Ford promises a faster, simpler, glitch-free experience with the new version of their Myford Touch infotainment system, to be launched first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex, and Taurus.

They have updated the software based on the customer feedback and gave it a new touch-screen interface features new simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. They’ve also added ac couple of new and interesting features, including support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction.

We quite like the audiobook part, because it’s just a marvelous experience listening to your favorite audiobooks in long drives or in traffic jams. So kudos to Ford then! This feature makes it easier and hassle-free.

Ford has also improved the system’s ergonomics for more convenience. The new fonts are as much as 40 percent larger on some redesigned screens. The fonts also are wider and bolder to provide easier legibility, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers age 60 and older.

Details of the new features:

Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance
Quicker voice recognition upon startup and faster command prompt when the voice button is pushed Voice commands used in conjunction with navigation are simplified through elimination of the need to provide street direction, e.g., “Main Street” instead of “North Main Street”
Music requests are simpler by removing the need to include the additional song, album or artist information often found at the end of a name in (parenthesis) or [brackets]
Customers can find their favorite sports team in action via new Sirius Game Finder simply by saying a command such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game”

Tablet device compatibility
Music and other media content from most popular tablet computers like the Apple iPad can now be accessed through a simple USB connection

Audible.com audiobook support
Listen to Audible.com content using voice commands or the easy-to-use touch-screen controls

Connected navigation powered by TeleNav features new map data by NAVTEQ
Updated map views are richer and feature more 3D landmarks
Views of freeway junctions and signs are enhanced through photorealistic screen images
Smart routing options are provided based on a database of historical traffic patterns

Phone compatibility
Automatic Bluetooth® connection upon vehicle entry has been improved
Noise and echo cancelation during phone calls has been improved to enhance call quality

Gracenote® album cover art database
Inclusion of the latest music metadata available enhancing the music playback experience
Improved voice recognition for music search allowing drivers to pinpoint artists with hard-to-pronounce names or nicknames