Originally Posted by ScaldedApe

The Car&Driver article doesn't seem to indicate that the two systems are separate. Adobe is showing the example of the type of information it can collect on users, including speed, start up time, run time, and more. By it's very nature, the OTA HAS to have access to all vehicle control modules in order to update them. That's the whole point. So yes, voice commands can be logged. Which means they can also be left on in order to have "hands-free activation". I think Amazon, Google, and Apple has already proven this point.

And I agree, your cell is a much higher offender because you're putting data into all sorts of systems (Facebook, Google, Apple, Tmobile, Microsoft). But I can actually just use my phone for its intended purpose (make phone calls and text) and never use my GPS, social media, or online shopping (i.e. reduce the number of contacts with various servers). I can turn all those things off or choose not to use them and the product still functions. With hooking up a vehicle to a Cloud server (not to mention we're uploading even more data into ANOTHER company), can I still opt out of these data transfers and still use the vehicle as intended? I don't know...the technology is still so new in major manufacturers. The C&D article admits that the tech is there, but we don't know exactly how companies are choosing to use the data.

Maybe some of us don't want to be a part of that experiment for the convenience of avoiding the dealership, is that too much to ask in a major purchase? Why not give the consumer the option? Make OTA a no or low-cost add on for people that want to participate.

Originally Posted by 52isntbigenough

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought I read that the 12" was going to be available in the XLT.

Originally Posted by All Hat No Cattle

First and foremost, we have to accept the fact that Ford is a for-profit business, (hopefully).

So to increase profits, Ford has determined that OTA updates are cheaper to perform than having to pay a dealer to do them.

If some people chose the option to refuse OTA updates, would they be willing to have those updates done at the dealer, for a price that they would have to pay, of course?

Would those same people be willing to give up the benefit of real time problem diagnoses being sent to Ford?

As I've said, sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. Or be willing to pay the price.

Tesla owners have been dealing with OTA updates since day one, with few complaints. But if OTA really, really bothers someone, there is always the consumer option.

Buy something else.

Originally Posted by Overboost

The C&D article is written from a very general point of view. I'm talking down to the vehicle-to-component level. You are also assuming that these on board modules are powerful enough to store things like voice samples and upload them. That would take a good amount of onboard resources and data to upload them to Ford (or the cloud) as well. Most automotive ECUs that are part of the OTA structure are not that powerful. They can capture DTC information relevant to their own events in case of a shutdown or failure, but they aren't storing massive quantities of data that captures how you say a voice command. And, I hate to break it to you, but the data storage component for most things has already been there. The 13th gen trucks more than likely have that in their components.

If you are so worried about opting out of the OTA experience, disconnect the modem, and wrap it in tinfoil. If you'd rather have the option, you're then forcing Ford to go and re-develop multiple components to NOT have OTA, which then costs more in the long run. Then you'd have to carry more part numbers for the same component, which adds complexity, and....guess what....costs more money. Who do you think is gonna pay for that?

Originally Posted by Jeepcritter

I think it will still be that XLT will get the discounts and be the volume leader, with a slightly higher price to cover the new tech, and Lariat will still be a 4K jump with less incentives.

Originally Posted by ScaldedApe

I understand, from a business standpoint, this does make sense. But the simple pursuit of profit can't be a justification in itself. There's also the ethics of said pursuit of profit. Which is the debate we're having in society right now...is it ethical to monetize someone's data? A great debate for another time and another thread.

And I agree...as much as I've been a loyal Ford customer for over 15 years now, this may be the final straw for me as a Ford consumer. This month, I had to buy my wife a Toyota because Ford's vehicle lineup no longer meets her needs. It's nice having a N/A engine again (something Ford is offering way less of) and something more low-tech with historically excellent maintenance.

I'll be cross-shopping pretty heavily now for my needs. I get Ford is just trying to play catch up to some more tech-savvy brands, but there's a reason I don't own a Tesla. And if Ford wants to go that route, best of luck...I'll keep seeking out pre 2021 models or finding brands that better fit my needs.

Originally Posted by 85LongBed

The F-150 does need an off road trim that competes directly against the Ram Rebel and the Silverado LT Trail Boss, though.