2014 Ford Fiesta adds MyFord Touch with Improved Microsoft Sync Voice Recognition, Navigation and Phone Pairing

Ford has announced their new 2014 Ford Fiesta will come equipped with Microsoft’s latest version of their Sync software, which features more natural and accurate voice recognition, simpler Bluetooth^® phone pairing and better navigation controls.

The software will be ensconced in the  MyFord Touch® with a new 6.5-inch LCD touch screen.

More than 5 million cars and trucks have been sold with the system which first launched SYNC on the 2008 Focus, then its smallest and most affordable car. Now, unveiling MyFord Touch for Fiesta cements Ford’s commitment to making technology affordable and accessible to everyone.

"Technology features are important to all of our customers including small car buyers, and MyFord Touch continues to drive up purchase consideration of our vehicles," says Michelle Moody, Ford cross-vehicle marketing manager. "MyFord Touch is appealing to customers, as it consistently ranks among the top 10 purchase considerations with new owners. We’re excited to bring it to the small car segment, where it will really help Fiesta stand out from the crowd."

"We are seeing strong brand lift from MyFord Touch amongst in-market shoppers, with 65 percent of those intending to purchase a vehicle reporting SYNC definitely plays a role in their purchase consideration," says Moody. "Take rates for MyFord Touch on new vehicle orders, such as the 2013 Escape and Fusion, continue to outpace our internal projections. We expect the same trend for Fiesta."

Besides the new MyFord Touch 6.5-inch color touch screen, which is an upgrade over the currently available 4-inch screen, the 2014 Fiesta will launch with the latest SYNC software that adds new features including:

• Simplified Bluetooth^® phone pairing: When pairing, the driver simply has to hit "OK" if the PIN on the phone and touch screen match each other
• More natural voice recognition: Drivers can now simply say "Play " when requesting a specific artist, song, album or genre of music (i.e. "Play jazz" versus "Play genre jazz")
• Improved voice recognition accuracy: The latest version of Nuance’s speech software, VoCon^® 3200 v4.2, improves overall voice recognition performance
• Flattened audio command structure: At any time, drivers can say the station frequency, "AM 760," or the official name of the Sirius station, like "Hits 1," to tune in; drivers no longer need to say "Radio" or "Sirius" to indicate their desire to listen to those audio sources
• Simplified navigation controls: The destination entry screen has been improved to help make it easier to enter an address

With MyFord Touch powered by Microsoft, Fiesta drivers will be able to stay connected to their lives, easily getting the information and entertainment they want while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Via Engadget.com