Ford's MyFord Touch has taken plenty of criticism from consumers, critics and the media since it was released in 2010. The combination of capacitive controls (think iPhone screen) for the climate control system and a cluttered user interface on the center screen were proof that MyFord Touch was, well....a 1.0 product at best. The automaker deserves props for trying to move the ball down the field with some long passes, but it seems prudent to jog rather than sprint when bringing this kind of tech to the buying public.
The first version of MyFord Touch was overly complex and glitchy, triggering a fair amount of bad press around some of the industry's leading quality indexes. Now, the Dearborn automaker is out to fix 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.
The first version of MyFord Touch was overly complex and glitchy, triggering a fair amount of bad press around some of the industry's leading quality indexes. Now, the Dearborn automaker is out to fix 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.
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