Want Sync 3 for Your Ford? You’ll Have to Wait Until 2016!
At a press event in Dearborn, Ford showed off their latest infotainment offering, called Sync 3. This version takes all the things that worked with MyFord Touch, and got rid of the things that didn’t.
Completely redesigned, the new system has more features, a better navigation interface, and works much faster. Unfortunately, if you want this new infotainment system, you’ll have to wait until the 2016 model year. Also, there will be no upgrade option for current MyFord Touch owners.
In fact, Ford is dropping the MyFord Touch name entirely. Whether you get the smaller screen base unit, or the larger touch screen system, they’ll both be called Sync 3. The new interface takes advantage of design cues from tablets (and Chrysler’s Uconnect) by having a navigation bar at the bottom of the display.
They’ve also upgraded the navigation to recognize partial voice commands. So instead of saying “P.F. Chang’s Chinese Bistro” you can just say “P.F. Chang’s” and it’ll know what you’re talking about. Also, you can request a destination by saying the entire address at once, instead of doing a line-by-line input.
Ford had a live demo on display for us to play with, and I can confirm that the new system is significantly faster than the previous versions.
The system no longer relies on a SD memory card for storage of the navigation data, which should also help improve performance. Other nice additions include support for Siri Eyes Free and over-the-air Sync updates.
Based on QNX (except for the non-touch screen, which still runs a version of Windows Embedded), the new system seems to be a significant improvement over the previous implementation.
But because it’s QNX, upgrading is impossible. I asked if there will be any future updates to MyFord Touch for current customers, and was told that they’re always looking at the needs and demands of current customers.
The 2016 model year isn’t really that far away. It might be worth the wait if you want the new system.
Say goodbye to MyFord Touch in the forum.>>
