MyFord dash and Sync App Ecosystem hands-on
By Tim Stevens 
posted January 7th 2010 12:02AM
posted January 7th 2010 12:02AM
You've read the PR, seen the press shots, and probably snickered a little at the quote from Ford's Derrick Kuzak indicating that his company's latest tech "will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again." After getting a chance to play with a few entrants into the company's so-called Sync App Ecosystem, and getting behind the wheel of a MyFord-equipped mockup vehicle, we're not laughing -- but we are smiling. It's impressive tech, so read on through to see some videos and check our impressions.
First up was a walk through of what Ford is calling its App Ecosystem. The company is exposing software libraries that will, in theory, allow any Bluetooth device to communicate with the vehicle. That means Android, iPhone, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Palm, and whatever else you want are in the game. Applications will be able to write to the Sync display, have the car read text to speech, receive voice commands, and receive some data from the car. Exactly what data remains to be seen, but full ODBII will not be available -- at least not initially. Dreams of a boost gauge widget on your Droid remain unfulfilled.
Existing apps can be easily added with Sync support, and on display was Pandora, Stitcher, and Open Beak (a Twitter client). Pandora quickly connected to the car, displaying the current artist and track and allowing the driver to select new stations simply by speaking. You can even give a thumbs up or a thumbs down just by moving a thumb to press the Sync button. While in action the phone's screen is disabled, preventing distractions, a definite theme of the Ford team.
The current apps on display were impressive, but of course they're just the tip of the iceberg. That any app can be easily updated to support Sync is great news, and that you won't need separate copies of those apps for Sync is even better -- eventually you'll get prompted to download a Pandora update and then, hey presto, infinite channels in your car.
That's cool and the potential is, of course, huge, but that wasn't the only impressive thing on display. MyFord's dashboard of the future dominated the other half of the room, with a mockup Edge cockpit showing off the trio of displays, the primary one being an eight-inch, 800 x 480 touchscreen through which nearly every control in the car can be tweaked, including climate control and navigation, and also some other funky stuff, like media playback and even a web browser.
Yes, a car with an integrated web browser. No, it won't let you use it while you're driving. Connectivity is provided by an external 3G or 4G modem, which must be plugged into one of two USB ports tucked beneath the arm rest. Once connected the car serves as a WiFi hotspot, so folks in the backseat can mack on your data plan while you schlep them around town. There's also an SD card reader in there and RCA inputs in to pump video to that eight-inch display -- again, only while it's stopped.
Control is either by touching that main screen or using four-way directional pads on the right and left spokes of the steering wheel, one for each of the two displays up inside the instrument cluster. As you cycle through the backgrounds of the screens change color, a very helpful cue telling you what you're looking at and something that we think, with practice, will mean you'll be able to tweak most settings without ever taking your eyes off the road. It's worth noting that there are few if any actual buttons in the car, most things handled through the MyDash system or via a set of touch-sensitive "buttons" scattered about. Fans of tactile feedback won't be happy here, but it's actually far more intuitive and easy to use with only a glance than we'd thought.
The apps coming to Sync open up a world of possibilities, and MyFord is looking fantastic. Even more intriguing is that this is just the beginning; the possibilities are endless. Apps that track car location and speed to predict congestion? Apps that tell if a driver makes a panic move and warns those behind? A messaging system that'll let you apologize to that guy in the blue Camry you just cut off? All this and more -- coming soon to a Ford near you.
Will this be an update to cars that already have Sync? I have an '08 Ford Focus.
@Oxyrt
No
@Oxyrt I suspect the stuff shown in the first video will probably be available as an update. They are showing a production vehicle in that one.
@dtremit
Cool and thanks! I was just worried that it may be too big of an update for the original system.
Nice...even the taurus' dashboard ;)
I really think I want a Ford.
@simon360
Still wish you could get OnStar in non-GM vehicles, though.
@Gad Get
Onstar is available in many non-GM vehicles, like Audi, VW, etc.
@(Unverified)
GM cars are the only ones coming out with OnStar. OnStar was licensed to some other brands, including the ones you mentioned, for only a short time, and has been a GM exclusive since.
@Gad Get
This will be able to do (theoretically) everything that Onstar can do and definitely much more, but it's way better because YOU bring the 3G/4G modem to the table, plug it into your car which turns your whole vehicle into a wi-fi hotspot, and you can choose who provides your service. Then when you leave your car, you can take the usb modem with you so that you can plug it into your laptop or whatever. Fuck paying $30+/month for Onstar.
This is extremely exciting stuff. WANT WANT WANT.
@simon360
I really want Ford tech in an Acura...
I've been waiting for Ford stock to go down some, because it's quite high now. Sync, their car designs, their business, all has been going amazingly. I know they're going places.
But damn, I saw this, and I went ahead and placed an order tomorrow. I don't care how much it buys for. I know I'm going to make some money with Ford. This is further revolutionizing what they're already doing.
@Smackthatbird
Are we looking at the same Ford stocks? Cuz the chart I'm looking at doesn't show the stock to be all that high but it does look like you can make some quick money right now. I'd just be careful cuz all my signs are warning me against it.
@pez347 - I think he meant more in relation to where it used to be. Not too long ago they were around a buck or so a share, that would have been an awesome time to pick up some of their stock, especially seeing as how they're currently around like $11 a share.
Yeah, I was talking about it in regards to where it's gone recently. It was $7 just a month or two ago. It's been skyrocketing, relative to the market. I'm pissed I didn't buy it when it was $2 - I knew they were going to do better than GM and Chrysler, but I couldn't bring myself to buy it then. Kicking myself for it. Getting in now before its' too late.
I don't see what you mean by everything pointing to it being a bad idea. They've got great cars, with nicer ones coming out to replace the old, outdated ones. ie. the Kuga -> Escape next year. Fiesta's a perfect car, everyone I know says it looks great. Mustang has amazing engines coming out. Taurus and Fusion are doing well with awards. They're working towards having a unified global product line, so they'll be making more money since there will be less design work. And they're announcing all this new stuff for Sync. Doing better than other car companies as well. And they are starting to have a better public opinion because they're the only domestic car company that didn't need help.
This myFord Touch is going to help sell nav like no other car company can do, I think. The LCDs in the dash are just too cool. And they can be controlled by voice, too. It's like the perfect in car system; you can use it however you want.
imo they're they most interesting non-luxury car company on the market right now. They're innovating and being desirable while everyone else seems to be just trying to survive.
@Smackthatbird
ah I see.
as far as my signs, it's not what the company is doing cuz yeah everything it's doing is looking good, it's just the other factors I usually look at before buying into stock.
That is so cool. If this is offered on the Fiesta I'm totally getting that car.
What happens when this thing BSODs on you as you're flying down the freeway?
@NetNewsercom
Your widgets and app crash, and you keep on driving. So basically, nothing.
I think it's time we stop the trite "omg M$ lolz its gunna CRASH lulz!!111~~~!~!!"
Last time I checked 100 Kilometers was more than 60 Miles not less.
@Dobs: Hah. That's true. But you need to look at where the pivot point of the needle is. I'm guessing it's parallel at the 80 kph mark.
Can I have a screensaver?
Great, even more distractions for people while driving.
@esposimi because it's more distracting than trying to control your iPod or phone in a cradle? Talk about missing the boat.
Wow, a proper geek's car for the masses.
@MandarinMan
Is it just me or is that Sony hardware controlled by Microsoft software?
hmm...
I think what I like most about this technology is the portability.
I think back to the 80s, when having a carphone was an extravagance reserved for the wealthy and powerful, but it also took quite a bit of customization. AND, your car was tied to that one phone, period. If technology improved, you'd be facing a considerable amount of work and expense to upgrade.
In-car BT improved that considerably, making any appropriate phone adaptable, but this takes it even further, by allowing the user to plug in their own data service instead of being tied to one. This way, the user can change providers, or upgrade to new technology, simply by swapping a USB stick.
VERY nice. This is where it has to go.
After looking at the video, I have some concerns.
I like the idea of the ancillary driver displays, and I agree this is a much better idea than making the driver continually reference the center stack, but I am worried about all the switchgear that winds up on the steering wheel; I've driven entire cars that had fewer controls than even either side of that wheel.
I could totally see this being confusing and overwhelming to many drivers. Ford might want to equip its dealers with simulators which can be used not only to demonstrate these features, but also to give potential customers a chance to practice putting them to use before they try to learn in the midst of traffic.
@Thunderbuck
I don't find the button layout at all confusing with SYNC. It's just one button that has a smiley face talking on it. You press that one speech control button and you can control any media. It's really convenient and easy. The other buttons don't have much to do with SYNC other than the volume and seek rockers, which are very easy to understand, but the other buttons are regular car controls.
here's a tip microsoft, ford, sony. perceived value does not increase proportionally with the number of buttons in a car. simplicity and elegance is what makes an interface advanced. people will kill themselves trying to operate the systems those cars. my psp doesn't even have dual directional controls and somehow you managed to put it on a steering wheel. whatever unqualified manager acting designer who is leading up this project should be replaced for the good of everyone. oh and the interface is lag city. consider using a tegra chipset.
@pixie Yes the lack of power and fluidity in Sync is what turns me off. It's a car, yet the system is slower than MIDs and smartphones. The center stack looks good but I'd rather have hardware to reach when looking at the road. Grabbing a knob and knowing how many clicks, left or right is the way to go. Having the list of shortcuts could make the whole system much simpler though. The steering wheel control looks like something I'd only have time to use at a red light.
I'd also have to see how the voice control is. When my parents test drove a Fusion a while back it had a hard time understanding any of us with our southern accents. Plus that computer voice grinded on the nerves way too much for it to be bearable to use.
@pixie
They're getting the Tegra 2/Atom combo:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/next-gen-dashboards-get-tegra-2-moblin-atom-we-go-hands-on/
that looks incredibly distracting. I wonder if those controls can be used while the car is in motion. That being said, i want it.
This makes me wish I needed a new car.
f-150,fiesta,mustang and taurus avalability? anyone?
@Illankid
All of the above. Ford ran a promo (last month, I think) where they were giving away Sync for free to people who pre-ordered the Fiesta.
@Illankid
I have an 05 F-150, and I'm trying to figure out how to add Sync to it. Looks like it's going to require not only a new headunit, but a new steering wheel as well.
Gonna stick with my Alpine unit for now, but if Ford keeps building new tech like this, it's going to be harder and harder looking at my baby the same.
Unless you choose to stick to voice commands, Sync is in no way safer than having a firmly attached iPhone/touch screen smartphone attached to your dash. The five way rocker switch remote and nested menu system is far from safe... IMHO nothing is more distracting than drilling through nested menus with a remote control, I don't care where it's mounted. Seriously, is this really what Leo Laporte is all jazzed about? C'mon!
@kilgoret
Most of those nested menus aren't available while driving in order to reduce distractions. You get everything set while stopped, and can flip through your favorites while driving...and barely take your attention away from the road.
I dont like this system. I love what Ford is trying to do, but its not natural.
I agree with using colors to define things. Then why not have the main screen, instead of being a stupid wallpaper, just be 4 colored giant squares. Like an old Nokia phone, you can learn how to quickly navigate all the buttons because they are large and in the same place.
You all need to bring me on staff. Im no expert but I can easily design a better, safer system then that garbage.
In find it hard to believe on can keep their hands on the steering wheel with all those buttons on the dashboard console! If the dashboard was more minimalistic I would be inclined to believe Ford's statement. After all, if voice command is upposed to take away the chore of pressing buttons, diverting attention away from the road, why still the spaceship type layout? I would say, go the extra mile and make something trivial as the volume, heating, temperature, air conditioning and fan speed also under voice command.
@Wevenhuis I think that in the video it states that you can change the climate controls by voice. I think he said anything.
I am happy with my Aux. 3.5 port... this is all way to complex!! I don't need big blue controlling every aspect of my car.
I don't know about you guys but I enjoy driving a car, not being driven like this is clearly trying to do.
I just decided yesterday to buy the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 when it comes out. This makes it even sweeter. What's not to like:
1) Sync
2) 300+ hp and 30 mpg!
3) Company not owned by the federal government
@erankin42: you forgot one thing though... it's a ford....
@Prokanda have you driven a Ford lately?
;)
There are millions of reasons why this is cool, but I really like:
-ability to roll your own when it comes to 3g/4g provider
-ability to have slacker or pandora as a native app to stream your tunes
-ability to listen to and reply to txt messages while on the road
-ability to have custom apps to control your device (bb for me).
Thanks First On Race Day and Microsoft!
That pandora demo is awesome! Ford, if production versions of that demo are just as good, you now have my business!
It's just to bad us '08, '09 definitely. and maybe '10 Ford w/SYNC owners all need to buy a new vehicle to take advantage of this.
Great stuff, but offer a dealer installed upgrade package to existing SYNC vehicles and you'd really be on to something.
I wont be ready to get a new car for a few years. I hope by then this will be even more flushed out. It looked kind of slow to response to me. It would be cool to have different skins and layouts for your dash so you could move your speed to where you want it. They also need a version that can be updated when new resales with new features come out.
Nothing really blows me away as far as the exterior look of the ford cars today. When I'm ready to get a new car I hope they will have better looking models.