Hopefully we see this in the Falcon/Territory

[vztrt]

http://www.gearlog.com/2010/12/digit...gy_of_th_2.php

Digital Drive Technology of the Year: MyFord Touch



In four years, Ford has gone from worst to first in providing affordable, useful infotainment and cockpit technology. First, Ford Sync put two vital safety and convenience features into cars cheaply or in the base price: Bluetooth and a USB jack for iPod, music key, and other MP3 players. Now, our 2010 Digital Drive Technology of the Year, MyFord Touch (and MyLincoln Touch) extends the multimedia interface, integrating infotainment and climate control functions onto color LCD touchscreens.


Once you've used MyFord Touch in one Ford or Lincoln, you know how to work them all. Press the upper left corner for phone functions, upper right for navigation, lower left for audio, lower right for climate control. The 8-inch touchscreen - no iDrive-like cockpit controller needed, though you can use 10,000 recognized voice commands in place of some touch inputs - then opens to a menu for the phone, navigation, etcetera. Ford's goal is to migrate MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch through the entire line, starting with new models. At the same time, the core Sync functionality has been beefed up. That means with MyFord Touch you get:

* Multiple input connections: 2 USB 2.0 jacks, an SD card slot Ford's navigation system supplied by TeleNav, and RCA input jacks.
* WiFi capability thoughout the car via a mobile broadband device (external) or installed aircard.
* A voice reader for text messages coming into the Bluetooth cellphone.
* Streaming Bluetooth audio support.
* 911 Assist that calls for help. The car's onboard sensors note a crash situation (such as airbag deployment) and through the connected phone call 911.

What sets MyFord Touch (and Sync) apart from the competition, notably GM's OnStar, is that Ford keeps the cost down by using the driver's or passenger's connected cellphone. So far, MyFord Touch is available on the Ford Taurus, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, and soon the Ford Focus; MyLincoln Touch is on the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKT. Expect to see a lot of debate over whether a fee-based service (which has a renewal rate said to be less than 50%) is safer than a free technology that depends on the cellphone remaining undamaged in a crash. (Ford privately says there are few accidents where the cellphone didn't work afterward.)

[bigsta]

Looks great, I dont think its too far off especially now that holden has that iTouch standard.

[ThaFlash]

it would be even more awsome if they would allow performance data to be displayed much like the gtr r35 for performance fords.

[Giant Cranium]

i can see that in fg2.

but if you do your climate from it how they going to fill up all that empty space that will be left?

[My poor XF]

Originally Posted by captain awesome

i can see that in fg2.

but if you do your climate from it how they going to fill up all that empty space that will be left?

Only gap would be for Sat Nav which with better integration could be available as a low cost option on lower models and standard on high series.

heres hoping this makes it to FG mk II

[fordv8!]

it HAS to be in fg2

[block58]

As long as they keep the buttons and knobs there to use, and only have the touch screen there as a secondary means of control, integration into the FGII would be a good thing. Nothing can beat the tactical feedback of button and knobs, especially in a moving car.

[Giant Cranium]

Originally Posted by My poor XF

Only gap would be for Sat Nav which with better integration could be available as a low cost option on lower models and standard on high series.

heres hoping this makes it to FG mk II

im thinking more of the aircon controls not spec levels

[TUF_302]

Originally Posted by fordv8!

it HAS to be in fg2

Agreed!, Leaving this off FG2 would be just stupid

[FPV8U]

That looks fantastic and would be a huge upgrade over the FG MK1, exactly what the inside needs to step over Holdens VEII updates.

[vztrt]

Something else

http://www.caradvice.com.au/96814/fo...for-australia/

Ford MyKey system under investigation for Australia
By Tim Beissmann | January 6th, 2011

Ford Motor Co. in the US has unveiled the second-generation of its MyKey technology, with the upgraded system designed to give parents even more control over their children’s driving behaviour.



The first-generation MyKey system (pictured above) was launched in mid-2009 and is fitted standard to most of Ford’s North American vehicles.

The new MyKey allows parents to program any vehicle key through the MyFord Touch display. When the key is in the ignition, the system recognises the in-built transponder chip and identifies the MyKey settings specific to that key.

The new system will allow parents to block explicit satellite radio programs and limit the vehicle’s top speed to one of four preselected settings: 65mph (105km/h), 70mph (113km/h), 75mph (121km/h) or 80mph (129km/h). The current version of MyKey can only be limited to 80mph.

The radio screening system will block more than a dozen channels in the US that are currently labelled ‘explicit’ by Sirius Satellite Radio service.



Other features of MyKey include:

* Persistent seat belt reminder with audio mute, which sounds chimes every minute, mutes the audio system and displays a “Buckle up to unmute radio” dashboard message until the front occupants’ seatbelts are fastened
* Early low-fuel warning at 75 miles (121km) rather than the standard 50 miles (80km)
* Permanent traction control, park assist and blind spot information system (the systems can never be disabled)
* Speed alert chime at 45mph (72km/h), 55mph (89km/h) or 65mph (105km/h)
* Audio volume limited to 44 percent of maximum

The new MyKey will debut as standard equipment in the Ford Taurus and Explorer in late-2011 before expanding to a range of Ford and Lincoln vehicles.



Ford Australia’s Neil McDonald confirmed the local arm was investigating the MyKey system for its potential in the Australia market.

“It’s something we’re studying, definitely,” Mr McDonald confirmed.

He said Ford Australia was examining what kind of vehicles the technology would be best suited to, and also when the MyKey system would be most relevant to be introduced into the market.

“It’s very hard to put a timeline on it,” he said.

Mr McDonald admitted the calibration of the system for Australian conditions was the biggest challenge faced by Ford Australia, although he suggested specific applications of MyKey were of particular interest locally.

“The lock-out speed range function from a safety perspective could be very desirable for families, certainly,” he said.



Ford US electrical and electronic systems engineering director, Graydon Reitz, said the system was designed to help parents encourage safe teenage driving habits.

“Ford wants to give parents peace of mind that their kids are following practical household rules in the car,” Mr Reitz said.

“Parents obviously like this type of feature, and many teens are okay with it when they hear parents may give them the keys more often if the car comes with a technology such as Ford’s MyKey.”

A poll commissioned by Ford found that 85 percent of parents believed speed limiting was an important feature when their children were driving, while 60 percent agreed with the feature to block adult radio content.

Meanwhile, 45 percent of teens surveyed said they would approve of the restrictions if it meant they were more likely to be allowed to get behind the wheel more often.



“Like graduated licensing laws, MyKey helps parents set reasonable limits for teens as they’re building driving skills,” Mr Reitz said.

Of course, the system can do nothing to stop teens doing 65mph in a 30mph zone if they so choose.

Another interesting issue is: if you don’t think your teen is mature enough to listen to explicit radio content, then are they really mature enough to drive your car?

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by block58

As long as they keep the buttons and knobs there to use, and only have the touch screen there as a secondary means of control, integration into the FGII would be a good thing. Nothing can beat the tactical feedback of button and knobs, especially in a moving car.

I AGREE BIG TIME

[phillyc]

That would be massively appealing for families with powerful vehicles like a Falcon or indeed Territory.

[Dave R]

FGII will certainly be getting voice control it seems, as it was spotted in one of the new Territorys. My bet is that the existing screen will be made a touch screen in higher models & luxury packs. Beefed up bluetooth (phonebook etc) and maybe USB input is what I would put my money on. If Ford were going to significantly change FG's centre stack to incorporate MyFord Touch we would have seen it in the new Territory interior shots and it's not there, it's the same ICC with what appears to be a small colour screen in the base model.

[vztrt]

Here's a pic of the mytouch system. Looks very interesting in terms of size.

[Keepleft]

Dang, saw the header and thought 'warning triangle, first aid kit and safety vests' for cars:-P

No offence intended . . . .

I do like the built in programmable speed governor, hope its PIN capable.

Can also imaging the damage that could prevail owing insufficient or inappropriate speed set.

[vanman_75]

All good stuff , it has always amazed me how far tech has come and how slow it has found its way into cars .
speed restrict would probably benefit more with power restrict to open it up to the p drivers and such like they have on some motorcycles of today.with window options ,locking options etc ...bring on the future i reckon .

[TheInterceptor]

Im probobly the only one that doesnt like more electronic gadgetry in our vehicles...they can malfunction, be affected via external means, can be real costly to fix and becomes another distraction...

From a different perspective, it looks like it should be good step, but im not seeing any solid buttons?? Reminds me of the mondeo icc (the sony system with the central vol knob). Cool...

[Halfmo Rocks]

Originally Posted by block58

As long as they keep the buttons and knobs there to use, and only have the touch screen there as a secondary means of control, integration into the FGII would be a good thing. Nothing can beat the tactical feedback of button and knobs, especially in a moving car.

round of applause mate...give me manual knobs & switches over an electronic touch screen confusion anyday

[mcnews]

Absofeckenrootry, don't make ipod controls for the kids that have a good touchy feeling newish slant but are nothing but PAIN to operate! So glad when I went FG it still had buttons!!! The FG phone and ipod integration is ace, flickking through podcasts etc. via the stereo is a piece of the proverbial and the phone integration in my experience is also A grade perfect. Screen and interior needs more class from a finish perspective but functionality is ace.

[stevz]

I like it, but it looks like there is way too much going on on the screen and the text is microscopic.

[theoliver]

havn't used the touch screen in the new VE's, however I must admit I prefer buttons for some functions after using the Prius screens.

Unless it is beeping at you everytime you touch a screen button you really have no idea what you're pressing with eyes on the road.

[vztrt]

Seems like its not gonna happen, but here's more pics of the system.

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/myfor...touch/#2589730

[dags41v]

I like it and with all the functionality able to be controlled they should be able to have a decent size screeen. One downside is that it can be hard to hit a touchscreen button when driving (bumpy roads etc).
I wonder if the current talk about banning talking on hands free phones in cars will eventually spill over to all the increased touchscreen functionality in cars impairing driving ability.

[prydey]

i'll probably seem like a bit of a killjoy but i can't see the scruby's of this world liking where cars are going. the govt is doing all it can at the moment to ban mobile phones altogether in cars. now the manufacturers are starting to come out with touch screens. to me that = more distractions. as mentioned, buttons and knobs can be used without taking your eyes off the road once you have familiarity with your car. a touch screen will be very difficult to use without actually looking at what you are doing. not exactly too different to texting etc. fiddling with gps on the go is very similar.

to an extent, i would actually agree with the do gooders on this one. far too many distractions already. the govt focus all their attention on speed and yet accidents and deaths will continue due to lack of attention behind the wheel.

[vztrt]

I have been reading that its been having issues but didn't realise it was getting this bad.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/m...ality-glitche/

Report: Mulally facing pressure to fix Ford tech and quality glitches

by Chris Shunk (RSS feed) on Jun 3rd 2011 at 9:59AM

Ford has had its share of quality issues with its fledgling MyFord Touch technology, and watchdogs like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have taken notice. Bloomberg reports that Ford CEO Alan Mulally is all too aware of the automaker's latest technology glitches, saying, "We've had just a few issues with some technologies associated with Sync and MyFord Touch."

The "just a few issues" Mulally is referring to include reports of touchscreens blacking out, general complaints about a steep learning curve and a recent crossover ranking by Consumer Reports that placed the 2011 Explorer 17th out of 19 vehicles tested due in large part to the tech. CR also dropped the coveted "Recommended" nod for the 2011 Edge because of MyFord Touch.

Mulally's recent statements come just before the release of J.D. Power's June 23 new car quality report. J.D. Power's VP Dave Sargent claims the automaker's own data shows that quality has taken a hit, adding that Ford is "making an early warning to the market that this may be a problem." There is no telling how car buyers would react to Ford slipping a bit in the rankings, but the company's stellar performance in the study over the past few years has likely been a major reason why the Blue Oval managed to re-pass Toyota on the sales charts.

Ford isn't taking the potential quality issues lightly, recently spending $100 million to deploy laser-guided robots in 17 factories to help reduce wind noise in its automobiles. The robots will enable Ford to install doors to within one tenth of one millimeter of specification. The automaker is also working hard to stay on top of quality even as it continues the torrid pace of new vehicle launches.
[Source: Bloomberg]

[Gobes32]

It seems that all too often these days Ford endure harsh criticism over a third party suppliers products........... Territory ball joints, Brakes on BA falcons, Brake hoses on Territory. Ford don't make all these items, suppliers do, and when it all turns to mud much like in the above story, Ford are the ones that hurt the most.

[Grunter]

Originally Posted by Gobes32

It seems that all too often these days Ford endure harsh criticism over a third party suppliers products........... Territory ball joints, Brakes on BA falcons, Brake hoses on Territory. Ford don't make all these items, suppliers do, and when it all turns to mud much like in the above story, Ford are the ones that hurt the most.

Ford should be copping it.

As a consumer, I don't care that suppliers built the components and that the fault may lie there. Ford and every other manufacturer are in charge of the quality of the vehicles they build and ship, and as such should be ensuring rigorous quality testing of components inbound and also once the vehicles are built.

Mistakes happen, but that most issues are discovered by the owners and only rectified for the most part years later, if at all, after the problems are discovered, puts the blames squarely in the lap of Ford.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Gobes32

It seems that all too often these days Ford endure harsh criticism over a third party suppliers products........... Territory ball joints, Brakes on BA falcons, Brake hoses on Territory. Ford don't make all these items, suppliers do, and when it all turns to mud much like in the above story, Ford are the ones that hurt the most.

Ford spec the parts, not the suppliers.

In any event, I wonder if Ford Australia feel vindicated now after being criticised by the Yanks for not taking up their system for the SZ Territory (which has had bugs) when we now find out that Sync etc is having wider issues.

[Gobes32]

I was taken in the wrong context, what I mean is that Ford should be vigilant with their standards because ultimately it reflects on their product as a whole. If a headunit fails on a new car, customers don't blame the OEM, they blame Ford and this is the most important reason Ford should step up a gear in their dealings with suppliers.