Ford has just announced the latest evolution of the Ford SYNC system called MyFord Touch. It takes the device integration features that have made SYNC so cool and streamlines it to encompass navigation, climate control and audio options — in addition to connecting with your phone and the Internet. MyFord Touch basically brings a more central control center to your vehicle.

Last month, we talked about two features of the MyFord Touch system: the ability to make your car a WiFi hotspot and HD radio with iTunes tagging support.

The new interface has been designed to replicate a traditional car dashboard, but everything is interconnected. There are two 4.2″ LCD screens on either side of an analog speedometer, plus an 8″ touch-screen LCD in the center console. Controls on either side of the steering heel make it easy to navigate different options.

More Features

Here are some other features that MyFord Touch, powered by SYNC will include:

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 and a built-in browser for use while in “Park” (late availability)
Integrated browser supports tabbed page navigation, “drag” to pan and scroll and a provides a 3-D carousel for bookmark browsing
Support for on-screen and USB-connected keyboards
RSS feed aggregator and text-to-voice reader
Mobile in-car WiFi “hot spot” capability through USB-installed air card or USB mobile broadband modem

Audio
AM/FM/CD, SIRIUS/XM satellite radio, USB-connected MP3 players and memory sticks
New HD Radio capability
Song tagging capability via HD Radio Technology, allowing listeners to identify song information and store it for later use
Browse tracks by artist, scan lists of tracks with identical names, and browse through devices without having to change audio sources
-D carousel album cover art and photo viewing displays allow easy scanning of available material, especially combined with Gracenote Media Management
Media player equipped with new “Podcast” source category
Enhanced Bluetooth® audio support including metadata, which allows additional command and control functions for capable mobile devices

What’s really cool is that Ford will be making built-in vehicle navigation a standard feature on MyFord SYNC vehicles. Navigation support is built-into the main Windows-embedded powered console and using an SD card, users can easily upgrade mapping and other data, without having to rely on DVDs or hardware upgrades.

Stepping-it Up a Notch

When it comes to car connectivity options, Ford is really leading the market. Having the same system available to control your heat, your music and your navigation systems – plus the ability to link to your phone and act as a WiFi hotspot totally completes the idea of the connected car.

What impresses us about Ford’s approach is that everything is designed to be upgradeable. You can use the SD card slot to install new updates or add-ons. You don’t have to buy a new head-unit for in-dash navigation or HD radio, it’s already there. I only wish my favorite German car companies would take note and follow suit.

The coolest technology is that which is least visible — which is one reason the first SYNC systems were so successful. If Ford can accomplish that same feat with the MyFord Touch SYNC platform, they’ve created a compelling feature that new car buyers are sure to notice.

Availability

MyFord Touch will be available on the 2011 Ford Edge and have global availability on the 2012 Ford Focus. The Lincoln and Mercury brands will have their own custom MyLincoln and MyMercury Touch options. MyLincoln Touch will be standard on all new Lincolns beginning with the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

Tags: cars, CES, CES 2010, ford, ford sync technology, myford, myford touch, sync

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