MyFord Touch | Lamarque Ford

Last week Ford announced it is replacing its widely used MyFord Touch for a more modern, functional version. MyFord Touch is Ford’s current in-dashboard infotainment system, which combines radio, music listening and other commands with a touch screen. After tweaking the platform for several years, the company has decided to migrate to a more widely supported software, making it easier to connect with smartphones and run third-party apps.

Ford is also dropping its long time partner, Microsoft, which provided the base software for MyFord Touch. The new system called Sync 3, will rely on the QNX software, Blackberry’s proprietary platform that powers many other operating systems, including their own smartphones. By using QNX, Ford is able to introduce new features and simpler and more intuitive commands. For instance, the new system will be able to run apps like Spotify and Pandora and has a closer integration with Siri. iPhone users will now be able to control Siri with the touch of a button though a feature called “Siri eyes free.”

Ford is rolling out the new system on some 2015 models and wishes to replace MyFord Touch entirely by 2016. The ambitious plan comes after ratings for the current system weren’t as favorable, so Ford listened to its customers and decided to change course. With over 22,000 customer suggestions and countless research clinics and market surveys, Sync 3 aims to be exactly what Ford owners want. Sync 3 will become the standard system for upscale Ford and Lincoln models and will be available for mid-range trims. AppLink will remain the low-end option for other connected Fords.

Here’s the full list of new features available on Sync3 3:

A more intuitive interface, with crisper graphics and pinch-and-zoom gestures
Improved voice recognition, with simpler commands and more natural speaking voice
Increased smartphone connectivity, the system can detect compatible apps and display them on the screen for better interactions
Wi-Fi network integration, for faster updates and smart-home connectivity
Emergency 911 Assist, which automatically dials 911 in case of an emergency, using a Bluetooth connection
Siri Eyes Free, which allows iPhone users to access Siri by touching one button

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Lamarque Ford is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in New Orleans, LA. Located in Kenner, LA, Lamarque Ford is committed to providing you the best customer service and vehicle service for the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the market to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.

For over eighty years, consumers have had access to in-vehicle entertainment systems. It all started in 1930, when Motorola introduced the first commercially available car radio. As with most technologies, it was just a matter of time for this new category to explode. In 1965, Ford and Motorola introduced the first eight-track car player, and as music formats evolved, so did car stereos. Today’s future automobile’s in-car entertainment systems combine old and new technologies right on our dashboards.

Modern car entertainment systems bundle different audio formats (am and fm radio tuners, CD player, mp3 playback, satellite radio, etc) and navigation (GPS) under a unified interface. For years, we’ve interacted with these devices through buttons and dials, and only luxury cars offered solutions that went beyond the volume and tuner knobs. But today, thanks to the commoditization of some technologies, like touch screens and bluetooth, car manufactures can offer smarter alternatives. Let’s take a look at today’s top in-vehicle entertainment systems.

Present-day configurations rely on a touch screen as an input method and a layer of software takes care of the rest. Some car manufacturers, like Ford, Kia and Fiat, use a Microsoft proprietary system and then fine tune it to best fit their needs. Ford’s solution, MyFord Touch, includes voice commands, traffic and directions, wifi internet, vehicle health report and other connectivity features such as bluetooth, SD card slots and USB inputs. Other systems include Hyundai BlueLink, Kia Uvo, Fiat Blue&Me, BMW Assist, Mercedes Mbrace and Toyota Entune., which share similar capabilities.

Other technology companies have attempted to enter the auto entertainment system with little or no success. Recently, Apple announced its own software, with a whole new approach to the connectivity paradigm. CarPlay (which is what Apple calls its new system) uses your iOS device as the brains of your system, as it can already handle calls, music, internet, contacts, messages and other apps. The new system will be available for select 2014 Ferraris, Hondas, Hyundais, Mercedes Benz and Volvos. CarPlay is also coming to your favorite Ford vehicles in the near future.

In the mean time, take advantage of the great selection of driving apps available on your smartphone and stop by Lamarque Ford to try out MyFord Touch.

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Lamarque Ford is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in New Orleans, LA. Located in Kenner, LA, Lamarque Ford is committed to providing you the best customer service and vehicle service for the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the market to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.

Ford Sync 3: New Infotainment System | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

MyFord Touch Car Radio | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner