With CES now in full swing, many automakers are loading us
up with press releases on their latest tech wares destined for vehicles. We've
already told you about Ford's
3 millionth SYNC installation and Tesla Motors is aiming
for the fences with a 17" touch screen in its upcoming Model S
electric sedan.
However, Consumer
Reports is bringing a "cold shower" to the touch screen/touch
sensitive button era that seems to be upon us. The publication, which tests
vehicles based on a number of different categories, failed
to recommend the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers despite the fact that
the vehicles feature new styling inside and out, improved ride/handling, better
performance, and improved fuel economy.
Instead, Consumer
Reports dumped on the two vehicles because of the "overcomplicated
MyFord Touch driver-interface system". While the vast array of touch
screen controls may appeal to the gadget generation, Consumer Reports isn't
having any of it. The publication says that the MyFord
Touch system is a distraction while driving, adding:
Those
screens are controlled by two steering-wheel-mounted five-way switches not
unlike those found on a television remote or cell phone
If
that sounds confusing, it gets worse: The system also recognizes and responds
to voice commands. It all adds up to three or four ways to make what should be
simple adjustments. None of the options works as well or is as easy to use as
old-fashioned knobs and switches, and they can be more time-consuming and
distracting to operate. First-time users might find it impossible to
comprehend.
Consumer Reports ends their analysis of MyFord
Touch by stating:
We
hope Ford returns to using tactile buttons and knobs again. Improving the
touch-screen interface would also help.
Ever since the launch of the iPhone, it seems as though the
most popular portable devices have moved to a touch-sensitive screens even when
they seem like a step back in usability (see iPod nano 6G). Everything from
smartphones, to remote
controls, to iPads, to all-in-one PCs now use touch screens -- it was only
a matter of time before these systems would be integrated into mainstream vehicles
to take over a number of secondary controls (and not just GPS/audio systems).
Ford isn't alone, however, when it comes to high-tech user
interfaces in vehicles. The aforementioned Tesla Model S will likely have
issues of its own when it comes to providing useful tactile feedback to drivers
and the Chevrolet
Volt does away with many traditional buttons and knobs in favor of touch
sensitive controls.
