Ford Kills MyFordTouch, Introduces SYNC 3 Connected-Vehicle System

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: December 12th, 2014

ford kills myfordtouch introduces sync 3 connected vehicle system

Joy to the world, MyFordTouch is dead. In its place, Ford introduced Thursday its new SYNC 3 connected-vehicle system.

Pulling from suggestions and comments from 22,000 consumers, in combination with clinics and surveys, the QNX-based SYNC 3 aims to be more intuitive than the outgoing technology, delivering an interface similar to those found on smartphones and tablets. The system also offers day and night settings, reduced complexity, and better voice recognition.

Speaking of smartphones, users can connect theirs via SYNC 3’s AppLink, allowing them to control their smartphones through voice commands. The latest version of AppLink can automatically discover music and news apps such as Spotify, iHeartRadio Auto and NPR One.

Software updates can now be achieved via Wi-Fi: once a user links the system to their home network, updates can happen while the car is parked in the garage or on the driveway.

Finally, users can dial 911 via the subscription-free 911 Assist service, which uses a Bluetooth-connected phone to call first responders in the event of an accident, and providing detailed information location, whether airbags were deployed, how many seat belts were used, and the type of crash that occurred.

Owners can expect SYNC 3 to arrive in the 2016 model year, with full replacement by New Year’s Eve 2016. Lincoln will have a slightly touched-up version for its customers, as well.

#Connected-vehicleSystems #Ford #SYNC3

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

More by Cameron Aubernon

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5 of 72 comments

HotPotato on Dec 12, 2014

Remember that old joke about how if Microsoft made cars, they'd randomly crash? Not so funny any more: Microsoft powers Ford's infotainment. The worst is the "Sync with MyFord" system in my car -- basically MyFord Touch but with physical buttons and a smaller non-touch screen. Its menus make no sense, the USB function has never consistently worked, and now the Bluetooth function is starting to fail as well, on top of which the sound quality blows. By contrast, the system in my lady friend's Hyundai is easy to use, usually works, and sounds good. Hyundai's system is powered by Blackberry. Imagine.

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- Mypoint02 on Dec 13, 2014
  
  >Hyundai’s system is powered by Blackberry. Imagine. Blackberry owns the QNX operating system used here, so now Ford's is as well. It's a solid platform. Well suited for automotive applications. I actually liked the most recent interface, but this should perform much better.
  
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- Redav on Dec 16, 2014
  
  I hate microsoft more than most, but they aren't the cause of MFT's problems. They programmed Sync, which works. Ford went to a small company to program MFT, and they botched it. If microsoft had also done MFT, it wouldn't have been half as bad as it was initially. What I do blame microsoft for is the acceptance that computers crash. Sure, I see how a computer with a near-infinite possibility of programs & updates may never be crash proof. But cars perform a limited & defined set of functions. They can be designed robustly enough that they don't crash. But they do, and we just accept it. That bothers me.
  
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- Lie2me on Dec 16, 2014
  
  @redav It's rare that they completely crash if you keep up with the updates
  
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Fred on Dec 13, 2014

Does Microsoft supply software to any other auto manufacturer?

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