Microsoft Sync Dropped

[ksaltman]

So my biggest concern with ordering the F350 for my TV was that the electronics in the Ford Super Duty trucks is based on Microsoft software. Now I hear Ford has plans to drop the Microsoft software and replace it with QNX based software now owned by Blackberry.

(http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-0...nc-system.html)

Rumor is that the 2015 model year vehicles will be the last year that has the Microsoft version.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Microsoft Sync software? Am I making a big mistake going with the F350? Any idea if they might offer an upgrade down the road to get rid of the Microsoft stuff?

Ken

[Dave&Ginny]

I haven't had any trouble at all with the software in my 2012 F350. I drove GM for well over 35 years before I switched to the Ford product and now I wouldn't switch back.

[atom ant]

What does Cheb and Dodge use?

[Blenhardt]

Consumer Reports (I know they are not always kind to US Auto Builders) has not been kind to Fords Sync system. Mine has worked OK but maybe new software is not a bad thing.

[sinder]

My 2010 Ford Sync software works fine. There are what I would consider a few usability items that could be addressed, but nothing major.

[Dave&Ginny]

I had a 2010 Toyota Sequoia Platinum (kind of a pricey suv) and I think the sync in the Ford works about the same as it did.

[RCAircraft]

My 2012 F350 Lariat Sync software does the job. Switching to ONX could be a cost driven decision. The F350 has been very dependable for me and pulls my 2013 36RL without effort.

[Oriana]

We have had numerous Fords with the Sync system. Basically it probably isn't overly user friendly, but it does work.

I read that the 2015's are coming out with an improved and more user friendly software package and simplified voice commands.

For me the voice commands generally don't understand my accent, so DW has to do the talking.

The F350 is a great TV, no need to reconsider.

[atom ant]

I was looking at aftermarket radios to replace my standard button type. The salesman also discussed some buyer frustrations with the new APP radios, as they suddenly have issues if they change phones or services and suddenly there is a $1K radio that doesn't talk to your phone anymore so most if its functions are useless. They use the phone for Wi-Fi, weather, sometimes gps, etc.

I go crazy on this stuff. Just tried to update maps on an old Nuvi; garmin software is incompatible with Explorer 11 so I have to go to Chrome just to download. Then I try to update maps on my chartplotter - not compatible with a 64bit computer, so I have to "rent" a chip from them and they mail me the updates and I send them back the chip to get my deposit back. Seems like 2 years is about it for all this junk, and it's ready to sell for parts on Ebay!

[travelin' texans]

Were you referring to electronics or Ford's?

[atom ant]

That was good!

[ksaltman]

Atom Ant,

Have you looked at the Garmin North America app for the iPhone/iPad? I've been driving with it now for about a year and it really is great. Couple of things it has over both the in vehicle navigation as well as other external units:

- Purchase it once and use it on up to 5 IOS based devices. I have it loaded on my iPhone, my iPad and my wife's iPhone. Great for backup, plus one device can be used for driving while another used to look up points of interest or locate a campground. Basically pay once, use many....

- Map updates are included in 1 time purchase price. So far since I've been using it Garmin has pushed 2 full map and POI database updates for free.

- Great for preplanning my route. I can have it all set up before hand with out having to sit in the vehicle and use the gps in the display.

- Built in weather forecast from POI locations

Anyway, it's on the app store as Garmin N. America, a bit pricey as apps go but it very well could be the last set GPS and set of maps I buy.

Drive on.....

Ken

[atom ant]

Thanks Ken, I didn't know that. It sounds pretty nice.

However, I have never taken the I-Step, so I'm pretty much nothing apple. I do use the Google navigator on the droid tablet and phone and there are times it seems to work better on the Nuvi, but I get pretty distracted trying to drive and use it, and if I'm on the phone, it announces navigation into the conversation which is a little awkward.

Someday I may convert After all, I always swore I would never drive a dually......ahemmm.

[ksaltman]

Ya keep it in mind. For me it was a no brainer. About a year ago I went to upgrade the maps in my Nuvi and Garmin wanted, if I recall correctly, $99 for a 1 time update. When I saw that the Garmin N. America app would run on my iPad and cost $69 with maps I think for life + will stay with me when I upgrade the device it totally made sense for me to change.

If you are up at the rally in August I'll show you.

Ken

[atom ant]

Sounds great!

[Oriana]

Ken - when we are at the Rally, Judi will probably join the demo, as she has one of those Apple touch screen things.

[ksaltman]

No worries, sounds good, happy to give the iPad demo.

Figured out tonight that we get to see our couch on the line at the factory a week from this Thursday. This waiting is killing me.......

[atom ant]

Now you know that Redwood has live cams of the production line and you can watch your rig being built, interview live video with the techs and ask them questions, have them do some custom work..........

but only for Droid

[Adamsvr]

Originally Posted by atom ant

Now you know that Redwood has live cams of the production line and you can watch your rig being built, interview live video with the techs and ask them questions, have them do some custom work..........

but only for Droid

Brad, could you share the.URL for those camera feeds? TIA

[atom ant]

Let me see if I can remember it here......

http://mightbepullingyourleg/i-padjoke.com