Ford abandons MyFord Touch, all hail Sync 3 infotainment

[Wretched]

MyFord Touch has been among the most widely disdained automotive infotainment systems on the market, practically since its introduction in 2010. Consumer Reports was among the most vocal critics, all but advocating its lynching by an angry mob armed with torches and pitchforks. Not surprisingly, then, after such a critical walloping, Ford has finally decided to say goodbye to the unloved tech, declaring the end of MyFord Touch branding in favor of Sync 3 for its upcoming, all-new system.

Ford is promising everything you would expect from Sync 3, including faster response time, better voice-command integration, easier controls and a more useable interface. The screen layout includes fewer items to make them easier to discern, and the icons are made from large, high-contrast buttons. There's also a dedicated tab for apps at the bottom of the screen in addition to those for audio, climate, phone and navigation. Another useful feature is the fact that Sync 3 can download improvements over your home Wi-Fi for easier updates.

In addition to the revamped interface, the software running behind the scenes is a big change too. Rather than MyFord Touch's Microsoft-sourced system, Sync 3 uses the Blackberry-owned QNX, according to Automotive News. Such a switch was rumored earlier this year.

Drivers still have to live with MyFord Touch a little longer, though. According to Automotive News, Ford said that the change to Sync 3 will happen during the 2016 model year with complete integration into the lineup by the end of the 2016 calendar year. It will come standard on Titanium trim models and as a separate option will be priced in line with the current MyFord Touch. The Sync 3 brand will carry over to Lincoln, too, but with a different look.

The gallery above shows a few more looks at the interface, and we invite you to scroll down to watch a video of Sync 3 in action and to read Ford's press release about it, below.

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/11/m...-infotainment/

[Focused]

There's a lot of info on that screen! I quite liked the quadrant style they were using with MyFord2 touch.

Anyway, will people be able to update their MyFord2 with this? Is it purely a software update?

[EgoFG]

I do not believe that touch screens should be used for anything that requires operation whilst driving.

Touch screens typically require you to look at them to determine the options.

The best Touch screen designs would have buttons in positions that allow operation from memory, and using touch to find them (eg top/left).

That one seems to have sliding for paging, while we are used to that on phones, I do not think it the best soln for a car.

[Franco Cozzo]

I'd rather have touch but also have buttons to navigate around as well since it would be a bit hard trying to change stuff while driving with touch alone.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I'd rather have touch but also have buttons to navigate around as well since it would be a bit hard trying to change stuff while driving with touch alone.

Or you would have a really good voice activation system that lets you control the things you would otherwise have to fiddle with buttons.

[mik]

Originally Posted by EgoFG

I do not believe that touch screens should be used for anything that requires operation whilst driving.

Touch screens typically require you to look at them to determine the options.

The best Touch screen designs would have buttons in positions that allow operation from memory, and using touch to find them (eg top/left).

That one seems to have sliding for paging, while we are used to that on phones, I do not think it the best soln for a car.

Agreed, nothing like a well set out instrument panel with buttons you can learn to remember where they are , or even have a bit of braille(spelling?) on the buttons, even if you have to make a fast glance to see the button, its not like you have to focus on a screen for seconds at a time, that may or may not have reflections on .

[cardinalred]

Originally Posted by Focused

There's a lot of info on that screen! I quite liked the quadrant style they were using with MyFord2 touch.

Anyway, will people be able to update their MyFord2 with this? Is it purely a software update?

No. There is no upgrade path from Sync2 to Sync3. As explained the Microsoft OS used by Sync2 has been ditched and replaced by Blackberry sourced OS. This OS is developing as an industry standard and is nopw used by a number of American and European brands.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by EgoFG

I do not believe that touch screens should be used for anything that requires operation whilst driving.

Touch screens typically require you to look at them to determine the options.

The best Touch screen designs would have buttons in positions that allow operation from memory, and using touch to find them (eg top/left).

That one seems to have sliding for paging, while we are used to that on phones, I do not think it the best soln for a car.

My Focus ST is as bad as a touch screen, i have to look everytime if i want to use the stereo, nav etc. Good thing is 99% of the functions are controlled via steering wheel but obviously you still need to look at the screen.

[Burnout]

It's all just a hand job for cars. Who needs it....

[Bossxr8]

I can't believe they used Microsoft in the first place, how could they not know it was going to be ****

[pottery beige]

what was that promise you made

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PECk9A-07Pw