Ford remakes MyFord Touch to upgrade, fix UI

Ford kicked off the Los Angeles Motor Show by unveiling a remake of its MyFord Touch interface that it knew drivers were hoping for. The interface addresses the early user complaints and is both considerably easier to understand as well as more responsive to touch input. Audio, climate control, navigation, and phone calls all have more readily accessible common controls and are less cluttered, and the four are united by a home screen that's both easier to understand and quicker to use for top-level features.

Several upgrades have also come into play beyond just the basic features, Ford said. MyFord Touch now recognizes music and other content from the iPad and other tablets that can plug in over USB. Users can play Audible books directly through the system, including by using voice commands. Track searching has been given a boost through newer Gracenote data and better searches for unconventional names, and Bluetooth phones now both more seamlessly re-pair on entry as well as minimize outside noise.

Voice recognition has improved by reducing the amount of detail needed for directions and music as well as an overall speed-up both on starting the car and on demand; Sirius owners can search by voice for sports teams. Navigation is better, too, with updated NAVTEQ maps, more 3D and higher-detail highway exits, as well as routing based on crowd-sourced traffic data.

Every 2011 and 2012 model year car with MyFord Touch or its Lincoln equivalent, such as the 2012 Focus or Edge, will have the option of upgrading either at the dealership or through a mailed-out USB drive. All 2013 cars with the touchscreen interface, launching at the same time, will have the new interface.

By Electronista Staff