How to never miss a OTA software update! [Instructions]

[GDN]

Android Automotive sounds pretty basic currently, certainly way behind Tesla's OS. I think I would want to wait a few years for them to iron out all the bugs. I remember when Microsoft produced Ford Sync. Not too impressive and very short lived.

Completely agree - take a version of Linux - create your own. Innovate, quit waiting on someone else that only gives you what you want. This is where Tesla shines and won't be caught for some number of years. Tesla can do anything they want since they control the OS. It's what makes their sound systems likely the best a factory can delivery and they pay no royalties to fancy names that don't deliver in the trucks.

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[FrankThompson]

I think the difference is that Google has a vested interest in keeping all those OG Android Automotive users up to date as much as possible as the people are the product for them. Of course maybe they will just stick to the update lifespan of a phone, which if that's the case, no thank you. Cars have a far more useful life past 3-4 years.

 

[GDN]

Confirm you have Automatic Updates ON: Most software updates happen in the background while you are driving as long as you have automatic updates toggled ON. This setting is ON by default but we ask that you check your settings screen to confirm.

I recall this being touted for the MachE when it first came out and I've truly wondered how they can make this work. The proof lies here on the forum, that truly they can't even get an OTA to work consistently, must less try to do an update while I'm driving. That kind of scares the crapola out of me.

 

[GDN]

I think the difference is that Google has a vested interest in keeping all those OG Android Automotive users up to date as much as possible as the people are the product for them. Of course maybe they will just stick to the update lifespan of a phone, which if that's the case, no thank you. Cars have a far more useful life past 3-4 years.

Google has no interest in keeping anything up to date. They make updates to the OS they want to make. It is up to the phone (and now Ford) to decide if they want to upgrade to the new OS. Many phone mfrs chose not to after a couple of years.

 

[jcaspar]

I think the difference is that Google has a vested interest in keeping all those OG Android Automotive users up to date as much as possible as the people are the product for them. Of course maybe they will just stick to the update lifespan of a phone, which if that's the case, no thank you. Cars have a far more useful life past 3-4 years.

I think obsolescence will likely still be like phones where the OS (which continues to get more bloated each year) exceeds the ability of the older processors. Could get sell a new processor too I guess. Tesla did this for my car, Just $1500!

 

[FrankThompson]

Google has no interest in keeping anything up to date. They make updates to the OS they want to make. It is up to the phone (and now Ford) to decide if they want to upgrade to the new OS. Many phone mfrs chose not to after a couple of years.

I have not had time to read up on the details of how they will implement Android Automotive. If that is true, that will be bad.

The better option would be for Google to offer up equipment for the car manufacturer to use and google control the updates directly (this would mean eliminating Hvac controls* from the infotainment or other vehicle settings). This would be more like an Apple model where google could then focus on features and remove a middleman to "alter" the code before deployment, which as we can see in the phone space, can really suck. It could increase the update lifespan and simplify the code and produce a better user experience.

*Another option would be to have a "standard" for HVAC communications for controlling via and communicating with the infotainment across all brands.

 

[FrankThompson]

I think obsolescence will likely still be like phones where the OS (which continues to get more bloated each year) exceeds the ability of the older processors. Could get sell a new processor too I guess. Tesla did this for my car, Just $1500!

While not OK with planned obsolescence, if the component is modular and for a price I could replace it, I would prefer that to nothing. As it stands now, once these infotainment systems age out, you're FUBAR with very little aftermarket options. It's not like the good old days of standard radio sizes so you can install an aftermarket system.

 

[Snakebitten]

I have no beef with Sync4. I like it. And with Alexa, me and the grandkids are having a good time in the truck. (Although listening to Let It Go & We Don't Talk About Bruno, are both getting old for Pawpaw.

And Android Auto works very nicely with Sync4, so I'm already "Android", so to speak.

If Ford was to ask me personally what I want, I'd tell them an agnostic touchscreen that let me cast to it.
Of course there would still need to be all the native vehicle features and UI.

 

[Antimatter22]

I think Sync 4 is the bees knees compared to the Sync 2 system I came from. It's nice having Google maps popped up on the screen and directions on the driver's screen. I'm sure there could be some improvements, like minimizing that side window and getting "full screen", but now the improvements can be OTA updates.

Hopefully people start getting OTA updates soon. Seems to be a pretty big sour point to those stuck on old revisions, for good reason.

 

[FrankThompson]

I have no beef with Sync4. I like it. And with Alexa, me and the grandkids are having a good time in the truck. (Although listening to Let It Go & We Don't Talk About Bruno, are both getting old for Pawpaw.

And Android Auto works very nicely with Sync4, so I'm already "Android", so to speak.

If Ford was to ask me personally what I want, I'd tell them an agnostic touchscreen that let me cast to it.
Of course there would still need to be all the native vehicle features and UI.

I just want to say hi from a fellow PawPaw... Lol

 

[MallCrawler]

ford is switching to android themselves. We unfortunately will have the last of the sync systems.

Look on the bright side: China will invade Taiwan soon and we can enjoy being the last vehicles produced with ECUs and power accessories.

 

[Snakebitten]

I just want to say hi from a fellow PawPaw... Lol

I got 6, with the 7th in the oven. But this one follows wherever/whenever I move. (That's "Let It Go" at full tilt)

 

[Kanuck]

Speaking about Android Auto.... Wife and I were out this morning, having a conversation, when Android Auto spoke up and said it could not help. The thing is, I did not have it connected to my phone nor did I say the wake words. It was in to the dealer on Tuesday for a few issues but no updates that I know of. They did have FDRS connected to align the rear camera, which they found was loose, for the Backup Assist. Can someone check and see what they did, if anything? My VIN is 1FTFX1E81MKE01710. Thank you in advance.

 

[ekaddo]

Never miss a software update!

I have a 21 Powerboost and it connects to home Wi-Fi in my driveway. I’ve been getting updates that I notice in the app. But for the first time this week I received a prompt before getting out of the car for the trailer recall update. Warned that I need to secure vehicle then began countdown after I locked the car:

 

[UGADawg96]

I have a 21 Powerboost and it connects to home Wi-Fi in my driveway. I’ve been getting updates that I notice in the app. But for the first time this week I received a prompt before getting out of the car for the trailer recall update. Warned that I need to secure vehicle then began countdown after I locked the car:

I would love to get that update. I must be in the dog house or last on the list for the rolling updates being a Nov 21 build.

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