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Microsoft MyFord and Sync interface to replaced by QNX

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Sounds like it will be an upgrade to current systems if it goes through.

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Funny, HB just gave a great review on the HAH that uses this system and said, I quote "I don't like the fact that Honda has 3 screens in the center console. The top non-touch screen, the middle touch screen and the bottom LCD climate control display screen. I think that their system appears much more complicated than the much maligned MFT..."

 

I am not a Microsoft fanboy but be careful what you wish for.

For example, look at this link about Bill Gates first day back at the office.

If this happens I hope it IS an improvement.

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And app support like pandora like the lower end ford systems will get.

Besides that I have nothing to complain about on my MFT.

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Interesting article, but I'm not surprised. I've used various OSes and ease of use is definitely not on Microsoft's priority list.

That said, MFT is pretty decent. It's exceeded my expectations on the FFH.

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I wouldn't be surprised if the visual look of it mostly stays the same, the changes would be the underlying OS, reliability, 3rd party app functionality and the touchscreen interactivity. They don't want to shock the blue hairs.

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If this really happened (which I can't believe) it should have never left MS.

I agree! I find that article hard to believe...but rather amusing if it's true.

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I just hope that Ford doesn't do this as a reactionary thing to all the people complaining about MFT and end up making things worse.

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I just hope that Ford doesn't do this as a reactionary thing to all the people complaining about MFT and end up making things worse.

I would be just to make things better. I like that UI a lot and I can't complain about reliability. However some things could use improvement. Like the App support or voice recognition.

I would like to see iOS but you might end up with the same incompatibility to other OS. For this reason the switch QNX might be a really good move for cross OS compatibility (iOS - Andriod - Windows)

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If this really happened (which I can't believe) it should have never left MS.

 

Just look at the source and you will get your answer! :ohsnap:

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Just look at the source and you will get your answer! :ohsnap:

Not sure what you are referring to since I don't know the source but based on your comment I assume it's fake (and it better be). :)

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Pick me!!!! I'll beta test it! I'm well versed at finding bugs when testing software systems. Our SCADA provider always beta tests their software using our facility. I've actually had their software engineers tell me "the software won't do what you say it did". Funny, I always can manage to reproduce the issue. Same for some of our vendors. They write PLC programs they say work flawlessly, until I get my hands on them. They don't like me reviewing their code, but we stipulate that we own all code and software that is produced or used in a project.

 

So yeah. Install it in my FFH and I'll test it. And break it. Then test the fixes to see if they work.

Edited by Sleddog

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Pick me!!!! I'll beta test it! I'm well versed at finding bugs when testing software systems. Our SCADA provider always beta tests their software using our facility. I've actually had their software engineers tell me "the software won't do what you says it did". Funny, I always can manage to reproduce the issue. Same for some of our vendors. They write PLC programs they say work flawlessly, until I get my hands on them. They don't like me reviewing their code, but we stipulate that we own all code and software that is produced or used in a project.

 

So yeah. Install it in my FFH and I'll test it. And break it. Then test the fixes to see if they work.

I would join you on that quest. I love doing beta and for that matter alpha testing.

 

As long it's stable and doesn't crash every 5 min it can be a lot of fun to improve a software product as long the receiver of suggestions is open minded.

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The OS and software operating environment is and should be independent of the UI. People complain about the UI of MFT, not the Windows Embedded componentry. You can have the same UI in both Windows Embedded and QNX, so why change it?

 

IMHO, MFT is fine. It works and it's easy to get around. Could it be optimized? Sure, what MS product doesn't need optimization?

 

If the complaints are in the UI, then change the UI! Changing the platform because of the UI seems... like a dramatic overreaction. Now if Ford is looking to QNX because they want more apps, then fine... but that doesn't mean that the MFT UI will change anytime soon or if at all.

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Seems all but official for new cars...

 

http://wot.motortrend.com/1402_ford_to_drop_microsoft_for_qnx_future_versions_sync.html

 

 

 

In the early days of Sync, Ford was seen as a pioneer in the development of mobile device integration, but once the novelty wore off of being the first mass-market brand on the block with mobile integration, consumers started to get frustrated with the sometimes clunky and slow interface of Sync and MyFord Touch. Bloomberg is reporting that Ford may end its alliance with Microsoft in favor of pursuing a QNX-based system. QNX, which was acquired by BlackBerry parent company Research In Motion in 2010, is the predominant telematics system platform in the automotive industry, and is the basis for such well-received systems as Chrysler's Uconnect, and is used by many higher-end brands such as BMW and Audi. In the latest Consumer Reports reliability survey, the Ford and Lincoln brands ranked 26 and 27 out of 28 brands surveyed. Frustration and problems with the Sync and MyFord Touch systems were frequently cited by respondents as reasons for dissatisfaction. Other automakers have recently signed tech alliance agreements with both Google and Apple for closer integration with the Android and iOS mobile platforms, the two most popular mobile operating systems for smartphones. Current configurations of MyFord Touch can be confusing, with built-in dormant features that haven't been activated. One example is a WiFi function that requires being within proximity of a nearby WiFi network, but only supports passwords only 10 characters long, and does not support over-the-air updates.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/1402_ford_to_drop_microsoft_for_qnx_future_versions_sync.html#ixzz2uFuBkLJF

 

Their source is Bloomburg.

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Maybe there's hope.

 

Here's a down to the guts look at what the MFT runs on

 

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ford-focus-infotainment-sync-myford,3206.html

 

 

It's an ARM based Cortex A8, and as the article notes the GPU has capability to push 720p HD imagery.

 

Just as a note the Ipad 1 ran on a Cortex A8

Edited by LASooner

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I posted this in the thread I posted in the news forum when I didn't see this thread:

 

Personally, I think Microsoft Sync has been the weakest part of the FFH. I also think that the digital security the different computer systems in cars will become a more serious concern given how connected and let's face it Blackberry has a way better track record where data security is concerned.

 

On the security and reliability aspect of things, considering Blackberry's QNX technology is used to manage nuclear power plants and U.S. military drones, I'd have much more confidence in it being a part of my car's systems then Microsoft Sync. It is only a matter of time that some hacker figures a way to bridge across from car infotainment systems like Microsoft Sync to the automotive control systems.

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Its sad as doubt we will ever see native pandora app now on mft

Agreed, which is why I am onthe fence about getting a 2012 MKT or a 2013 MKT. The 12 has a slight chance of being one of the 3.4 million to get the Applink upgrade. Hoping Kim can come through with an answer before I am able to buy.

 

 

BTW did someone mention Gates?

 

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Agreed, which is why I am onthe fence about getting a 2012 MKT or a 2013 MKT. The 12 has a slight chance of being one of the 3.4 million to get the Applink upgrade. Hoping Kim can come through with an answer before I am able to buy.

 

 

BTW did someone mention Gates?

 

 

Hey acdii,

 

I'll let you know when I receive more information on this. Our priority is focused on rolling out AppLink across the SYNC Gen 1 systems (including older model vehicles) later this year. I'm still waiting to hear more on the specifics.

 

Kim

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