What does the latest OTA update mean by activated modem?

[Bugzuki]

What does the statement "Keep in mind that your truck must have Enhanced Voice Recognition and an Activated Modem."...

My question is does the modem just need to be able to function like it does with the FordPass app to lock/unlock the doors remotely, or does it mean that you need to be paying for the ATT internet service?

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[towpro]

I do not pay for internet service and I can use the functions in FordPass

 

[Bugzuki]

Yep I can use Fordpass also. That is why I am wondering if that is what they mean by activated modem or do they means ATT because it it talking about Ford+Alexa and media and stuff.

 

[Snakebitten]

I just returned from about 1500 miles driving the latest GM tech (Executive trimmed Suburban) and since it was a Corporate Lease it didn't have any "subscription" services enabled. It too had Alexa, but if you touched the button all it did was prompt the driver for choosing a subscription.

In my Powerboost I have every subscription offered enabled, so it's difficult for me to know which ones are distinctly responsible for all the amazing things I experience as I drive around. All I know is that I am thrilled to be giving the keys back on the gimped Chevy today.

 

[tbinmd]

It’s not the hotspot. The service for alexa, nav, streaming or fordpass is included with the subscription. You only pay for those subscriptions. You only need the ATT hotspot if you have devices in your truck you want to give internet access too.

 

[bfastr]

What does the statement "Keep in mind that your truck must have Enhanced Voice Recognition and an Activated Modem."...

My question is does the modem just need to be able to function like it does with the FordPass app to lock/unlock the doors remotely, or does it mean that you need to be paying for the ATT internet service?

I think it just means the modem in the truck must be plugged in or powered up, even without paying for ATT your truck is still ratting you out to Ford for everything you do, everywhere you go etc!! but thats the price to have software updates and the "free" stuff the truck needs cellular for, like FordPass. but there is no subscription needed for this.

Some people dont like being spyed on and unplug the modem. I personally dont care if Ford follows me around. my driving habits arent that interesting to some 20 year old tech guy in a dark room somewhere.

 

[Bugzuki]

That makes sense. Thanks for the replies.

 

[thebigdu]

I just returned from about 1500 miles driving the latest GM tech (Executive trimmed Suburban) and since it was a Corporate Lease it didn't have any "subscription" services enabled. It too had Alexa, but if you touched the button all it did was prompt the driver for choosing a subscription.

In my Powerboost I have every subscription offered enabled, so it's difficult for me to know which ones are distinctly responsible for all the amazing things I experience as I drive around. All I know is that I am thrilled to be giving the keys back on the gimped Chevy today.

Just curious since you seem like a pretty honest, objective guy...What were your overall impressions of the Suburban? One subforum I miss from past vehicle forums I've been on is general discussion of non-F150 vehicles. The 'General Automotive and Other Vehicles' subforum doesn't get much love around here...possibly because it's buried at the bottom of the main forum page.

 

[Snakebitten]

Just curious since you seem like a pretty honest, objective guy...What were your overall impressions of the Suburban? One subforum I miss from past vehicle forums I've been on is general discussion of non-F150 vehicles. The 'General Automotive and Other Vehicles' subforum doesn't get much love around here...possibly because it's buried at the bottom of the main forum page.

Thanks for the kind words. I'll be as unbiased as I can be. Both vehicles, the Premier Suburban and the KingRanch Powerboost, are priced near 80k. (I had to do a mock build of the Suburban to get a guess)

First, what the GM does significantly
better than F150 at a high trim level.....
GM covers almost every square inch of plastic with some form of soft-touch material. It's a bit monolithic visually, but it definitely hides the plastic.
Ford does a good job at the premium level too, but it skips covering the vast number of "trim" pieces and uses textures in the plastic instead. Not nearly as luxurious to touch, even if the visuals are OK. The KingRanch definitely has more contrasting colors/textures to the overall interior.

Where the Ford crushes the GM is on the seats/steering materials. As well as the wood accents.
The seat and steering covers in the Chevrolet are obvious synthetics. The wood makes no attempt to be more than a vinyl sticker.
The KingRanch specifically is authentic in both look and touch to the seats, steering wheel and wood accents.

Drive characteristics:
Most of the 1500 miles was at 70-80mph. The Suburban was the long wheelbase version and had a nice ride on smooth or average road quality. I fully expected it to since it's designated as an Executive Land Yacht. However, the F150 is marginally quieter regarding road noise.
When the driving gets spirited, the Yacht gets sloppier than the KingRanch, especially body roll and numbness in feedback. It doesn't help that the power steering is so over assisted. Some people might like that, but I much prefer the heavier weighting to the F150's steering. The truck stays more composed when hustling a bit, if you know what I mean. (full disclosure: My KingRanch Powerboost has a rear sway bar and I have dialed in the CCD to be a little bit less conservative than OEM. I also put Michelins on it)

Driving Aids:

Ford's Lane Centering and Adaptive Cruise is SO MUCH BETTER

Technology and features:

Sync4 is like a heavyweight beating up on a middle weight. Admittedly I am a bit of a nerd in respect to interfaces and information and features. For the way I interface with the onboard systems, the Chevrolet was a big step backwards.
I suspect those that are single device (phone) and 99% Carplay/Android Auto dedicated, they might not be so offended. Lol
But dang that native interface is bland and lacking by Sync4 standards.

I do wish Ford offered multiple instrument cluster layouts though. The Chevy had 4 to choose from. It's cool for if you get a little bored and want to change the graphics up.

Would I choose the F150 or the Suburban if they both were parked in the barn?

4 or less passengers, and I believe everyone would enjoy the trip better in the truck. For sure the front 2 passengers.
5 or more, and of course the 3 row Yacht has the advantage.

Personal conclusion: 90% of the time only the pilot (me) is in my vehicle. The Ford is just so much more enjoyable from the pilots seat.

Today I would give the $80k to Ford, if I had to choose again.

 

[powerboatr]

I just returned from about 1500 miles driving the latest GM tech (Executive trimmed Suburban) and since it was a Corporate Lease it didn't have any "subscription" services enabled. It too had Alexa, but if you touched the button all it did was prompt the driver for choosing a subscription.

In my Powerboost I have every subscription offered enabled, so it's difficult for me to know which ones are distinctly responsible for all the amazing things I experience as I drive around. All I know is that I am thrilled to be giving the keys back on the gimped Chevy today.

OMG 1500 miles in a suburban ? i will have a beer later in your honor for the sacrifice ?

 

[powerboatr]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll be as unbiased as I can be. Both vehicles, the Premier Suburban and the KingRanch Powerboost, are priced near 80k. (I had to do a mock build of the Suburban to get a guess)

First, what the GM does significantly
better than F150 at a high trim level.....
GM covers almost every square inch of plastic with some form of soft-touch material. It's a bit monolithic visually, but it definitely hides the plastic.
Ford does a good job at the premium level too, but it skips covering the vast number of "trim" pieces and uses textures in the plastic instead. Not nearly as luxurious to touch, even if the visuals are OK. The KingRanch definitely has more contrasting colors/textures to the overall interior.

Where the Ford crushes the GM is on the seats/steering materials. As well as the wood accents.
The seat and steering covers in the Chevrolet are obvious synthetics. The wood makes no attempt to be more than a vinyl sticker.
The KingRanch specifically is authentic in both look and touch to the seats, steering wheel and wood accents.

Drive characteristics:
Most of the 1500 miles was at 70-80mph. The Suburban was the long wheelbase version and had a nice ride on smooth or average road quality. I fully expected it to since it's designated as an Executive Land Yacht. However, the F150 is marginally quieter regarding road noise.
When the driving gets spirited, the Yacht gets sloppier than the KingRanch, especially body roll and numbness in feedback. It doesn't help that the power steering is so over assisted. Some people might like that, but I much prefer the heavier weighting to the F150's steering. The truck stays more composed when hustling a bit, if you know what I mean. (full disclosure: My KingRanch Powerboost has a rear sway bar and I have dialed in the CCD to be a little bit less conservative than OEM. I also put Michelins on it)

Driving Aids:

Ford's Lane Centering and Adaptive Cruise is SO MUCH BETTER

Technology and features:

Sync4 is like a heavyweight beating up on a middle weight. Admittedly I am a bit of a nerd in respect to interfaces and information and features. For the way I interface with the onboard systems, the Chevrolet was a big step backwards.
I suspect those that are single device (phone) and 99% Carplay/Android Auto dedicated, they might not be so offended. Lol
But dang that native interface is bland and lacking by Sync4 standards.

I do wish Ford offered multiple instrument cluster layouts though. The Chevy had 4 to choose from. It's cool for if you get a little bored and want to change the graphics up.

Would I choose the F150 or the Suburban if they both were parked in the barn?

4 or less passengers, and I believe everyone would enjoy the trip better in the truck. For sure the front 2 passengers.
5 or more, and of course the 3 row Yacht has the advantage.

Personal conclusion: 90% of the time only the pilot (me) is in my vehicle. The Ford is just so much more enjoyable from the pilots seat.

Today I would give the $80k to Ford, if I had to choose again.

GREAT analogy, i agree with 99% thanks for being a test mule. a 1500 mile trip is definitely a chance to see the truths
WHAT WAS mpg compared to the powerboost???
i left my 2016 expedition EL 4x4 for a super duty ( middle aged crisis i think, it was lucid red)
it drove fantastic on long long journeys, but lacked the MC seats , and would wear your arms out at about 12 hrs seat time. but we could carry an army in comfort

the 250 rode very nice for a 3/4 4x4 truck, even after 10 continuous hrs it was not bad, but same arms issues after long day,

BUT the 22 KR OMG is night and day i agree 100% its a very nice ride
comfort is over the top, i like the real wood accents, could use less plastic.
driving long long journeys with MC and all the lane centering, stop go cruise etc. even after 12 long hrs i was not beat down. fwd vision is excellent as well.

i too long for different IP displays so i play with the off road screen now and then just to get a new LOOK
that 12 inch display is now in many other fords and lincolns... KR explorer has a nice set up, as the does the 23 kr max expedition (yes i am looking) kr explorer is freaking nice as heck to.
i am thinking forscan maybe to garner some of the other screens in the future

we just have to get ford to solve the driver ac vent airflow issues

 

[Snakebitten]

Fuel mileage on the Huge Yacht with the big Chevy V8?

Horrible in city and stop&go
Fantastic at 75mph

It was reporting 22.5-23.5 on loooong sustained runs at interstate 10 pace. Amazed me. How does it do that? ???

But it takes far more throttle and V8 huff&puff (sounded great) to get that thing up to speed.
The Powerboost reaches cruising speed effortlessly compared.

 

[powerboatr]

Fuel mileage on the Huge Yacht with the big Chevy V8?

Horrible in city and stop&go
Fantastic at 75mph

It was reporting 22.5-23.5 on loooong sustained runs at interstate 10 pace. Amazed me. How does it do that? ???

But it takes far more throttle and V8 huff&puff (sounded great) to get that thing up to speed.
The Powerboost reaches cruising speed effortlessly compared.

thats pretty good for the yacht
must have a high rear gear , 80mph must let it BREATHE ?

 

[Snakebitten]

Although nothing was displayed on the cluster, I'm guessing it was cylinder deactivation magic?

There's not nearly as much going on on the instrument cluster as with the 12" Ford. Again, I've been looking at it for better than 2 years driving and it would be fun to have some ability to change it beyond the driver's mode colors, but at least almost anything that you might want to be watching is there.

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