The Slow Death of Sync 4A

[sean7512]

It seems that the death of Sync 4A may be a bit closer than we think. I saw the new Expedition has the new "Ford Digital Experience" (Android Automotive infotainment). The tech upgrades are outlined well here (https://media.ford.com/content/ford...l.html#group-section-Advanced-Tech-MxzB8paC88). I am failing to see the use for streaming and games on a gas powered car that needs to be idling so that you don't kill the 12v. This is the type of infotainment that really should be in EVs (usage while charging as the most obvious thing).

It was mentioned in the 10.1 post that after the first couple 10.x updates, that no more (or very little) updates will be coming. Does this mean we may see the new Ford Digital Experience in the 20025 MachE/Lightning? Seems crazy to keep using Sync 4A in 2025 if there are no updates planned. I know thats how cars used to work (you buy what it has and thats it), but obviously the software defined car is upon us now.

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[txaggies07]

Looks decent. They are a year or so behind what they announced a few years ago. Overall I don't need really any advancement at this point in Sync 4A.

 

[mdolan92869]

It seems that the death of Sync 4A may be a bit closer than we think. I saw the new Expedition has the new "Ford Digital Experience" (Android Automotive infotainment). The tech upgrades are outlined well here (https://media.ford.com/content/ford...l.html#group-section-Advanced-Tech-MxzB8paC88). I am failing to see the use for streaming and games on a gas powered car that needs to be idling so that you don't kill the 12v. This is the type of infotainment that really should be in EVs (usage while charging as the most obvious thing).

It was mentioned in the 10.1 post that after the first couple 10.x updates, that no more (or very little) updates will be coming. Does this mean we may see the new Ford Digital Experience in the 20025 MachE/Lightning? Seems crazy to keep using Sync 4A in 2025 if there are no updates planned. I know thats how cars used to work (you buy what it has and thats it), but obviously the software defined car is upon us now.

I think your guess is accurate. ?

 

[available_username2]

Isn't the 2026 model year a Mach e refresh? I imagine that'll have android

 

[Stang68]

Honestly I don't really care very much. Apple CarPlay pops up for me and I either tap on my podcast or spotify app or map app and then I'm essentially done. I am almost never in the Ford side of the infotainment screen.

Besides Apple CarPlay, my most-used screen is likely the Software Update screen, hoping for BlueCruise 1.4 or something ?

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Does this mean we may see the new Ford Digital Experience in the 20025 MachE/Lightning?

Android automotive will not be backward compatible with current-gen Mach-e's. Model refresh is slated for 2026. The odds of a major change before then are small imo.

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

If you want to turn your screen into an Android tablet, get a Carlinkit AI box. It's pretty good - a tad laggy but you can watch anything on your main screen while still using it for Nav too. I have it set up to automatically connect to the in-vehicle WiFi hotspot, and it's second in priority to my iPhone so it only comes on when I select it from the phone list. I mounted it under the screen (above the charging pad) so it's out of way. It actually has a SIM slot and can function as its own hotspot - I may explore that if I can find a cheaper data plan than the $20/month AT&T extorts from us.

I sometimes watch Netflix or YouTubeTV while waiting in the carpool line for the kids (it is also not locked-out while the vehicle is in motion like a native system would be).

 

[ktn]

Honestly I don't really care very much. Apple CarPlay pops up for me and I either tap on my podcast or spotify app or map app and then I'm essentially done. I am almost never in the Ford side of the infotainment screen.

Besides Apple CarPlay, my most-used screen is likely the Software Update screen, hoping for BlueCruise 1.4 or something ?

Exactly why CarPlay/AA is so important on vehicles and why I won't buy one without it. It will continue to get better even if the manufacturer stops updating the base software.

 

[randomvoice]

Honestly I don't really care very much. Apple CarPlay pops up for me and I either tap on my podcast or spotify app or map app and then I'm essentially done. I am almost never in the Ford side of the infotainment screen.

Besides Apple CarPlay, my most-used screen is likely the Software Update screen, hoping for BlueCruise 1.4 or something ?

Yeah this. I was in the camp that used to complain about the car infotainment but having lived with it for 2 years now, I literally just care about Carplay maps, spotify and I'm done. The only gripe I have is I wish the screen would be slightly more responsive but it isn't the end of the world when I literally have to tap the screen 4-5 times per drive at max.

 

[Naren]

I guess ford can not do like volvo, I hope ford find out the way to update Sync 4A to Android Automotive

volvo updating all models from 2020.

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/volvo-over-the-air-infotainment-update.html

 

[Maquis]

Everything about Sync 4A is slow. A slow death is to be expected.

 

[Snakebitten]

EV's are not the only form factor that can be comfortably sat in in Park without the ICE running full time.

My F150 Powerboost is literally my office on wheels when traveling. I can sit for 1-3 hours comfortably using the laptop, connected to the trucks Wi-Fi, with the Air Conditioner and Spotify keeping me comfortable while I do the work.

The ICE will cycle on about every 18 minutes and run for about 90 seconds or so. Or an average of about 5-7 minutes per hour.

So these new features that are being made available to parked vehicles aren't necessarily EV exclusive. The current electrification of transportation is taking place in more than just BEV format.

As for Sync4's demise, I suspect it's inevitable. But currently Sync4 is amazing in both of my newest Ford's. I'm not easily jaded. It wasn't that long ago that none of my vehicles had anything nearly as advanced.

 

[Maquis]

EV's are not the only form factor that can be comfortably sat in in Park without the ICE running full time.

My F150 Powerboost is literally my office on wheels when traveling. I can sit for 1-3 hours comfortably using the laptop, connected to the trucks Wi-Fi, with the Air Conditioner and Spotify keeping me comfortable while I do the work.

The ICE will cycle on about every 18 minutes and run for about 90 seconds or so. Or an average of about 5-7 minutes per hour.

So these new features that are being made available to parked vehicles aren't necessarily EV exclusive. The current electrification of transportation is taking place in more than just BEV format.

As for Sync4's demise, I suspect it's inevitable. But currently Sync4 is amazing in both of my newest Ford's. I'm not easily jaded. It wasn't that long ago that none of my vehicles had anything nearly as advanced.

Technically, your Powerboost is an EV (hybrid version).

 

[Snakebitten]

Technically, your Powerboost is an EV (hybrid version).

Lol
True.
But nobody with a real EV would call their 1.5 KWH Powerboost an EV.
Heck, Ford doesn't even put the word Hybrid anywhere on or in the truck. Not a mention!

 

[SonicBlue]

Sync 4A is mostly fine. Still annoyed Ford is apparently going to keep the trunk open button nested under settings. That is so freaking stupid and aggravating.

Wish the CarPlay Bluetooth connectivity was a bit more reliable. Wish the interface was a bit less laggy.

But overall, it’s a pretty good interface for a car that I’ve owned for 3.5 years! I feel bad for people buying 2024s tho. Yikes.

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