Tag Archives: MyFord Touch

Ford Announces Big Update Coming to MyFord Touch Owners

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Earlier this afternoon Ford announced they will be issuing a major update this week to all MyFord Touch owners.  MyFord Touch is the in-car touch controls that work with smartphones and MP3 players, along with navigation (when included) to improve driving experience and entertainment options while keeping drivers safe from distractions.

According to a press reslease issued earlier today by the auto maker, “Ford is delivering on the promise of the “Upgradeable Car” –  more than 300,000 current MyFord Touch owners will be receiving upgrade packages in the mail this week that include a USB flash drive with updated software for at-home installation, all free of charge”

Features of the new update include faster system response, easier control, tablet compatibility, simpler controls, enhanced voice recognition, and support for Audible audio books.  Those who have cars with built-in navigation will also receive updated map views, more 3D landmarks, richer graphics, and photo-realistic freeway images.  According to Ford, “When you have finished the upgrade, you’ll need to pair your phone, download your phonebook, and re-enter any saved Navigation points. Also, be sure to bring the USB drive back to your computer to confirm your upgrade using your SYNC Owner account.”  The update is completely free.

The Ford Flex

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The 2013 Ford Flex has the newest technology and sophistication that you now expect from Ford. It is a three row, seven passenger vehicle with a sleek new front end and modern interior. It has a standard 3.5 liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, which delivers 20 more horse power and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy than the standard fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoast V6 engine. Mark Fields, president of The Americas said “With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look, we’re offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model.” The Ford Flex not only has the technology that gets you where you are going safely, it also keeps you entertained while doing so. Ford Flex has the first production rear seat inflatable belts to improve safety. The belts are inflated by cold compressed gas which is stored in a cylinder below the seat. The belts inflate within 40 milliseconds in event of a crash. They are designed to reduce neck, head and torso injuries for rear seat passengers. The Ford Flex also has radar enabled adaptive cruise control (ACC) and a collision warning with brake support system. It also has a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross traffic alerts. These technologies help drivers to avoid accidents by warning them with both visual and audio alerts. Normally the ACC system acts as regular cruise control, but it is constantly scanning the area in front of the vehicle. It can sense a vehicle up to 150 feet away, if that vehicle slows down as little as 1/4 of a mph, the system will recognize that and slow your vehicle down automatically. When the traffic clears the vehicle automatically resumes the set speed. The driver has the choice of four settings depending on the weather and road condition. Ford Flex also has rain-sensing wipers to increase safety. If an accident does occur the Ford Flex has 911 Assist which is automated emergency calling service that is free for life of the vehicle.

The Ford Flex features the SYNC with new generation of MyFord Touch, making it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings. The screen has a cleaner, clearer display. The words are larger and easier to read. The functions are clearer and easier to navigate. A user has multiple ways to manage and control the system, including voice commands, menus accessed through the steering wheel control system, touch screen, buttons or knobs, what ever they prefer. The base SYNC package includes hands-free, voice activated calling via a Blue-Tooth -connected mobile phone or USB-connected digital music player.

The SelectShift advance gearbox offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. The option is available through a thumb shift integrated into the steering wheel. The EcoBoost engine are fundamental to Ford’s strategy of providing technologically advanced high output, smaller displacement power train that delivers great fuel economy and uncompromised performance for drivers around the world. In 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost engine technology. Fuel economy is increased by up to 4 percent by the use of EPAS (electronic power-assist steering which improves steering performance because it is powered by an electric motor connected to the battery instead of the vehicle’s engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems. The battery management system operates the vehicle’s power supply system in a more economical manner to save fuel. The alternator and system voltage can be controlled based on battery condition, vehicle operating state and electrical load status. It provides feedback to the vehicle regarding the batteries condition including temperature.

The Ford Flex has been redesigned outside as well as inside. The new front end rounds out the previously boxy edges. There are three new colors for the 2013 model year, Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown. The signature Ford blue oval has been removed from the front end which now solely bears the Flex badge.The Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. If you like technology, lots of room and sophistication then take a look at the new 2013 Ford Flex at your local Ford dealership you will love what you see.

MyFord Touch Performance Upgrades!

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Ford today is announcing some major upgrades to MyFord Touch, that will improve performance, stability and usability. This upgrade available in early 2012 will be free to all current owners of vehicles that have MyFord Touch. Owners will receive a USB stick with a complete system update to do themselves or they can have the system upgraded on their next Ford service call.

This performance update will make MyFord Touch much easier to use screen navigation update includes a simplified layout, larger fonts, clear labels and 4 corner easy navigation. Ford has taken advice from customers across the country, to include holding owner clinics, and have implemented literally 1000’s of changes with the redesigns of screen interfaces. The screens will now be 2x faster,

The software updates also include better phone pairing and wider phone compatibility. The voice recognition system has went under major overhaul as well with the team from Nuance and Ford increasing and simplifying voice commands. The Navteq map system will be updated bringing enhanced junction views and 3D landmarks for easier navigation. MyFord Touch will remain compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Some MyFord Touch customers have complained about the systems instability, the Ford team spent time talking about improved stability and new error reporting. Ford seems to have taken criticism very seriously and have worked very hard to improve the stability of the MyFord Touch.

Currently MyFord Touch is installed in the following models Edge, Explorer, Lincoln MKS. In 2013 MyFord Touch will be introduced to Taurus, Flex & Escape. This will be welcome news for those of you shopping for new vehicles in the 2013 model year.

Overall I was impressed by the speed increase, the updates to the menu system make sense when compared with the old screens. Ford has made some very smart changes, the team behind MyFord Touch is dedicated to making the user experience while driving a safer / smarter one. The enhancements to the voice commands alone means drivers will be able to do a lot more without ever looking down to the MyFord Touch interface.

Overall great update, and very smart play by Ford to give the update to their customers for Free.