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Fords with Sync 3 are getting Android Auto and CarPlay

Your Ford and your phone will soon become one.

Owners of Ford vehicles with Sync 3 will soon be able to enjoy Android Auto or Apple's Car Play in their cars. The automaker announced that its connected car system will start playing nicer with your mobile-platform of choice.

The first Sync 3 powered vehicles to receive Android Auto and Apple's Car Play with be 2017 Fords starting with the Escape. Owners of 2016 Fords with the QNX-based system "will have an opportunity to upgrade later in the year," according to the car maker.

Don Butler, Ford executive director of connected vehicle and services said, "Sync allows customers to bring the smartphone technology they're comfortable with into a vehicle and use it without hassle."

The company also announced that it's supporting new AppLink apps from AAA, expense tracking Concur and event tracking app, Eventseeker. AppLink places supported apps into the Sync 3 infotainment system as native apps. The apps behave differently in the vehicle than they do in a smartphone.

Ford is expected to talk more about its future as a connected car company on January 5th at CES. We'll be there to see what CEO Mark Fields unveils.