Sync 4A Update Overview from Ford - Larger Apple CarPlay Android Auto interface, added dial functionality & more

[HuntingPudel]

This update, along with Bluecruise 1.2 is supposedly shipping with 23 Mach Es that have already rolled off the line, it shouldn't be that long for the update to appear for the rest of us.

Mine was the last production week of 22 so if I have to wait 6 months for software that shipped with cars built the very next week I'm gonna be kinda mad

The problem is that the electronic frunk release was shipping with 2021 Job2 cars and it is finally starting to make it to 2021 Job1 cars via FDRS. No OTA yet. Can we expect the same kind of time frame for these other updates? Scary to think so.

Sponsored

 

[Keeperofthe7keys]

The problem is that the electronic frunk release was shipping with 2021 Job2 cars and it is finally starting to make it to 2021 Job1 cars via FDRS. No OTA yet. Can we expect the same kind of time frame for these other updates? Scary to think so.

I don't know why but 2021 Job 1 cars have been tragically orphaned on getting updates for some reason, but later cars have been getting updates so this isn't necessarily a reason to think the rollout would take that long to start for everyone else. Certainly feel bad for those early buyers though.

 

[markboris]

Totally agree that it's incredibly disappointing that we don't have a dedicated camera button. IMHO it's the most commonly requested feature and so simple to add. Ugh.

I added a dedicated camera button. Actually I use the parking button since I would never use that feature. I'd rather park myself and it could possible damage my custom wheels because I designed my offsets to be flush with the fender opening and the self parking gets a little too close to the curb for me.

 

[KAustin]

I don't know why but 2021 Job 1 cars have been tragically orphaned on getting updates for some reason, but later cars have been getting updates so this isn't necessarily a reason to think the rollout would take that long to start for everyone else. Certainly feel bad for those early buyers though.

Not true. I currently have every update available through OTA. The only thing missing is the frunk release. Job 1 with a November 20, 2020 build date.

 

[Keeperofthe7keys]

Not true. I currently have every update available through OTA. The only thing missing is the frunk release. Job 1 with a November 20, 2020 build date.

You've got a 2021 with every update but no frunk button? How is that possible if you have every update? Especially since updates are cumulative.

 

[awp0]

I added a dedicated camera button. Actually I use the parking button since I would never use that feature. I'd rather park myself and it could possible damage my custom wheels because I designed my offsets to be flush with the fender opening and the self parking gets a little too close to the curb for me.

Whut? How did you do this? Is there a thread?

 

[Keeperofthe7keys]

I added a dedicated camera button. Actually I use the parking button since I would never use that feature. I'd rather park myself and it could possible damage my custom wheels because I designed my offsets to be flush with the fender opening and the self parking gets a little too close to the curb for me.

I'd be interested in how you did this, not because I wouldn't use park assist but because we don't even get it anymore so the button is useless anyways.

 

[KAustin]

You've got a 2021 with every update but no frunk button? How is that possible if you have every update? Especially since updates are cumulative.

Well, I did qualify my statement. Meaning I wouldn't say that I'm missing anything except that and that is the least functional item I would want. Convenient, yes, but not necessary.

Yes, there are some Job 1s that are further behind, but mine isn't one of them.

 

[markboris]

Whut? How did you do this? Is there a thread?

I'd be interested in how you did this, not because I wouldn't use park assist but because we don't even get it anymore so the button is useless anyways.

I never made a thread on this (I don't make threads on all my mods). Wasn't too difficult though. Installed a wire in one of the connectors in the Image Processing Module at the rear of the car and brought that wire up to the console (actually did this when I added my subwoofer about a year ago). Hooked the wire up to one coming from the connector at the parking switch then had to use FORScan to reconfigure one line on the IPMA. While I was at it, I also reconfigured another line on the IPMA and two lines on the APIM to allow the rear camera to be on at any speed. If you don't want to use the parking switch, you can easily add a small momentary switch wherever you want.

When I get around to it, I'll write up a detailed thread in the DIY forum. I am working on configuring an air suspension for my car and that's been taking up my time. Should have that installed in about two weeks.

 

[ctenidae]

This may be a dumb question, but how is the dial going to know what you are trying to adjust. Radio volume, seat temp or cabin temp?

It'll be 4 menus deep.

 

[awp0]

I never made a thread on this (I don't make threads on all my mods). Wasn't too difficult though. Installed a wire in one of the connectors in the Image Processing Module at the rear of the car and brought that wire up to the console (actually did this when I added my subwoofer when I bought the car a year ago). Hooked the wire up to one coming from the connector at the parking switch then had to use FORScan to reconfigure one line on the IPMA. While I was at it, I also reconfigured another line on the IPMA and two lines on the APIM to allow the cameras to be on at any speed.

When I get around to it, I can write up a detailed thread in the DIY forum. I am working on designing an air suspension for my car and that is taking up some time. Should have that installed in about two weeks.

Wow. That is so cool. And if you ever do find the time to write this up in the DIY forum, I'll be quite interested! Could be the first mod that really makes me get (and learn) a Forscan setup. Thanks!

 

[markboris]

Wow. That is so cool. And if you ever do find the time to write this up in the DIY forum, I'll be quite interested! Could be the first mod that really makes me get (and learn) a Forscan setup. Thanks!

I've had several members ask me about this in the past but never got around to writing one up. I will do it this weekend for sure.

 

[Blue highway]

This will be the one thing left, because Amazon and Ford share revenue in some way for the confusing premium subscription revenue they try and get you to buy. I bet distro of Alexa is free and not paid, Ford and Amazon believe it's a benefit for their mutual customers, and they make money the more that are bamboozled into paying for the premium Alexa streaming features.

... this is not going to fill the $10B annual loss Amazon incurs operating Alexa.

 

[Blue highway]

Any improvements/updates are a step in the right direction IMHO. No matter what they do, there will be those who love it, are indifferent, and hate it. Im choosing to be happy about this and see it as an indicator of more things to come to an already fantastic vehicle.

agree... you have to have motion before direction matters.

But I would like to know how they came up with the improvement roadmap.

 

[benk016]

Is this the big UI overhaul we were supposed to get this fall. If so, I am a bit underwhelmed but not too surprised.

This isn't all of it. I believe we'll get part in the next update and then the rest in an update after that.

Sponsored