MyFord Touch: Some Questions about hardware Directed at Ford's IVT team.

[Gloff]

Firstly, I haven't posted here in a while. I miss my 99 Ex.

I currently work for a large Ford dealer, I do not currently drive a Ford, let alone a vehicle with MFTouch. I do, however, fiddle with the system daily as part of my job duties. I'm a sync specialist and am very familiar with the systems, all three Sync, Sync w/ Myford, and MFT.

Now that you know who I am, I have some questions for the IVT team.

1: What sort of hardware is MFT running? More specifically, what processor is it running, and are there multiple processors for Focus, Flex, Edge, Explorer, etc...

2: From what I've read, it is running on Microsoft Auto 4.0. Is that correct? If so, I understand the flexibility of a component based system, but wouldn't it be easier and more cost-effective to use an open source OS such as Linux or Android?


Here is what I would suggest for future MFT development.

1: Use a more modern processor. I can only assume that the current processor is severely underpowered given the complexity of the system. It's far too laggy, even after the update, for it to be comparable to a modern smartphone. Perhaps a GPU upgrade would help as well? Ford's older, outdated Nav system is much smoother and more consistently reliable than MFT.

2: I like the component based system, but from what I understand you cannot upgrade a car to MFT. Why not make the hardware upgradeable, just like a normal headunit. I understand there would be some serious logistics involved, but I think that it would be entirely possible to do in a cost effective way.

3: Base the OS on a modern architecture. Two reasons: Microsoft is behind the times. It's only a matter of time before someone (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet to name a few) figure out a way to put Android, Linux, or iOS in their cars. We already have a head start with MFT and Sync, why not beat them to the punch on the next generation? Part of why the original SYNC was so great in the beginning was that no one else had a system like it. Not only that, but it was nearly trouble free. The second reason is, a system like Android or Linux would allow much faster development of applications due to it's open source nature. You can still restrict the applications using a testing and approval program, keeping things sane from a distracted driving standpoint.

I have not had one customer find a use for the Wifi Hotspot. Most people that need multiple system connections to the internet already have a portable hotspot/ wifi tethering on their phones. I however could see use for wifi for downloads to the system. Imagine being able to log on to the internet on your MFT to download a new app or purchase the latest maps for your navigation unit. an 8 inch touchscreen would be awesome for internet browsing (in park of course)

Those are my criticisms and suggestions. MFT and Sync are not all bad:

Going with Nuance for the voice commands is brilliant. Sync is incredibly accurate with voice commands, even with people with slight accents. No one does Voice Recognition like Nuance.

USB connectivity is another brilliance. Why fiddle with only Apple when you can carry 2k songs on an $8 flash drive from radioshack.

Sync by itself is well polished, not really in any need of anything. This is how MFT should operate, smooth and consistently trouble free.



Thank you,

Gloff

 

[boltsfan17]

Firstly, I haven't posted here in a while. I miss my 99 Ex.

I currently work for a large Ford dealer, I do not currently drive a Ford, let alone a vehicle with MFTouch. I do, however, fiddle with the system daily as part of my job duties. I'm a sync specialist and am very familiar with the systems, all three Sync, Sync w/ Myford, and MFT.

Now that you know who I am, I have some questions for the IVT team.

1: What sort of hardware is MFT running? More specifically, what processor is it running, and are there multiple processors for Focus, Flex, Edge, Explorer, etc...

2: From what I've read, it is running on Microsoft Auto 4.0. Is that correct? If so, I understand the flexibility of a component based system, but wouldn't it be easier and more cost-effective to use an open source OS such as Linux or Android?


Here is what I would suggest for future MFT development.

1: Use a more modern processor. I can only assume that the current processor is severely underpowered given the complexity of the system. It's far too laggy, even after the update, for it to be comparable to a modern smartphone. Perhaps a GPU upgrade would help as well? Ford's older, outdated Nav system is much smoother and more consistently reliable than MFT.

2: I like the component based system, but from what I understand you cannot upgrade a car to MFT. Why not make the hardware upgradeable, just like a normal headunit. I understand there would be some serious logistics involved, but I think that it would be entirely possible to do in a cost effective way.

3: Base the OS on a modern architecture. Two reasons: Microsoft is behind the times. It's only a matter of time before someone (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet to name a few) figure out a way to put Android, Linux, or iOS in their cars. We already have a head start with MFT and Sync, why not beat them to the punch on the next generation? Part of why the original SYNC was so great in the beginning was that no one else had a system like it. Not only that, but it was nearly trouble free. The second reason is, a system like Android or Linux would allow much faster development of applications due to it's open source nature. You can still restrict the applications using a testing and approval program, keeping things sane from a distracted driving standpoint.

I have not had one customer find a use for the Wifi Hotspot. Most people that need multiple system connections to the internet already have a portable hotspot/ wifi tethering on their phones. I however could see use for wifi for downloads to the system. Imagine being able to log on to the internet on your MFT to download a new app or purchase the latest maps for your navigation unit. an 8 inch touchscreen would be awesome for internet browsing (in park of course)

Those are my criticisms and suggestions. MFT and Sync are not all bad:

Going with Nuance for the voice commands is brilliant. Sync is incredibly accurate with voice commands, even with people with slight accents. No one does Voice Recognition like Nuance.

USB connectivity is another brilliance. Why fiddle with only Apple when you can carry 2k songs on an $8 flash drive from radioshack.

Sync by itself is well polished, not really in any need of anything. This is how MFT should operate, smooth and consistently trouble free.



Thank you,

Gloff

Here are the specs of MFT:

Freescale i.MX51 SOC:
Core CPU: ARM Cortex A8 @ 600 mHz
2D/3D graphics controller
512MB RAM
2GB NAND flash memory

You are correct that MFT is built on Microsoft Auto.

This was discussed in a previous thread but one of the biggest issues I believe that is plaguing MFT is the use of Flash. Personally I feel Ford needs to bump up the Ram to at least 1GB and upgrade the CPU as well.

GM's new CUE system is Linux based. It's debuting on the new Cadillacs like the 2013 XTS.

Check out this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362653

 

[Gloff]

Here are the specs of MFT:

Freescale i.MX51 SOC:
Core CPU: ARM Cortex A8 @ 600 mHz
2D/3D graphics controller
512MB RAM
2GB NAND flash memory

You are correct that MFT is built on Microsoft Auto.

This was discussed in a previous thread but one of the biggest issues I believe that is plaguing MFT is the use of Flash. Personally I feel Ford needs to bump of the Ram to at least 1GB and upgrade the CPU as well.

GM's new CUE system is Linux based. It's debuting on the new Cadillacs like the 2013 XTS.

Check out this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362653

Wow 600mhz 512mb ram. Good knowledge.

That thread has some more clarifying information in it. Flash lite is the main issue. I wonder how hard it would be to rewrite the code for current MFT units.

 

[FordIVTteam]

Wow 600mhz 512mb ram. Good knowledge.

That thread has some more clarifying information in it. Flash lite is the main issue. I wonder how hard it would be to rewrite the code for current MFT units.

Hi, Gloff!

I'm glad boltsfan17 was able to provide you with the specs (Thanks, boltfan17!). Also, thanks for all of your feedback; I'll pass it along to the appropriate people.

Rebecca

 

[LeFurg]

Firstly, I haven't posted here in a while. I miss my 99 Ex.

I currently work for a large Ford dealer, I do not currently drive a Ford, let alone a vehicle with MFTouch. I do, however, fiddle with the system daily as part of my job duties. I'm a sync specialist and am very familiar with the systems, all three Sync, Sync w/ Myford, and MFT.

Now that you know who I am, I have some questions for the IVT team.

1: What sort of hardware is MFT running? More specifically, what processor is it running, and are there multiple processors for Focus, Flex, Edge, Explorer, etc...

2: From what I've read, it is running on Microsoft Auto 4.0. Is that correct? If so, I understand the flexibility of a component based system, but wouldn't it be easier and more cost-effective to use an open source OS such as Linux or Android?


Here is what I would suggest for future MFT development.

1: Use a more modern processor. I can only assume that the current processor is severely underpowered given the complexity of the system. It's far too laggy, even after the update, for it to be comparable to a modern smartphone. Perhaps a GPU upgrade would help as well? Ford's older, outdated Nav system is much smoother and more consistently reliable than MFT.

2: I like the component based system, but from what I understand you cannot upgrade a car to MFT. Why not make the hardware upgradeable, just like a normal headunit. I understand there would be some serious logistics involved, but I think that it would be entirely possible to do in a cost effective way.

3: Base the OS on a modern architecture. Two reasons: Microsoft is behind the times. It's only a matter of time before someone (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet to name a few) figure out a way to put Android, Linux, or iOS in their cars. We already have a head start with MFT and Sync, why not beat them to the punch on the next generation? Part of why the original SYNC was so great in the beginning was that no one else had a system like it. Not only that, but it was nearly trouble free. The second reason is, a system like Android or Linux would allow much faster development of applications due to it's open source nature. You can still restrict the applications using a testing and approval program, keeping things sane from a distracted driving standpoint.

I have not had one customer find a use for the Wifi Hotspot. Most people that need multiple system connections to the internet already have a portable hotspot/ wifi tethering on their phones. I however could see use for wifi for downloads to the system. Imagine being able to log on to the internet on your MFT to download a new app or purchase the latest maps for your navigation unit. an 8 inch touchscreen would be awesome for internet browsing (in park of course)

Those are my criticisms and suggestions. MFT and Sync are not all bad:

Going with Nuance for the voice commands is brilliant. Sync is incredibly accurate with voice commands, even with people with slight accents. No one does Voice Recognition like Nuance.

USB connectivity is another brilliance. Why fiddle with only Apple when you can carry 2k songs on an $8 flash drive from radioshack.

Sync by itself is well polished, not really in any need of anything. This is how MFT should operate, smooth and consistently trouble free.



Thank you,

Gloff

Here are the specs of MFT:

Freescale i.MX51 SOC:
Core CPU: ARM Cortex A8 @ 600 mHz
2D/3D graphics controller
512MB RAM
2GB NAND flash memory

You are correct that MFT is built on Microsoft Auto.

This was discussed in a previous thread but one of the biggest issues I believe that is plaguing MFT is the use of Flash. Personally I feel Ford needs to bump up the Ram to at least 1GB and upgrade the CPU as well.

GM's new CUE system is Linux based. It's debuting on the new Cadillacs like the 2013 XTS.

Check out this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362653

I agree. This would be an excellent idea. Also, using navigation from your phone with the screen being an app-copy to the mft screen would be a good idea too. Imagine looking at google maps from your phone through your mft screen guide you from point a to point b. I know somebody is working on this, I just forget who.

 

[Spengracin]

Very informative, let's see what they do with it. A note, have a friend who works at CR, as an editor, there comments with most Ford products are great, except the MFT which keeps it out of the recommend or besy buy category. One day they will figure it out.