Ford Wireless Software Updates: New Features & Improvements

Ford Enhances Vehicle Software with Alexa and Over-the-Air Updates

The landscape of connected vehicles is evolving. Ford Motor Company is significantly expanding its capabilities in the realm of the Internet of Things. This expansion builds upon their initial integration with Amazon’s smart home ecosystem, introduced four years ago.

Introducing Power-Up and Built-in Alexa

Ford is now incorporating the Alexa voice assistant directly into its vehicles. Simultaneously, the automaker is launching a comprehensive wireless software update system, branded Power-Up. This system represents a substantial upgrade to their in-vehicle software offerings.

Power-Up will enable updates to “virtually all” computer modules within new Ford vehicles. This goes beyond simply updating infotainment systems, according to a company statement released Thursday.

Ford anticipates that Power-Up will be capable of updating over 80 computer modules in its higher-end vehicle models. The company’s objective is to have 33 million vehicles equipped with both this service and Alexa by the year 2028.

The Value of Data in the Automotive Industry

“We believe that data is the new oil,” stated Alex Purdy, head of Ford’s business operations for enterprise connectivity. “It’s essential to our electric future and enables us to have an always-on relationship with our customer.”

The concept of “data as the new oil” isn’t novel. Brian Krzanich, former CEO of Intel, articulated this very idea back in 2016. Regardless of its origin, data is increasingly recognized as a crucial asset for automakers.

Purdy explained that the new software updates could potentially lessen the need for repair visits. This would allow dealerships to concentrate on more lucrative services, such as hardware repairs and routine maintenance.

Enhanced Driver Experience with Alexa Integration

Drivers utilizing the integrated Alexa assistant will gain voice control over several vehicle functions. These include starting and stopping the engine, locking and unlocking doors, activating window defrosting, making phone calls, and playing music.

Owners of Alexa-enabled smart home devices will be able to establish a connection between their home systems and their vehicles. For example, they could activate their home lights remotely while approaching their driveway.

Ford plans to integrate Alexa software into 700,000 vehicles across the U.S. and Canada this year. Details regarding international rollouts were not disclosed.

Data-Driven Vehicle Improvement

The era of traditional customer surveys is waning. This new software ecosystem will provide Ford with valuable data regarding how vehicle owners actually utilize their cars.

“We can double down on the features people love, get rid of the ones people don’t,” Purdy noted. Ford is offering complimentary access to Alexa for three years, anticipating a wealth of data on customer behavior through its usage.

Future Collaboration and Rollout Plans

Ford and Amazon have committed to a six-year collaboration focused on developing new features and commercial services. These enhancements will be delivered via Power-Up software updates, beginning this fall with owners of F-150, Mach-E, Bronco, Edge, and Super Duty vehicles.

The company intends to extend availability to its entire fleet of new vehicles over time, though Purdy acknowledged this will be a multi-year undertaking.

BlueCruise and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

The Power-Up system will also facilitate the delivery of BlueCruise, Ford’s Level 2 hands-free highway driving technology. However, customers will need to purchase this upgrade separately.

BlueCruise will initially be available on prequalified sections of divided highways. Ford intends to expand the network of compatible highways and incorporate features like lane-change assist and predictive speed assist, mirroring functionalities found in Tesla’s Autopilot system.