Ctrl, Alt, Delete: Ford Dumps Microsoft For Blackberry For Next Gen Infotainment Platform

Few car-based connectivity systems in recent years have drawn as much ire as Ford Motor’s, known as MyFord Touch.

The company’s attempt to integrate consumer technology into its vehicles was so complicated and undependable when it was redesigned four years ago that Ford’s overall quality ratings plunged in surveys by J. D. Power and other automotive firms.

On Thursday, Ford tried to turn the page on its beleaguered product. The company announced a complete redesign, jettisoning Microsoft, its longtime partner, in favor of BlackBerry, and replacing the MyFord Touch moniker with a new name, Sync 3.

TheSteve - 12/12/2014 11:18:53 AM

+1 Boost

When an automaker "uses" Microsoft for their infotainment system, does anyone know whether this means (a) Microsoft designed the user interface, or (b) Microsoft provides the operating system and someone else does the user interface design and programming?

It's a big difference. For example, most ATMs run on Windows XP but the apps (user interface and underlying logic) were written by others. From the user's perspective, it doesn't look or feel like XP, or any Microsoft app or any version of Windows.

atc98092 - 12/12/2014 5:11:15 PM

+1 Boost

I believe the answer is more B. It's absolutely a MS operating system, but how much MS was involved with the UI itself is the question. 009 may be correct that MS did the UI work, but Ford would have had to supply the requirements. Since I feel (in general) that MS does an overall decent job with their software (not always, but generally), my guess is Ford did a lousy job with their specifications.

No I don't work for (nor any family members) Microsoft, and I'm no Apple fanboy either. I just want my stuff to work, and with few instances I have no problem with MS.

Agent009 - 12/12/2014 1:56:07 PM

+1 Boost

I imagine Ford allowed Microsoft to create the interface within parameters.

This can't be good for MS with Google and Apple in the same arena and much more experience

TheSteve - 12/12/2014 2:09:48 PM

+1 Boost

'009: as much experience as Apple has, and as long as their record for creating superb User Interfaces (UIs), it appears they've lost their way since Steve Jobs passed. Today they're following Microsoft's "flat" look from Windows 8. Apple's UI elements have even become ambiguous (is it a label or a clickable control? They look the same. Try it to find out.)

I believe we've gone from a state in which there were clear leaders (Apple was one), to a state of common mediocrity, and trying to pick the least worst offering.

MrEE - 12/12/2014 6:31:14 PM

+1 Boost

Hardware and associated interfaces are likely Ford or other suppliers. This is also most likely responsible for undependable experience. Anyway going to a newbie in the industry cannot be a good move.

MDarringer - 12/12/2014 8:02:30 PM

+1 Boost

From bad to worse! Apple is the kind of intuitive interfaces.