Ford Rolls Out Over-the-Air Update Technology in 2020
Ford has announced that starting in 2020, most new and redesigned vehicles in the United States will feature advanced over-the-air update technology. By leveraging OTA tech, Ford can better ensure that vehicle software is up to date without requiring customers to schedule visits at their dealerships for vital updates.
“Nobody wants to feel like they’re missing out on great features right after spending their hard-earned money on a new vehicle — that’s where our over-the-air updates can help,” said Don Butler, executive director, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford Motor Company. “We can now help improve your vehicle’s capability, quality, and overall driving experience while you’re sleeping.”
Ford Leads the Way: Working toward the widescale implementation of vehicle-to-vehicle communication
Ford has in the past enabled customers to update their vehicle software via USB or Wi-Fi, including when it launched Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for SYNC 3. With the newly announced SYNC 4 and standardization for FordPass Connect with 4G LTW Wi-Fi Hotspot, Ford further ensures its place as an industry leader for bumper-to-bumper OTAs across a wide range of vehicle types.
The technology allows for OTAs to in some cases take place without drivers even being aware via background updating. While the software updates, the vehicle is able to run the existing software up until the new version is ready to be confirmed. To further optimize the update process, customers will be able to preselect a time where they typically aren’t using the vehicle for updating.
Some updates will require that the vehicle is in park to take place, but others can be installed on the go and in under two minutes’ time. With the FordPass Connect now free to all customers, it will be easier for drivers to receive notifications about available updates and set it to where they can be installed via Wi-Fi or cellular.
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