Courtesy of Ford
Ford famously introduced advanced infotainment systems to the masses when it partnered with Microsoft to introduce Sync and MyFord Touch. Significant growing pains accompanied the unprecedented functionality. Customers had a steep learning curve, older drivers in particular struggled with the system and the small, on-screen buttons. Coupled with slow system responses and periodic freezes, Ford’s infotainment solution quickly lost its appeal and for some, became a reason to avoid Ford vehicles.
Although continuously improved, Sync and MyFord Touch did not endear itself to customers over time, such as BMW’s iDrive system. In late 2014, Ford announced plans to end its partnership with Microsoft and instead, base the new version of Sync (version 3.0) on Research in Motion’s QNX platform. Sync 3.0 appears to be much more responsive, with a fresh and updated look. Support for Apple and Google’s car solutions is also on the roadmap. Sync 3.0 is expected to ship on some unannounced 2015 models and all 2016 models.
However, lead times in the automotive industry are famously long and that means the new, 2016 Ford Explorer will ship with the latest version of Ford’s infotainment system, the outgoing Ford Sync. This seems somewhat incongruous, since on one hand Ford is claiming 2016 models will have Sync 3.0, yet the Ford Explorer will not. While not announced, I presume Ford will shift the Explorer to the new system at some point.
Based on pictures released of the new Explorer, it is clear that Ford got something right it hasn’t been able to do in the past – namely the addition of redundant buttons for functions that were previously only available via a touch interface. This includes controls for climate control, heat seating & cooling, volume, audio power and seek and tuning buttons. It is exactly the lack of manual control that many customers cited as being problematic with prior iterations of Ford vehicles.
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