New generation of car tech catching up to Trek

The technology found in our automobiles is equally as important as the vehicles themselves. For the most part, gone are the days of simple electronics. Round dialed analogue clocks with minute and second hands have been replaced with digital readouts. Some automakers, such as Infiniti, still employ the look of antiquity, but the inner workings are state-of-the-art. 

The LCD and LED screens of today offer crystal clear viewing even from the backseat. DVD and Blu-ray disc players, Bluetooth® compatibility and touch screens are the norm for luxury vehicles and quickly making their way into moderately priced vehicles with each new model year. The upcoming 2012 Ford Focus is a prime example where small “eco-luxury” vehicles are taking us in the future. 

MyFord Touch driver connect technology, soon to be launched with the 2011 Ford Edge, offers the latest in voice-activated, touch screen connectivity. In years past, this level of computer to human interaction was only available to onscreen heroes such as Captains James T. Kirk and Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek fame. Now, anyone can “converse” with the onboard computer, giving commands or disseminating information in ways even the late Gene Roddenberry couldn’t have envisioned.   

MyFord Touch Driver Connect Technology

“MyFord Touch, combined with new SYNC functionality, creates an experience that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s not just a technology; it’s an experience, one we hope will have people across the globe looking forward to spending time behind the wheel of their vehicle.”

MyFord Touch is simply a means to access all the available information in your vehicle. As our demonstrator put it best, it offers the newest Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Auto platform in a Mac-friendly environment. Here is an overview of the features provided:

Media Hub

    • Additional USB port for a total of two USB 2.0 inputs
    • SD card slot
    • RCA A/V input jacks

Internet Connectivity

    • Full WiFi capability including Internet “hot spot” connectivity (late
       availability)
    • Integrated browser supports Apple-styled interface.
    • Support for on-screen and USB-connected keyboard
    • In-car WiFi compatible with regional and national carriers

Phone

    • Phonebook contact photo download, birthday reminders,
       enhanced error correction

Voice Recognition

    • Direct speech commands, voice activated climate control and
       audio system functions including AM/FM, and SIRIUS
       Satellite Radio

Navigation

    • SD card navigation app provided by TeleNav
    • 3D visual landmarks

Climate Control

    • MyTemp allows for personalized temperature setting with one
       touch of a button.

Audio

    • AM/FM/CD, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, USB-connected MP3 players
       and memory sticks
    • Browse tracks in various ways without changing audio sources
    • 3D carousel album cover art
    • Podcast source category
    • Enhanced Bluetooth® audio support

Visual Setting Personalization

    • Ambient lighting colour control using 3D carousel browser
    • Custom welcome messages
    • Transferrable user profiles between similarly equipped Ford
       vehicles
    • Door keypad control
    • Rear View Camera
    • Image and video uploading via SD card slot or USB 2.0 ports

 

“MyFord really is about managing information,” said Jason Johnson, Ford user interface design engineer. “Driving is the priority when you’re behind the wheel, so we’ve made it possible to simplify the content management so customers can drive with minimal distraction. In the end, what MyFord displays is really up to the driver.”
Beam me up Scotty! It’s time to select warp drive and hit the road for an interstellar driving experience.

The Canadian International Auto Show is at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Feb. 11-21, 2010.