MyFord Touch gets overhauled for 2013, existing models included

[warneej]

As seen on AutoBlog this morning:



MyFord Touch has taken plenty of flack from both consumers and critics since its release last year. The combination of capacitive controls for the climate control system and a cluttered user interface on the center screen were proof that MyFord Touch was a very one-point-oh product. To be fair, it was obvious that Ford's new system was both very advanced and very powerful, but its cool reception suggests that Ford may have attempted to sprint when it should have jogged following the success of SYNC. The first iteration of MyFord Touch was overly complex and occasionally glitchy, triggering a fair amount of bad press around some of the industry's leading quality indexes. Now, the Dearborn automaker is out to rectify some of the issues with its system for 2013 models – and existing Ford drivers will benefit from the updates as well.

To start, Ford has expanded the features of MyFord Touch to now include Apple iPad connectivity and access to Audible.com audiobooks through voice commands or the touchscreen. A range of improvements are also being implemented for better Bluetooth telephone connectivity, an updated map experience from TeleNav and Navteq, along with new Gracenote album cover art and improved voice recognition powered by Nuance technology.

The most obvious and front-facing updates have come in the form of a reworked interface for the central touchscreen. Ford claims to have significantly enhanced or augmented over 1,000 screens in the MyFord Touch system, using larger, bolder fonts, making the designs more consistent and removing low-priority elements while bringing the most frequently used controls closer to the driver. All that, plus improved touchscreen response time – something Ford heard loud and clear from owners – that's up to two times faster than the outgoing system.

These MyFord Touch enhancements are set to debut early next year on the 2013 models, with updates for existing owners going out around the same time (we've been told MyLincoln Touch will get similar upgrades). Overall, it looks like a solid – if not mind-blowing – update and you can see some before and after shots in the gallery above, along with the full details in the press release below the fold.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/myford-touch-update/

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[CD/SFE]

IMO, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", school. Mine doesn't seem to be that full of problems, and I'm just learning it. We will see.

[Shorty Long]

Does anyone know exactly how existing customers will obtain the update? Will Ford contact us or will we have to keep up with the news and take the initiative?

[mysticbluebmw]

That's great news! Mine has been problem free after the update, though I wish the system was more responsive. It's fine if you do things at a slow and/or steady pace, but start in at the screen to quickly and things can come to a halt for a few seconds, on that not good when you're driving. I could really go for the "up to 2 times faster response time". Anyway, I hope they keep the info on the banners when your not on the corners screen. In the pic, they don't show any info, but again, they are on corners, so we'll see. Otherwise, look'in good! Time to go read the article now...

[cobie56]

if the exterior temp is gone missing from the new look that's too bad... nice to see , esp in winter, wht the outside temp is when temps are hovering round freezing.

[TehMark]

about time we see something on a fix

[danyall2010]

Originally Posted by cobie56

if the exterior temp is gone missing from the new look that's too bad... nice to see , esp in winter, wht the outside temp is when temps are hovering round freezing.

I want it gone! There is no need for two temp displays. Remeber, there is a display in the center LCD screen in the gauge cluster.

[FocusSTHopeful]

very commendable indeed.

Im just hoping it stays out of the Fiesta ST as a standard option

[feta_mgp]

Originally Posted by cobie56

if the exterior temp is gone missing from the new look that's too bad... nice to see , esp in winter, wht the outside temp is when temps are hovering round freezing.

It might be optional to view it on screen, but they probably removed it since it's also within the driver's LCD screen (on the Focus atleast)

Also, the compass will now show in place of the nav arrow when a route is not being shown, there's a video showcasing the new system up from Ford. Check the 3rd gen Focus discussion forum, we have a few threads about MFT, 2 of them (the ones close to the top) both have the article pasted into posts and a link to the video.

[mainest]

Originally Posted by focussthopeful

very commendable indeed.

Im just hoping it stays out of the fiesta st as a standard option

^^
x2