2010 Chicago Auto Show: Navigating the MyFord Touch system; color me intrigued

There seem to be two schools of thought on modern auto feature control systems: The KISS (Keep it simple, stupid) approach leans toward conventional buttons and dials to handle most major functions. This is usually a safe bet, although it can lead to lots of buttons when there are lots of features. Other models get bloated multifunction systems, with layers of menus and thick instruction manuals, that can do a zillion things if you want to invest enough time to figure out how it all works. But performing even basic functions while driving can still take your eyes and mind off of the road for longer than necessary.

Ford seems to be trying to bridge the divide with control systems that marry multifunctional capability with a (claimed) intuitive, driver-friendly interface. Its latest is the MyFord Touch system, being introduced in the 2011 Ford Edge, which basically integrates a new driver interface with the company's voice-activated Sync infotainment system.

Highlights:
Like the innovative gauge display in the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, MyFord Touch (was Ford's naming department laid off in recent months?) employs LCD displays in the gauge cluster that can be customized to give you either lots of info or only the basics, depending on your comfort level. The left side of the display, for instance, provides basic vehicle info, such as a fuel gauge, an engine temp gauge, trip computer functions, or a digital tachometer. But you can choose to show only the fuel gauge, for instance, or stack the display with various combinations. Functions can be accessed by using steering-wheel-mounted buttons or voice commands.

The right side of the gauge display allows you to choose one of four major systems that are color-coded for easier identification: entertainment (red), navigation (green), phone (yellow), or climate control (blue).

In the center stack is a larger 8-inch touch-screen display that works independently of the gauge display. So, you could have your turn-by-turn directions from the nav system displayed in the gauge cluster, while keeping the center display free for controlling other functions. Each corner of the center display represents a different system (highlighted with the correct color coding, of course).

Ford claims that the voice-recognition system has been upgraded another notch from the current Sync system. Instead of you needing to remember a string of commands to get something done, this system is designed to let you to speak naturally and look for key words to figure out what you want to do. According to a Ford rep, you can tune a radio station by simply saying the frequency or channel name (if you have satellite radio). Or, you could just say the name of your favorite sports team to listen to the big game. Now, when it comes to voice recognition, I'm from the "Show Me" state. I've had too many frustrating arguments with such systems over the years to believe any claims without trying. But, yes, systems in general have definitely improved in recent years.

When linked via Bluetooth to your phone, MyFord Touch can also read you incoming text messages. It won't allow you to send any new ones through the system (hallelujah!), but you can have it call the sender or you can send a pre-written text message by voice command, hopefully saying something like, "I'm driving now. Will get back to you later."

For portable media, the system provides two USB ports, three RCA inputs, and an SD card slot. Like Sync, it also integrates such telematics services as Ford's 911 Assist, for getting automatic emergency response in any accident, and Vehicle Health Report, which helps you keep up on your car's maintenance or get recalls or diagnostic data.

Many settings can be personalized for two different individuals, so the display will change when, say, your significant other gets behind the wheel. And for KISS advocates, there are also some conventional dials for some major functions.

Ford says that MyFord Touch will be the global operating system architecture for all future Ford products (MyLincoln Touch for Lincolns). We'll be able to give you a thorough evaluation on both its functionality and distraction factor in the future. In the meantime, if you have suggestions for a better name, be sure to send them to Ford, pronto.

See our 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage.