[td2013]

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.

wrong... the two compnaies, Microsoft and QNX write their software for the exact same chipset/configuration. QNX already said it was easy to put their software on existing systems.

 

[ds1111]

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...

 

[td2013]

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.

 

[ds1111]

Can you point me to your source?

 

[markboris]

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

 

[gsbutton]

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.

 

[leadmic]

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

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

 

[pilotattitude]

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

 

[crush1033]

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

 

[JMR]

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.

 

[td2013]

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

 

[jpohlman]

Actually MFT is a Windows CE fork...

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.

completely supported and customized by Ford.

I think this decision is based more on Microsoft's stated intent to drop WM/CE support for versions lower than 7.0 and Windows XP support does die on 4/8(Motorola uses WM 6.5 on their MC65 scanner and had to pay Microsoft to continue custom support for them until 2020). When you think about it this really comes back to Microsoft's intent to have one come user interface for it's OS products which is why we're stuck with Metro on Windows 8.x on PCs, Tablets, phones and also on 2012 server.

 

[leadmic]

completely supported and customized by Ford.

I think this decision is based more on Microsoft's stated intent to drop WM/CE support for versions lower than 7.0 and Windows XP support does die on 4/8(Motorola uses WM 6.5 on their MC65 scanner and had to pay Microsoft to continue custom support for them until 2020). When you think about it this really comes back to Microsoft's intent to have one come user interface for it's OS products which is why we're stuck ewith Metro on Windows 8.x on PCs, Tablets, phones and also on 2012 server.

In English please. I'm not completely computer illiterate, but your deeper into Microsoft than most. So are you saying that MFT can be flashed to the new QNX operating system or not?
Mark

 

[jpohlman]

The actual physical hardware is the same...

In English please. I'm not completely computer illiterate, but your deeper into Microsoft than most. So are you saying that MFT can be flashed to the new QNX operating system or not?
Mark

but MFT will have to be rewritten since it will no longer be running on Windows, but a Linux derived operating system instead (this is just like having to rewite an app to run on an Android phone instead of a Windows phone or Apple OS X instead of Windows).

So we may have "MFT", but it will be a different version and more that likely have a different look & feel since Sync is owned by Microsoft (and we'll lose Samantha as the voice also).

The bigger question is will Ford allow us to upgrade from old to new and if they do will it be a freebie or a chargeable item.

 

[leadmic]

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

 

[rothwells]

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!

 

[Gator06]

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....

 

[Gryffindor101]

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!

They are going to use QNX, which is already in other vehicles. So even if blackberry does collapse (which I don't see happening anytime soon), another company will pick up QNX. So I really don't think there is nothing to worry about here. From what I read this system is better than MFT.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[pilotattitude]

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!

RIM is just a parent company of QNX which was owned by Harmon Int'l. QNX has a great record esp. in automotive applications, so they most likely would be picked up by another competitor. Though Apple could be that one as well, who knows.