Mach-e Voice Commands

[MikeC]

I submitted the following ideas to Ford to improve the voice commands:-

1) Voice command to switch on/off the heated seats.
2) Voice command to switch on/off the heated steering wheel.
3) Voice command to switch on/off the heated rear window.
4) Voice command to switch on/off the heated windscreen.
5) Voice command to switch on/off max defrost.

You can use the Voice Command to set the temperature (e.g. Set temperature to 22degC) which saves you having to look down at the screen to change the temperature which is a detraction from driving. So any driver action which requires the driver to look away from the road ahead and interferes with their concentration and focus on driving the vehicle is surely is a safety issue. A high percentage of vehicle accidents are caused by a lack of concentration. A prime example is the use of a mobile phone (non-hands free and even hands free) whilst driving.

Ford rejected my idea, not giving any specific reason, apart from what seems like a standard/automated answer shown below:-

‘If your idea was eligible for review per the Rules, Terms and Conditions of our website, evaluation has been based on many factors, but two major elements are: 1) improvement upon current technology, and 2) cost. Our technical specialists have reviewed your idea and concluded that Ford will not be investigating further development of your particular idea, nor acquiring any rights on your behalf.’

It would seem that Ford don’t seem to see Safety as a particularly important issue.

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[jlauro]

Changing the heated seats between off 1/2/3 is so annoying while on a bumpy road can even take a couple of attempts from the passenger to set it.

 

[Jimrpa]

What’s this “heated windscreen” of which you speak? Ford is taking away our acoustic laminated glass windscreen here in the colonies ?

 

[Newboj]

What’s this “heated windscreen” of which you speak? Ford is taking away our acoustic laminated glass windscreen here in the colonies ?

It’s a European thing.

 

[RickMachE]

What’s this “heated windscreen” of which you speak? Ford is taking away our acoustic laminated glass windscreen here in the colonies ?

No, they're taking away the acoustic laminated glass FRONT DOOR WINDOWS.

 

[Logal727]

Where is this idea review? This an EU thing?

 

[Jimrpa]

No, they're taking away the acoustic laminated glass FRONT DOOR WINDOWS.

Go double check that.
I checked. The windscreen is IRR, not acoustic.

 

[RickMachE]

Go double check that.

I'm buying a Premium. There is no change from 2021 on the windshield. It is laminated, IRR. You can find that in the Order Guides, here - https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-order-guide-updated-monthly-u-s-canada.9833/

 

[Maquis]

Changing the heated seats between off 1/2/3 is so annoying while on a bumpy road can even take a couple of attempts from the passenger to set it.

Have you tried just leaving them on “Auto”?

 

[MikeC]

Have you tried just leaving them on “Auto”?

Auto for the heated seats, absolutely, but when your ‘ass’ is roasting and you really want to turn you seat off would it not be simpler to say ‘ok Ford’ (my command to activate the Voice Command), ‘Drivers heated seat off’.

As jlauro commented ref a ‘bumpy road‘ is a very good point. Also heavy traffic on a motorway (highway) or in town, a back road (lane) or wherever you are driving, will generally require your full attention. With my ‘ass’ roasting my concentration on the road ahead may well diminish. Why can I not use a Voice Command to turn off the heated seat?

As yet I haven’t found the auto setting for the heated steering wheel, rear window, max defrost, windscreen, the latter 3 being less distracting for the driver.

My original point Is very much about ‘being distracted from driving‘ to have to press the touch screen to turn something on/off. Everything on the touch screen is software controlled including the Voice Command to set the temperature. Why does Ford not want to take it further to add simple Voice Commands to control the items I suggested in my original post which will distract the driver from concentrating on the road ahead is totally beyond me! If it’s cost, then wait till someone dies in a RTA and it becomes evident that Ford were responsible.….the cost is insurmountable.

 

[Neil4Real]

I'm buying a Premium. There is no change from 2021 on the windshield. It is laminated, IRR. You can find that in the Order Guides, here - https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-order-guide-updated-monthly-u-s-canada.9833/

Off topic, but are the front side windows on 2021's, that are acoustic/laminated, also IRR or only the windshield and pano roof?

 

[Maquis]

Auto for the heated seats, absolutely, but when your ‘ass’ is roasting and you really want to turn you seat off would it not be simpler to say ‘ok Ford’ (my command to activate the Voice Command), ‘Drivers heated seat off’.

As jlauro commented ref a ‘bumpy road‘ is a very good point. Also heavy traffic on a motorway (highway) or in town, a back road (lane) or wherever you are driving, will generally require your full attention. With my ‘ass’ roasting my concentration on the road ahead may well diminish. Why can I not use a Voice Command to turn off the heated seat?

As yet I haven’t found the auto setting for the heated steering wheel, rear window, max defrost, windscreen, the latter 3 being less distracting for the driver.

My original point Is very much about ‘being distracted from driving‘ to have to press the touch screen to turn something on/off. Everything on the touch screen is software controlled including the Voice Command to set the temperature. Why does Ford not want to take it further to add simple Voice Commands to control the items I suggested in my original post which will distract the driver from concentrating on the road ahead is totally beyond me! If it’s cost, then wait till someone dies in a RTA and it becomes evident that Ford were responsible.….the cost is insurmountable.

I think your points about voice commands are perfectly valid.

I only mentioned ‘Auto‘ mode regarding seat heat because you mentioned toggling between 1-2-3, and there have been those here who were unaware of the auto mode. Just trying to be helpful! Cheers.

 

[RickMachE]

Off topic, but are the front side windows on 2021's, that are acoustic/laminated, also IRR or only the windshield and pano roof?

When one buys the Premium or First Edition (or both GT and GTPE) of the 2021, it says "Acoustic Laminate Glass - Front-Row Side Windows in the Order Guide as of 4/26/21.

This post shows a picture of the window, and it pretty clearly indicates the window is tinted. Is that IRR? I don't think so, but not a glass expert. https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...mach-e-built-on-after-jan-3.13628/post-330442

 

[Neil4Real]

When one buys the Premium or First Edition (or both GT and GTPE) of the 2021, it says "Acoustic Laminate Glass - Front-Row Side Windows in the Order Guide as of 4/26/21.

This post shows a picture of the window, and it pretty clearly indicates the window is tinted. Is that IRR? I don't think so, but not a glass expert. https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...mach-e-built-on-after-jan-3.13628/post-330442

Yeah, I was looking at my windows and saw the 70%, so was wondering if the tint meant it was an IRR window. Oh, well, just curious. Thanks!

 

[MikeC]

I think your points about voice commands are perfectly valid.

I only mentioned ‘Auto‘ mode regarding seat heat because you mentioned toggling between 1-2-3, and there have been those here who were unaware of the auto mode. Just trying to be helpful! Cheers.

I sincerely appreciate your help and indeed you raise a good point ?

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