Ford Ranger and Sync4

Is there a way that it could be ?
In all honesty, is there a reason that it is not, whilst other "Apps" are ?
Just my curiosity kicking in. We have many other Apps that work, no not all, but some. I wish Ford would get off their date and assist in helping developers out as well !

Doc52
Ford parts don't fit GM vehicles. Similar in electronics too. My system is not going to be compatible with your system, and we make it that way. We don't talk to you because you are out competitor. Ford/GM again. Computer related companies do similar, Frank Sinatra "did it his way too". Each regards theirs as the better option and so only allow programmes or apps to work on what they APP=rove of.

Its Android, I use an Android for my ExplorOz, this is Android Auto.
I would ask the same question...

Is there a way that it could be ?

Its not a stupid question nor a matter of systems not compatible, I have other Android Apps that do work with Android Auto, so its totally possible to do.
Who is the entity that can or will not make it useable?
Is it Ford - do they require some sort of sacrifice to make it happen ?
Is it the Guys that have built the best (IMHO) set of Maps for us to use?

If it is either of these, is there a way we can get over the hurdle and make it happen?
If not, why not ?
If its just a simple - we don't want to, ok I get that, I may need to just get over it or move on, add yet another device to the car.
It seems too easy to shrug and just say it doesn't work, that's it.

Regards.

Post Submitted: Thursday, Mar 11, 2021 by
ExplorOz Team - Michelle

Most people seem to be unaware that the selection of navigation apps in CarPlay and Android Auto is limited and that apps like ExplorOz Traveller, Hema Explorer and others are not available. There is a very good reason for this...

The reason is that the platform is designed as a safer way to use your phone while you drive so there are specific restrictions on how the nav app can appear to ensure compliance . The end result is that all map apps can easily appear to function very similarly to each other. This is what Apple/Google ideally wants. For the developers, we cannot simply "submit" our existing App (eg. ExplorOz Traveller) to the CarPlay or Android Auto system - but we would have to completely redesign an entirely new app and the end result would mean the app would have lost all sense of what it is - and of course, as a very small 2 person business it is completely unviable for us to develop a completely new app that wasn't serviceable in the way it currently is.

I've just added a new section with a lot more detail to this issue to our article Comparison of Offline 4WD Maps & GPS Navigation Apps & Software, which was only recently fully updated last month.

Hopefully, this information will clarify why it is unviable for us to offer Traveller in CarPlay/Android Auto.
Michelle Aug 2013
Michelle Martin
Marketing & Customer Support
I.T. Beyond Pty Ltd / ExplorOz

Thanks Ivan for posting that info written in 2013.
We have written an update for this as of 2024 in the latest documentation on the Traveller webpage however - see ExplorOz Traveller>How to Use in CarPlay/Android Auto.

Doc - unless your device has the Google Playstore your device does not have an unlocked, full Android operating system.

Here is a screenshot of the excerpt that gives you the latest information and solution.

Thank you all.
That's cleared it up beautifully.
I guess I can see their point, Ford / Google, however they've allowed apps like messenger and others.
Which seems to be pure hypocrisy for their stated parameters.
ExplorOz remains No 1
They should allow the app in its entirety!!
Again Thank you all for your information, much appreciated.

Is the link to the box available somewhere in the forums?

Yes the link is on the ExplorOz Traveller page in the section about using Traveller with CarPlay/Android Auto but for ExplorOz Referral Discount link for CarLinkKit TBox Android Box here is the link

Yes as Bob says, the other option is to remove the headunit and replace with one that already has the full Android operating system. Our ExplorOz Traveller documentation also offers a list of good units (including VHEDIA).

Michelle

That's a lot of Dollaredoos!

Yes indeed Ivan, hence the AI Box is a great solution <$200.