Lincoln Sync still Microsoft?

Yes - according to the Appendices section (subject: End User Licence Agreement) in the MKC Owner's Manual, SYNC is still Microsoft based.

The Microsoft system is definitely one of the drawbacks of being an early buyer. The QNX/Blackberry will have to be better, and I'd be concerned about how long they'll support the Microsoft system if the relationship is coming to an end. It has also been reported that Ford is working with Apple, but I don't think there has been any formal announcement regarding what vehicles will get the Apple system. Apple is probably going to cost more, so I wonder if there is any chance Ford's will get QNX and Lincoln will get Apple. That'd be a great way to further distinguish the brands.

Ford actually officially denied that they were dropping microsoft. So either the deal is not done, or Ford might move forward with two different systems. Chrysler for example has one version of Uconnect that is Mister Softee run and the other is QNX based... So I wonder if the microsoft could be kept around for low budget applications, or as a base option, while allowing you to upgrade to the sytem that actually works. For a small fee of course...

With Google announcing plans to bring their Droid infotainment to the auto industry, it will be interesting to see how this all shakes out on the long run. Will manufacturers offer more than one option? Considering how brand-sensitive the phone market has become, choosing between Apple's CarPlay and Google's Droid systems will be a risky proposition for automakers.

HotRod said:

With Google announcing plans to bring their Droid infotainment to the auto industry, it will be interesting to see how this all shakes out on the long run. Will manufacturers offer more than one option? Considering how brand-sensitive the phone market has become, choosing between Apple's CarPlay and Google's Droid systems will be a risky proposition for automakers.

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absolutely, you just know branded infotainment systems will favor proprietary products over a rivals. What could be double interesting is if they begin offering us multiple options of branded systems. The Automaker acts like your network carrier and you simply choose your "device". A choice of apple or android run infotainment systems. Of course its likely cost prohibitive.

humpty dumpty said:

absolutely, you just know branded infotainment systems will favor proprietary products over a rivals. What could be double interesting is if they begin offering us multiple options of branded systems. The Automaker acts like your network carrier and you simply choose your "device". A choice of apple or android run infotainment systems. Of course its likely cost prohibitive.

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Mercedes-Benz confirmed they will be offering both systems. I think that will force other premium brands to do the same. The "wrong" platform will absolutely be a deal-breaker for some potential customers.

Google set to introduce infotainment platform to rival CarPlay | New and Used Car Reviews, Research & Automotive-Industry News & LeftLaneNews

HotRod said:

Mercedes-Benz confirmed they will be offering both systems. I think that will force other premium brands to do the same. The "wrong" platform will absolutely be a deal-breaker for some potential customers.

Google set to introduce infotainment platform to rival CarPlay | New and Used Car Reviews, Research & Automotive-Industry News & LeftLaneNews

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Exactly, considering the OS' are split in terms of consumer preference its logical to offer both. Will be interesting however to see what type of pricing we will be dealing with here. What will the update process be like?

Actually I'm a bit concerned these automakers are hoping for a cellphone like turnover rate. Apple debuts a new iPhone what, every year. Willt he automakers be keen to have Apple and Goog churning out new systems yearly to incentivize changing vehicles...

humpty dumpty said:

Exactly, considering the OS' are split in terms of consumer preference its logical to offer both. Will be interesting however to see what type of pricing we will be dealing with here. What will the update process be like?

Actually I'm a bit concerned these automakers are hoping for a cellphone like turnover rate. Apple debuts a new iPhone what, every year. Willt he automakers be keen to have Apple and Goog churning out new systems yearly to incentivize changing vehicles...

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or will over time of ownership consumers will barely use the high tech system. The joy of driving has been replaced with trying to figure out what everything does or doesn't do.

AU MKC said:

or will over time of ownership consumers will barely use the high tech system. The joy of driving has been replaced with trying to figure out what everything does or doesn't do.

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I know I hear you completely. I've always found this to be a core difference between motorcyclists and drivers. Motorcyclists ride because they want to, drivers drive because they have to. Its become a demonized chore so now we get vehicles positioned as pieces of high technology instead of mobility. Its asinine...

Car and Driver is reporting that the new Edge (which looks great by the way) will be released with Microsoft's Sync, but the new interface will be retrofittable down the road. I assume the same will hold true for the MKC. Potentially very good news.

2015 Ford Edge Official Photos and Info – News – Car and Driver

That makes sense as the hardware is the hardware after all, the QNX system should feasibly just load right up after wiping the hardware clean...

HotRod said:

Car and Driver is reporting that the new Edge (which looks great by the way) will be released with Microsoft's Sync, but the new interface will be retrofittable down the road. I assume the same will hold true for the MKC. Potentially very good news.

2015 Ford Edge Official Photos and Info – News – Car and Driver

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You can see the Edge now disguised as a Hyundai Santa Fe