As if Microsoft didn't have enough problems with its core businesses, it may be about to lose its best foothold in the automotive sector: Ford.
Auto industry trade publication The Hansen Report says that Ford has dumped Microsoft from its next-generation SYNC infotainment system as the automaker struggles to rebuild its quality reputation in the wake of continuing problems with MyFord Touch.
According to the report, Ford plans to switch away from the Windows Car operating system to Blackberry's QNX.
QNX was developed from the ground up as a real-time embedded OS and is already used by several automakers to power a variety of systems including driver assistance and active noise control in addition to infotainment systems like SYNC.
Hyundai and Kia also moved away from Windows for the newest versions of their in-vehicle connectivity systems. When General Motors introduced the first Chevrolet MyLink and Buick/GMC Intellilink systems in 2011, they were all powered by QNX running on Panasonic hardware.
The newer MyLink systems in the Corvette, Chevy Impala sedan and Chevy Silverado pickup actually run on open-source Linux and are derived from the Cadillac CUE system (which, incidentally, is the latest industry whipping boy due to its frustrating user interface).
It's not surprising to see Ford make major changes to its infotainment and connectivity strategy. However, it's not clear if severing ties with Microsoft will be the answer. While the embedded version of Windows sits underneath SYNC and MyFord Touch, the parts that drivers actually interface with are apps developed by Ford and other suppliers such as Nuance, which provides the voice recognition system.
The newest Ford products are also moving back to more physical in-car controls in response to the outcry over the all-touch instrument panel's terrible user experience.
It's possible that the performance and reliability issues at the user level can in fact be traced back to Windows, in which case the more robust QNX could be the solution. Microsoft hasn't publicly promoted its automotive efforts of late the way it did in the early 2000s, so perhaps Redmond has just given up on the product and let it wither on the vine like the failed Zune MP3 player.
At this time, we don't know when the first QNX-powered version of SYNC will hit the road. Ford hasn't publicly commented and made no mention of this change when it unveiled the new 2015 Mustang and F-150 over the last couple months.
It's worth noting, however, that Ford never mentioned Microsoft when discussing these new vehicles, nor did Microsoft come up during any of Ford's recent CES announcements.
NYC native, now in suburban exile. Miami Hurricanes alum. Brown-car evangelist. Beleaguered Knicks fan. Prefers IndyCar to F1. Wants you to stop clogging the left lane, already.
