UPDATE: Ford Breaks Up with Microsoft for their Connected Car

For years, Ford touted their MySync infotainment system. They had a solid relationship with Microsoft, the provider of the underlying technology.

That relationship has come to an end. From RAIN:

Ford announced that it is replacing the MyFord Touch digital dashboard with a new system called Sync 3. Based on Sync AppLink, the new connected car platform is expected to first appear in 2015 Fords and Lincolns. Use of the MyFord Touch is slated to be completely phased out of use in 2016, GigaOm reported.

MyFord Touch was the infotainment system used in Ford’s upscale car models. The touchscreen platform was not as well received as AppLink, which Ford used in the lower-end models enabled with the Sync voice command system. MyFord didn’t support third-party music streaming apps. The Sync platform hooks into AppLink, which an app enhancement enabled when the phone is plugged into the dashboard. Sync’s control of streaming apps enables safety controls so drivers don’t dangerously fiddle with their phones while listening to music on the road.

Keep reading.  On the positive side for Canadians, Ford is now working with QNX, which is owned by BlackBerry.

So what does the new system look like? A lot better than the original UI.

Radio consultant Mark Ramsey digs into it a little more here.