Ford Power-Up Software Update This Fall Will Bring Alexa to the Bronco

[The Memedalorian]

Will it know when I'm out of almond milk and put the nearest Whole Foods in the nav? If it can't do that, I have no use for it.

Lemme guess... You're getting the Bronco Sport?

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[CPL_Rabbit]

Related: Ford is working on a way to bring ads into the car from roadside billboards.
https://gizmodo.com/get-ready-for-in-car-ads-1846888390

No thank you, Ford.

 

[Dzrt1st]

Inside their vehicle, Ford customers can ask Alexa to control smart home devices, place calls, locate parking and more. Alexa capabilities delivered through SYNC 4 Technology provide the convenience of hands-free, voice-initiated interactions – minimizing the need for drivers to view or touch screens and helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Customers can interact with their vehicles naturally and say things like, “Alexa, find the closest gas station” or “Alexa, play my road trip playlist” or “Alexa, call Mom.”

Ford customers will be able to access the benefits of Amazon’s world-class voice AI and intelligent features both inside and outside their vehicle. Combined with the FordPass skill for Alexa3 – which customers can continue to use to control vehicle functions such as start/stop engine, lock and unlock doors4, check vehicle range or tire pressure all from the comfort of their home – Ford is bringing smart homes and connected vehicles closer together.

Powering up new features, quality

Over the last two months, 2021 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers have begun receiving Ford Power-Up enhancements. Mustang Mach-E customers in North America and Europe soon will receive Sketch - also referred to as Notes in vehicle menus – for touchscreen drawing and simple gaming.


Really, we now need to be able to sketch and play games on the vehicle's touchscreen?

SMH

 

[RedHotFuzz]

Amazon, Google or Facebook in my automobile is a big "NEGATORY!" from me.

 

[Sarconus]

Related: Ford is working on a way to bring ads into the car from roadside billboards.
https://gizmodo.com/get-ready-for-in-car-ads-1846888390

No thank you, Ford.

I was just kidding darn it. I figured it was coming.

 

[Southern Girl]

I really may cancel depending on the details.

I have absolutely never wanted an Amazon AI on my property.

If I want Alexa I'll use my *#(*ing phone. Who knows what creepy data collection/mining these creeps are going to be doing behind the scenes.

Think of the marketing information they are going to collect on us.

I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that. I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.

I heard that.

 

[dmenace]

FORD POWER-UP SOFTWARE UPDATES TO DELIVER A MORE SEAMLESS AMAZON ALEXA EXPERIENCE, BLUECRUISE AND MORE THIS YEAR

• Ford Power-Up software updates deliver regular vehicle enhancements to Ford owners, turning connected vehicle learnings into continuous quality improvements, new features and capabilities: Ford to produce 33 million vehicles with Power-Up capability by 2028
• Ford Power-Up enhancements already have been sent to more than 100,000 2021 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers since late March; new Sketch for touchscreen drawing and simple gaming coming to Mustang Mach-E soon
• Ford Power-Up enhancements include what’s planned to be the industry’s broadest roll-out yet of the new, more seamless Amazon Alexa Built-in hands-free experience, offering complimentary access to key features for up to three years; companies plan to work together to deliver enhanced features and new commercial services over the next six years.
• Ford Power-Up software updates will deliver available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology for properly equipped F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., May 13, 2021 – Settling in for a drive in an enhanced, upgraded vehicle will now become a regular experience for Ford owners as the company routinely delivers new features and improvements through its wireless software update technology called Ford Power-Up.

The first Ford Power-Up software updates for F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers in North America began in March, accelerating a transformation well underway with more than 6 million vehicles on the road today featuring advanced, embedded modem connectivity. New vehicles equipped with Ford Power-Up capability identify customer preferences and vehicle issues, which Ford engineers then translate into quality and capability improvements delivered through Ford Power-Up enhancements.

“Software updates are common across billions of connected devices but not yet for vehicles. Ford Power-Up software updates will change that by quickly bringing it to millions of people,” says Alex Purdy, director, business operations, enterprise connectivity, Ford Motor Company. “We’ve invested in more seamless technology so updates can happen while you’re sleeping – making your next ride a better experience.”

A new fully networked, second-generation electrical architecture and advanced tech stack create the foundation to deliver unique Ford Power-Up software updates. These quick and easy wireless upgrades help enhance features, quality, experiences, capability and convenience. Capable of updating the vast majority of vehicle computer modules – more than 110 on higher end models – these upgrades can help improve the ownership experience and may help reduce the need for repair trips.

Many Ford Power-Up software updates will be virtually invisible to customers, enabled by a tech platform that installs much of the new software in the background. Many updates require little to no action by the customer, enabled by SYNC® 4 Technology that keeps current software running until the new version is ready to go.

For updates that require reboots, Ford invites customers to schedule them at convenient times, such as overnight. Some updates can be made in under two minutes1, while others may take longer. Unlike updates for devices such as laptops which often seem to come at inconvenient times, vehicle owners may not even notice that the installation occurred until the vehicle is started.

Amazon and Ford plan to expand relationship to create new features

Ford is prepping what’s planned to be the industry’s broadest rollout of the embedded Alexa hands-free experience to date, with complimentary connectivity to Alexa for up to three years2. This year alone, the same type of Alexa voice command functionality many people have in their homes will be wired to 700,000 Ford vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, followed by millions more over the next few years.

As part of a new strategic engagement between Amazon and Ford, the companies plan to work together to deliver enhanced features and new commercial services over the next six years. This includes exploring the development of the first custom Alexa skills for Ford commercial vehicles, using the power of Alexa artificial intelligence to help business owners and fleet managers stay in touch with their teams and increase productivity.

“We’re excited to work with Amazon to bring powerful new AI-enabled experiences to Ford customers,” says Purdy. “We believe in the power of teaming up with other innovators. Bringing Ford’s vehicle know-how together with Amazon’s technology expertise will deliver in-vehicle capabilities that help our retail customers travel more enjoyably and with ease, while helping our commercial customers operate more profitably.”

Alexa will initially be delivered through Ford Power-Up software updates beginning this fall for Bronco®, Edge, F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Super Duty® customers with SYNC 4 Technology in the U.S. and Canada, with other regions to follow.

“Democratizing technology and putting it within reach of millions of customers has been a part of Ford’s DNA dating back to the Model T, and our new collaboration is a continuation of that legacy,” says Ned Curic, vice president, Alexa Automotive. “We can’t wait for Ford customers to experience the best of what Alexa and voice AI can do while on the road – including new features and capabilities that will be delivered seamlessly through future over-the-air software updates. We love the vote of confidence from Ford to deepen our work together and continue making the driving experience more connected, entertaining, and productive.”

The support of Alexa on SYNC 4 represents the latest collaboration between Ford and Amazon. Ford first brought Alexa into its vehicles in 2017, starting with connected vehicle skills and then adding in-vehicle capabilities through the SYNC AppLink smartphone app, which is still available but no longer required for the new, more seamless capability. More information about how customers can set up an Alexa account will be shared closer to launch.

Inside their vehicle, Ford customers can ask Alexa to control smart home devices, place calls, locate parking and more. Alexa capabilities delivered through SYNC 4 Technology provide the convenience of hands-free, voice-initiated interactions – minimizing the need for drivers to view or touch screens and helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Customers can interact with their vehicles naturally and say things like, “Alexa, find the closest gas station” or “Alexa, play my road trip playlist” or “Alexa, call Mom.”

Ford customers will be able to access the benefits of Amazon’s world-class voice AI and intelligent features both inside and outside their vehicle. Combined with the FordPass skill for Alexa3 – which customers can continue to use to control vehicle functions such as start/stop engine, lock and unlock doors4, check vehicle range or tire pressure all from the comfort of their home – Ford is bringing smart homes and connected vehicles closer together.

Powering up new features, quality

Over the last two months, 2021 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers have begun receiving Ford Power-Up enhancements. Mustang Mach-E customers in North America and Europe soon will receive Sketch -- also referred to as Notes in vehicle menus – for touchscreen drawing and simple gaming.

Ford Power-Up software updates will quickly expand to nearly all vehicle computer modules, enabling an update of Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology that adds BlueCruise5 hands-free highway driving to Intelligent Cruise Control. This will be delivered to properly equipped F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles with additional software purchase later this year.

The company’s move to modernize its quality processes is already delivering results. Ford engineers used connected vehicle data to quickly identify issues with F-150 zone lighting. Ford also plans to address an issue with F-150 and Mustang Mach-E Android Auto connectivity by June.

Customers also will continue to receive new enhancements over the coming weeks, including:

• Remote Vehicle Setup and Trip Logs let new Mustang Mach-E customers use the FordPass™ app to set up profile preferences, including radio presets, in the cloud to be sent to vehicles, while trip logs track battery usage and other driving details on each trip.
• F-150 SYNC 4 and Mustang Mach-E SYNC 4A upgrades, including:
• Navigation enhancements automatically make helpful destination suggestions, plus new cloud connectivity combines conversational voice command recognition with internet-based search.
• Apple CarPlayÒ compatibility enhancement to display turn-by-turn navigation in the vehicle’s instrument cluster6.
• Digital owner’s manual enhancements to continue making the innovative, paperless product guides even more valuable.

1 FordPass Connect (optional on select vehicles),] the Ford Pass App., and complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot.



2Alexa Built-In requires SYNC®4 and FordPass Connect (optional on select vehicles), complimentary connect service and the FordPass app (see FordPass Terms for details). Eligible 2021 vehicles receive a complimentary 3-year trial of Alexa Built-In that starts with the date customer accepts Ford Power-Up software update (after which fees may apply). Complementary3-year trial for 2022 model year vehicles begins with new vehicle warranty start date (after which fees may apply).



Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.



FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.



3Requires FordPass™ Connect and FordPass Connect service



4Start/Stop engine requires automatic transmission; lock/unlock doors requires power door locks



5Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. BlueCruise t is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free BlueZones. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner's Manual for detail and limitations.



6Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC 4 does not control 3rd party products while in use. 3rd Parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

I thought Ford had a contract with Google . I vote NO on Alexa.

 

[AZ_Liberty]

So one more thing to disable with FORSCAN and unplug the modem.

 

[DaveH]

• Ford Power-Up software updates will deliver available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology for properly equipped F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles

I wonder if Bluecruise will be available on the Bronco, and if so, what minimum options will be required to support it? In Oct, I rented a car, I think it was a Hyundai, that had lane centering and cruise control. The technology worked well, and it made for a pretty relaxing drive through the open expanses of Utah.

 

[Daktari]

lots of paranoia here, LOL. I have the first gen Echo in the kitchen and love it, even though I had to rename it to Echo since my son's name is Alex and that thing got confused too often. Very handy to have, change music while cooking w/o having to touch anything. Crank up the volume, lower it, ask for what ever comes to mind, I'm gonna use it (unless it costs money).

Just don't use it if you don't want it, find the microphone and poke a needle in it. You'll probably have to enable it during setup (and probably add your Amazon account?), so just skip that part. Oh, and toss out your cellphone if you're that paranoid about being sold/followed/advertised to, LOL. And get off the internet unless you really know what you're doing with VPN and the right browsers and what not. SMH

I like it, it'll be a nice useful addition for me. And yes, I might even tell it to order cat litter if I realize I forgot to buy it at the store :-D

 

[Ramble_Offroad]

Alexia is NOT welcome.

 

[Itchysquatch]

Yes... This is every old person ever. And myself occasionally (wait, am I old).

 

[RogueSqdn]

I wonder if Bluecruise will be available on the Bronco, and if so, what minimum options will be required to support it? In Oct, I rented a car, I think it was a Hyundai, that had lane centering and cruise control. The technology worked well, and it made for a pretty relaxing drive through the open expanses of Utah.

Negative, at least on 2021. I asked Mike Levine that on Twitter and he said no.

 

[mik06]

So one more thing to disable with FORSCAN and unplug the modem.

How do you disable alexa with your forskin? Ive been trying all morning and it just keeps saying “rejected”

 

[mikegofficial]

Ford has already announced they’re moving to Google’s AutomotiveOS in 2023 so it’s weird that they would make a big deal about Alexa in the car.

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