• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, November 8, 2011

In-car listening, a key area of media consumption long monopolized by broadcast radio, is becoming more competitive in recent years, thanks to the advent of on-board computers with built-in digital media capabilities, allowing drivers to tap popular online audio services like Pandora via smartphones.

However, these technologies are still in their infancy, as reflected in complaints about Ford’s new MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch onboard systems, which have prompted Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally to promise “revised versions” with fixes for a number of shortcomings.

Ford’s MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch have both been criticized by Consumer Reports as “a complicated distraction while driving,” largely due to interfaces, which CR described as cluttered and confusing. Indeed, the magazine warned that “first-time users might find it impossible to comprehend,” adding that “the system did not always perform as promised,” including unexpected shutdowns and slow performance.

As a result, CR said it would not recommend the 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Even worse, because of these failings, Ford models also took hits in the respected J.D. Power auto rankings.

To fix the problem, Ford Motor Co. is sending owners of cars with MyFord Touch or MyLincoln Touch installed a flash drive that will upgrade these systems with a new interface. It is more intuitive and easier to use, including larger text and clearer buttons. Voice recognition software will also be improved, and glitches -- including unexpected shutdowns and slow performance -- should be eliminated.

The flash drive fix is being sent free of charge to 250,000 Ford owners, who can also visit their local dealership for the upgrade.

In its October issue report reviewing onboard systems, CR noted that even improved interfaces may still pose a danger, with human factors engineer Tom Mutchler warning: “Well-designed in-car interfaces are safer… constant interaction with these systems can take your mind off the road.”

While the new onboard computer technology is in its early incarnations, in the long term the rise of Internet connectivity is certain to transform in-car media, especially as Internet audio consumption -- like traditional radio -- tends to be a more passive activity and thus somewhat safer.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in October 2010, Pandora founder Tim Westergren said: “Our goal is to be in every new car that rolls off the manufacturing line.”

Subsequently, Pandora and Toyota announced that the carmaker will integrate the country's Pandora into Toyota's “Entune” multimedia system, allowing users to access Pandora via any cell phone with a data plan, including smartphones and feature phones -- holding out the possibility that online audio services could be integrated for in-car listening just as easily.

Pandora also has partnerships with Ford, Mercedes and Hyundai -- along with radio manufacturers Alpine and Pioneer -- whose aftermarket products allow drivers to access Pandora from car dashboards.