Using all-new Ford and Lincoln digital experience technology, customers can access their digital lives, including their favorite apps and services from Google and Amazon, as well as with Apple CarPlay powered by iPhone, and Android Auto.
The Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience technology represents a step forward in Ford’s approach to the design and development of in-vehicle infotainment systems. The company says it’s developing more of the software in-house to deliver a higher velocity of updates and improvements.
Ford has built a general computing platform to deliver more of the benefits of a software-defined system. This includes transitioning from using two separate modules for the instrument cluster and infotainment system to a single module to facilitate faster software changes and better speed of response to commands via updates.
“It was important to choose an operating system with a scalable and open architecture that offers customization to serve the evolving needs of customers over time,” according to the automaker’s website.
Bringing more of the software development in-house allows for the creation of “unique” experiences like the widgets in the panoramic display and the ability to help make the vehicle better over time through software updates.
It is expected customers will experience new apps and services faster than before because apps and system-level updates are now independent of each other. System-level updates are pushed through vehicle software updates while other applications can come through Google Play. This enables the customer to benefit from new apps coming from third-party developers versus app experiences being tied to vehicle system software updates.
The system was developed to deliver a driver-first experience that can be personalized and customized to fit unique customer needs and ultimately make the driving experience more enjoyable. The Lincoln Digital Experience is available on the all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus.
Ford says it engineered this technology so from the moment customers enter a vehicle with a Ford or Lincoln digital experience system, their vehicle becomes personalized, with apps and content displayed front and center to help make time behind the wheel more enjoyable, even when parked.
It was engineered around the driver to be simple and intuitive, with a touchscreen control panel and buttons on the steering wheel.
The system first comes to life through display screens, including a 48-inch immersive panoramic display first available on the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. It is the highest-resolution display Lincoln has offered.
The panoramic display was designed to make critical information available right where the driver needs it, displaying preferred apps and services – including BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving – displayed on the screen in the driver’s line of sight.
The system gives drivers the ability to place apps and services in the desired spot on the touchscreen or panoramic screen is intended to be as simple as possible.
Supportive information like media, weather, and fuel economy can be seen with a quick glance via widgets on the right side of the display. This is meant to help drivers keep their eyes up and out to look at the road ahead, while providing the custom information they desire.
Establishing profiles should enable each driver to set preferences to appear when entering the vehicle. These include apps, contacts, and favorite destinations, plus customized seating, steering wheel, and mirror positions.
The system also should make getting around town is simple, because it uses integrated Google Maps for real-time traffic, road conditions, dynamic and eco-friendly routes, and points of interest.
The technology was designed to prioritize the use of voice. Google Assistant serves as the default voice assistant and Alexa Built-In is also available as an alternative for in-vehicle controls such as to set in-vehicle temperature, search information, find and set a destination, and request a specific broadcast or satellite radio station. It also can help with making calls, sending texts, setting a meeting, or controlling connected home devices.
Drivers also can enjoy streaming music, audiobooks, and podcasts using entertainment apps downloaded on Google Play including Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio, as well embedded SiriusXM with 360L for a personalized listening experience.
While parked, drivers can play games on the touchscreen by selecting from a list available on Google Play, including a Ford-exclusive version of the racing game “Asphalt Nitro 2.” Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller for a more immersive experience.
Passengers can watch videos and stream their favorite movies and TV shows when parked with apps such as YouTube, Prime Video, and more.
Passengers also can surf the web while parked using the available Vivaldi Browser app — as well as Google Chrome coming soon — including with a Bluetooth-connected keyboard to make typing easier.
Ford is promising including a video conferencing app in the future, enabling audio access while driving, and displaying the incoming video feed of participants while parked.
The system is capable of more than five times faster main processing, nearly 14 times faster graphics processing, and features four times the memory and eight times the storage compared to today’s Ford and Lincoln in-vehicle infotainment system. It’s designed to enable more new apps and services in the future thanks to over-the-air software update capability.
Its 5G wireless technology brings incredibly fast connectivity and with a Ford or a Lincoln Premium Connectivity plan, it will provide the best possible in-vehicle experience.
The ability to activate a Wi-Fi hotspot can help ensure that passengers can stream on their own devices inside the vehicle.
