I must admit when I first saw Microsoft on the dash of the FE I said 'oh crap, this can't be good'. But I have not any issues with Sync and think the design layout is pretty good.

As a programmer/analyst for 35 years I have never heard of QNX but that may be solely because I don't develop embedded systems. I went to their web-site where they say they use an Eclipse based IDE. I use Eclipse at work - it's a nice IDE. But, it is not as sophisticated as Microsoft's Visual Studio IDE. Of-course, that is not to say the end-product's quality will be any less.

I have been disappointed with Microsoft's visual design over the past three years (specifically Windows 8.0 and Visual Studio 2012). Hopefully, if this shift happens, it will be a wake-up call for Microsoft.

 

I have limited experience with SYNC -- can't say if I am impressed or not. From an embedded real time system perspective, QNX is a natural choice.

 

This car was a huge upgrade in technology than my previous car so I'm amazed at it all. Personally as a company, I think Microsoft is poised with more upside value in all areas including systems in a car than Blackberry is.

I'm sure there's probably a lot other reasons that QNX thing is superior. I would be interested if someone enlightened us.



On the other side, do you think Ford will offer a complete reflash of our systems to that QNX thing if this happens???

 

On the other side, do you think Ford will offer a complete reflash of our systems to that QNX thing if this happens???

Probably not.

1. Microsoft logo on the dash.
2. Hardware probably would be different
3. Sold to you as MS Sync, if you want QNX, you would buy a new

THey would probably keep support for existing Sync cars but not change it as that's what it was sold with. Technology changes in cars but they don't worry abouts already been sold as that is the technology that was out when you bought.

 

Seeing as its an operating system, there could be the possibility of Ford downloading the new system to older cars... small possibility but one. It could save them money in the long run from having to put out updates for two systems if they do an upgrade. But in order for the upgrade to happen the Blackberry OS would have to be able to be run on the Microsoft computer.

 

From experience, MS OS (mobile or desktop) has always required more overhead. QNX was designed to be more lightweight. I would strongly suspect the existing computational hardware could easily support QNX, but I doubt the will of Ford to offer such an upgrade given the level of integration to the car.

 

That's great and all, but what does it do for all of us that have Microsoft SYNC already. Apparently Ford, caught up to the complaints of Microsoft. But Blackberry? RIM aren't they one foot in the grave?

 

But that's Blackberry, not to be confused with QNX! The QNX business can live on even if Blackberry dies. QNX is quite popular and powers quite a few things.

 

@JustinGTP

I do apologize if it seemed a bit shallow, I do take notice that other car mfg's are already using the QNX set up. I just think that systems that are being created by such co. like the Google and Apple's, would offer a far superior product esp in voice recognition and would integrate better on mobile devices on a larger scale. Not to mention the touch screen tech and design.

I can say this right off the bat that the Microsoft SYNC voice is as good tech as my 2003 Honda accord Voice Rec. system. Since Bill Gates the only things that I felt that came out great out of Microsoft was the Flight simulator, which has a humungous following that they decided to shut down, and Xbox gaming system.

 

That's fine with me if they switch to QNX. Even though I have never had major problems with the Sync system, it does quite a few things that chap my butt. For example, if it doesn't understand a voice command, it repeats a list of possible commands for you to try instead of just allowing you to repeat your command, thus making you sit through five seconds of arbitrary drivel that you've heard a thousand times already.

QNX OS has been used in BMW, Audi, and some Chryslers for a few years now. My mother's 335d and my friend's A7 have it, and the system is very good. Voice controls are more accurate than Sync's, at least.

I doubt we, as current owners, will get the QNX update. I imagine it would require a full drive repartition and much more than just a simple software download. Plus, QNX probably uses their own proprietary hardware to operate dedicated controls. Just my best guess though.

 

That's fine with me if they switch to QNX. Even though I have never had major problems with the Sync system, it does quite a few things that chap my butt. For example, if it doesn't understand a voice command, it repeats a list of possible commands for you to try instead of just allowing you to repeat your command, thus making you sit through five seconds of arbitrary drivel that you've heard a thousand times already.

If the arbitrary drivel begins, I just "end" and start again. Not perfect but better than listening to the list. I might have listened to it once all the way through.

 

As an electrical and systems engineer, I can tell you right now that it will be impossible to upgrade from one system to the other. The integration level is too deep to allow that type of change. It will be interesting to know what will happen 5 or 10 years down the road with thousands of Sync systems around... Ford will have to support it for many years to come. Unfortunately, for us owners of the system, it will probably stagnate on development, enhancements and applications. Very disappointing!


I worry that they are dumping Sync exactly at the time that MSFT has worked most of the kinks and now has an OS that is robust enough for future developments and new generations... As I said, I haven't had any issues with Sync so far, but I'm a new user, also I can get my ways around technology very easily.

 

It will be interesting to know what will happen 5 or 10 years down the road with thousands of Sync systems around... Ford will have to support it for many years to come. Unfortunately, for us owners of the system, it will probably stagnate on development, enhancements and applications.

Let's be honest: It's already stagnating. Was there a hardware upgrade from the 2103 MY to the 2014 MY Escapes? Not to my knowledge. Was there a software upgrade? Again, not as far as I know. Compare that to upgrade pattern for any PC, phone, or tablet you care to think of.

Last summer's major MFT release was more of a bug fix than anything else. The new features added were few, and minor (e.g., you can now switch from the four-quadrant screen to a single-function screen by tapping anywhere within one of the quadrants, not just on the bottom line of the quadrant). Has mobile app support been added to MFT? No.

I like SYNC/MFT, and get a lot of use out of its phone and iPod integration. But I'm under no illusion that the system will keep up with the times as car electronics advance.

 

QNX works on the same chipset on the MFT sync systems. QNX also already said a software upgrade would be easy. Its just Ford's call.

 

I will pay to see this really happening. I truly doubt it... with the right amount of effort and test we can say that anything is possible. We are talking about a significant effort in development and testing to make sure all systems work as expected. Loading the OS may be easy, but make all the applications comply with previous requirements is what is difficult... still I doubt that they will provide an upgrade path... let's see what happens...

 

QNX reps (again) already stated the process would be easy. Its just Ford's decision. QNX already makes systems that do as much and more than the system currently in Ford's using the same hardware.

 

Can you point me to your source?

 

google.com is helpful

Nearly every news article explained that the system is upgradable. Below is the tech data on the QNX systems:

google the below - there is a PDF that explains QNX support with the processor for automotive applications

i.MX51 Applications Processors Automotive portfolio: i.MX514 and i.MX516

QNX is compatible with the Freescale i.MX51 processor

 

Not sure about this whole Microsoft Sync and QNX issue but Apple released iOS 7.1 today which has support for their new CarPlay vehicle interface which will be available on several manufactures vehicles this year. However, at the bottom of the page, they list other "committed" manufactures and Ford is one of them. Interesting.

Update: Sorry, I did not see that there was already a separate thread about this topic.

Apple - CarPlay

 

I would think Ford would upgrade us seeing as they are extending the warranty for the MFT program. With Ford going to QNX I doubt Microsoft will keep writing updates for MFT and that would be a problem for them seeing as there are quite a few bugs in the system. If they run on the same chip set then the switch-over could be easy enough. Until the time Ford issues a release on the subject it is all just speculation, but I do hope they update the system. The only problem with that is learning a whole new OS.

 

*The only problem with that is learning a whole new OS.

And changing the little Microsoft plate on the dash.>
Mark

 

Shouldn't take that long, actually the hardest one I have tried learning is on the Mercedes.

 

Why Ford is dumping Microsoft for Blackberry's QNX OS - Computerworld

 

Why Ford is dumping Microsoft for Blackberry's QNX OS - Computerworld

The author of the article is one of us!

To be up front, I own a 2013 Ford Escape with the premium-version Sync with MyFord Touch (i.e., touch-screen control and displays). It's not terrible, but it has limited capabilities, as well as poor voice recognition technology. It freezes up at times and requires reboots by shutting the car off and opening the driver's door -- not always possible while driving down a highway.

On the whole, however, I find his criticism in the article a little harsh, although I sympathize with the complaints.

 

Thank you for that explanation. I would think its a matter of the time of implementation as to whether we get the new operating or not. Ford went back to 2010 for the sync update. I for one won't miss Samantha.
Mark

 

So Ford is dropping using a company on the decline to a completely has-been company that will likely be out of business by the end of 2015. Perfect. Now we'll NEVER see another MFT update.


They just need to switcher to the Apple system and call it a day. At least Apple updates their software regularly. MFT hasn't been updated in almost a year!

 

QNX has been bought and sold multiple times and although they are currently owned by Blackberry, they are highly successful in the automotive infotainment market. Most of the major auto brands use their software. Even if Blackberry goes belly up, QNX would likely be sold off and remain intact.


The Apple system is not an O/S. Its a layer that runs on top of the existing O/S that essentially turns the screen into a dumb terminal and allows the iPhone to run the necessary apps. Additionally, this serves no benefit to the Android population due to lack of compatibility. Google's competing version (Android Auto) works much the same, and yes its possible for both to coexist on a system like MFT.


Long story short is that Ford NEEDS to provide a versatile O/S like QNX that can be the backbone for current and upcoming technologies. I think they are working towards that, the only question is when and IF it makes it to the millions of existing MFT users....