A Co-Driver for the 21st Century: Sygic Announces Driving Assistant Feature For Ford’s Sync 3-Enabled Vehicles

26. 02. 2018

Sygic, the world’s most advanced navigation app, today unveils its new Driving Assistant feature for Ford vehicles. The Driving Assistant is a voice-controlled, interactive co-driver feature that allows drivers to ask about nearby rest-stops, restaurants, hotels, and even traffic jams along route – all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

TheSygic Car Navigation App with car infotainment system connectivity is optimized to work seamlessly with Ford’s Sync 3 AppLink vehicle touchscreen via the automotive giant’s Smart Device Link (SDL) technology. The app already provides users with access to GPS mapping tools, real-time traffic data, parking advice, and real-time info about gas prices.

Now, Sygic’s new Driving Assistant feature brings even greater safety and convenience. Drivers simply tap a button on the steering wheel and use voice commands like “Find a hotel,” “Find a petrol station,” “Find a restaurant,” or “How is traffic ahead?” The app responds in one of the 24 selectable languages, verbally listing all relevant results. If the driver instructs the Driving Assistant to change routes or to navigate him/her to a new destination, the app provides directions verbally.

While distracted driving continues to be a worldwide problem, studies show that people still neglect to change their habits. In 2015, distracted driving incidents claimed 3,477 lives in the US; and yet a recent ice-Controlled Tool surveyshows that more than half of respondents admittedly still browse apps, text, and view GPS Navigation data while driving.

The new Driving Assistant feature once more demonstrates Sygic’s continued commitment to safety, allowing drivers the convenience of navigation app services without the risks of distraction.

“The new feature is like having a friend in the passenger seat helping you navigate and keeping you safe,” says Francisc Juras, Automotive Product Manager at Sygic. “Without ever having to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel, the navigation app will take you to the nearest rest area or gas station, redirect you away from a traffic jam, or take you to that specific restaurant you’re requesting.”

For Sygic’s premium users, additional features include a Fuel Assistant - which advises when the gas tank is low - as well as a Tire Pressure Assistant that warns of low tire pressure and directs drivers to the nearest service station.

Sygic´s new Driving Assistant feature will be showcased February 26 at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in Barcelona, Spain, at the Ford Booth in Hall 1 of the Fira Barcelona Gran Via.