Ford Finally Fixes its Sync Software

Ford’s SYNC2 infotainment system was a disaster. So when I went to Detroit and tested the SYNC3 prototype, I figured there was only one way for this thing to go.

Gone is Microsoft, and the operating system is now Blackberry’s QNX OS, the user interface is minimal and intuitive, the system is WiFi capable, and Ford is first to bring Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to mass market. Short review: hugely improved, and now quite slick.

Read it online at Autonet.

 

Favourite line:

SYNC will have WiFi capabilities, allowing the driver to turn their car into a Hotspot (use WPA2 WiFi security – never connect your car to a public network, and remember you’re legally responsible for Hotspot users.)

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Remember – YOU are legally responsible for those using your Hotspot, here.

More about the trip to Michigan here.

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Read the Manual

It’s basically a comic book about the sophisticated machine you own, written using a funny “legalese” type language.

Bet you learn something you’d no clue your car could do!
See 3rd last paragraph.

RTFM OMFG.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

It’s the second most expensive object you own, why not invest time learning about it? 

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In Design, Millimetres Matter

I chatted with Ford & Lincoln’s head designer Moray Callum, the gentleman who basically gives Ford its face.

We laughed lots, I say it’s great he’s bringing hard buttons back, turns out being an auto designer is a rather morbid job, and I asked what one thing makes him the most nuts.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

5th paragraph – Moray’s metaphor on why millimetres matter – imagine altering a face in Photoshop, 8mm here and 6mm there and woah, a totally different face is looking back at you.

Second favourite: 

Moray: You still have to design for the idiot that doesn’t wear a seat belt.

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My Best Review Yet – 2015 Mazda MX-5

2015 Mazda MX-5

Starting at $29,450
This one $40,925

It surprised me it came out so good, because it was tough for 2 reasons.

1

You can’t actually buy this thing, so I had to review a car you can’t buy (my tester was #738 / 1,099 worldwide)

2

The MX-5 is a universally loved car by auto journalists, and there are one trillion glowing MX-5 reviews, how’s mine to be different?

I took the approach, “That’s why most reviews about the MX-5 read the same, and sound like this” which they all do, because the car is that good.

However, “The real question is: which model year do you choose? This one, or wait for the all-new model coming next year?”

(short answer – buy this year, the simpler, purer version, because the all-new model will be covered in tech and aids.)

Read it online at Autonet.

Even the photoshoot came together beautifully, come ON this haybale face.

I added it to my collection, “Special Car Photos“.

So for sure I was pleased when this printed across the newspaper chain. Of all the ones ahhh.

My favourite line even ended up in the blue circle, couldn’t have worked out better.

Now this is the review I link to when I have to showcase my work.

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Update: this review ended up being quoted on the Mazda site ha, here

 

 

Solving Crimes using Car Clues

For sure search the car for physical clues like blood, hair and DNA, but also pay attention to the little things you can’t hold?

Things like radio presets, seat position, was the seat pressure sensor on or off, plus the EDR information of course, which is admissible in courts.

I’m speaking with Chris Pogue, current Senior VP at cyber-threat analysis software company Nuix, and former U.S. Army Warrant Officer attached to the Criminal Investigation Division.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

It’s assumed the first instinct is to search the car for blood and hair, for physical DNA, but how about paying attention to the little things that could be clues.

2nd Favourite line: 

Then add in the footage from traffic cameras (everyone forgets those are always watching.)

That’s me in the lede photo, cornering a Subaru Legacy.

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