wireless charger in the truck? I have one myself, and wonder how well they fit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,946
Likes: 4,037
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
FordmanNJ
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
155
Oct 4, 2013 05:32 PM