Ford - Make the 'Volume' button so much MORE...

[SoriceConsulting]

This has been mentioned in several places (so I take no credit for it), but I thought it was a home-run idea and hope Ford implements it in an OTA.

I figured that if we consolidate this into it's own thread we can get more concentrated feedback and opinions...

The idea:

The 'volume' knob should NOT just be for volume - it should dynamically change based on function. Examples:
> When you select a radio channel it acts as a volume dial.
> When you press the fan control, it adjusts the fan speed.
> When you select the temperature, it adjusts that.

I'm sure others can think of many more uses and I'd think it would be achievable via software update(s) by Ford.

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[dml105]

Like the way the original iPod worked - it had two inputs: a rotating knob and a button in the middle of that knob. Everything about the iPod could be controlled by those two inputs.

FORD HAS THOSE SAME INPUTS!!!

When driving, tactile is king. I was SO happy that Ford gave us a physical knob for volume so I don't have to take my eyes off the road to operate it. But it could do so much more like you said.

(However, I do have to wonder: does Apple have a patent? That could be why.)

 

[SoriceConsulting]

Even if they didn't use the center of the dial as an 'Enter' command I doubt there would be anything stopping them from using the dial to adjust more than just Volume.

 

[buffasnow]

Even if they didn't use the center of the dial as an 'Enter' command I doubt there would be anything stopping them from using the dial to adjust more than just Volume.

The dial itself also "clicks" when you push it, doesn't it?

 

[Jimrpa]

The dial itself also "clicks" when you push it, doesn't it?

I pointed that out a while back and the consensus was that I had a defective dial ?

 

[buffasnow]

I pointed that out a while back and the consensus was that I had a defective dial ?

Huh. I just checked and mine does move when I push it.

 

[JonathanEzor]

I agree with all these suggestions, but what really irritates me is how all these reviewers suggest that a volume knob isn't necessary when there are buttons on the steering wheel. Really? Ever turn on a car only to discover the last audio setting was TOO LOUD? I have, and it's *much* easier and faster to spin the volume knob all the way to the left than to start fiddling with steering wheel buttons or touch screen options.

Bless Ford for including a "physical" volume knob! {Jonathan}

 

[Carsinmyblood]

Isn't one on the steering wheel too. I love knobs, but if they move them to the steering wheel... OK.

Once upon a time everything was on the dash, and the high beam switch was under your left foot.

 

[agoldman]

I've had my car since early march. I have not once seen any use for the "OK" button on the volume knob pop up. Useless. Please at least make it a Mute button.

 

[generaltso]

This was mentioned in a video with Darren Palmer a while back. He basically said that the dial will just control volume at launch but more functionality can be added OTA later. He didn't promise anything, but the implication was that the dial will do more at some point.

 

[SteveJo]

....and the high beam switch was under your left foot.

Still miss this. I wish that were still an option on today's cars. Also would like a button to close driver's door (as does TMX, et al.)

 

[Mirak]

This was mentioned in a video with Darren Palmer a while back. He basically said that the dial will just control volume at launch but more functionality can be added OTA later. He didn't promise anything, but the implication was that the dial will do more at some point.

Good to know they’re at least thinking about this. I am a huge fan of the physical volume knob and it could be even more of a home run if it was multipurpose. Seems like a very easy thing to implement: if you touch another function like fan speed or temp, the knob controls that for a couple seconds. This was one of the most popular requests when we did that poll a few weeks ago.

 

[fayt349]

I pointed that out a while back and the consensus was that I had a defective dial ?

That was a false consensus then because mine clicks in also. It even feels normal.

 

[Regularmache]

I've had my car since early march. I have not once seen any use for the "OK" button on the volume knob pop up. Useless. Please at least make it a Mute button.

Don't we have Mute on the steering wheel? I'll have to check

 

[bellyer]

Yes, let's make the volume knob into something customizable similar to the Surface Dial! I don't use my Surface Dial at home as much as I should, but I can see plenty of ways this type of customizable dial experience could come in handy in the car! Controlling fan/blower speed, as was mentioned above, would be so much easier with a dial, than fiddling with the touch screen.

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