Previously, Ford chose to hold off and not join every automaker that went for smartphone apps that will connect to a vehicle via an in-car modem. But it seems like they are finally joining the bandwagon after all. Ford has just unveiled their "Sync Connect" app which they said will be launched with the 2017 Ford Escape on their 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ford's Director, Don Butler, said that the company has recognized that they need to be multifaceted regarding connectivity. Butler adds that they recognized that as time passes by and as the industry moves forward, built-in connectivity seems to be an increasing part of the industry. Ford has been making approaches to be consistent with their customers and their needs.

So what is Sync Connect? Sync Connect is similar to the apps of other automakers where they allow the owner to access certain vehicle functions and information using their own smartphones. The available features for the app include vehicle location, vehicle functions, and vehicle status including tire pressures and fuel level, and remote start.

But they do have a feature that only their app has. That is the ability to remote start a vehicle based on a schedule. One example is an owner can program their car to start every morning at 7:15 and 7:30 for their departure. Although other automakers' app has a similar feature, none of them offers the ability to schedule it ahead of time which Ford is already sporting in their app.

Ford also believes that they will also be ahead of their competitors because of their user interface. Sync Connect will also receive over-the-air updates that the car will require to run. These updates will take place on a module that operates independently of the Sync 3 infotainment system so the owner will not miss anything while it is happening.

Sync Connect however can work properly on Ford's latest models as it requires both Ford's latest infotainment system Sync 3 and the aforementioned embedded modem. The app is said to be soon included in Lincoln's products. The said app is already included in the price of the vehicle and will include coverage for five years.

Ford will eventually roll out the Sync Connect to all their vehicles in every market around the world. With Ford taking that first step in installing modems on their new vehicles, there is a possibility that later they would also offer data streaming, similar to their competitors.