- Ford infotainment system adding buttons, knobs
- Updated system debuts in F-150
- System selected by nearly 80 percent of drivers
More buttons are coming to MyFord Touch. Ford says it’s adding buttons and knobs to its popular infotainment system following complaints that the system is hard to use, clunky and occasionally unresponsive to commands.
Ford hasn’t announced where the buttons and knobs will be. But we expect they’ll take over some of the capacitive touch features drivers have found troubling. That means they could do anything from change the stereo track to activate the heated seats.
Ford also hasn’t detailed what the new system will look like. Today’s system uses a large touchscreen that features four parts — climate, stereo control, navigation system and Bluetooth. Several capacitive touch buttons below the touchscreen handle some of the common adjustments, such as volume and airflow.
The first vehicle to use Ford’s latest system is the F-150 pickup. A recent statement from Ford says the truck “blends touchscreen capability with traditional buttons and knobs, a similar balance planned for future Ford vehicles.”
Despite complaints with the system’s responsiveness, Ford says it is selected by a whopping 79 percent of drivers. That makes this update important for Ford, since the system is now well-known to many car shoppers who have considered Ford products.
The system was initially released for the 2011 model year. While touted as a major step forward in infotainment technology, many drivers found it cumbersome. Several updates have made it easier to use, but Ford’s decision to add more buttons and knobs shows the automaker felt changes didn’t go far enough.
Ford has not yet announced whether updates to the system will find their way into Lincoln products. The upscale brand uses a similar system, MyLincoln Touch, in its models.
What it means to you: The latest updates to MyFord Touch will make the system easier to use.
