Ford Sync System to Drop Microsoft Platform?

Ford Motor Co. plans to switch from Microsoft Windows to BlackBerry Ltd.'s QNX operating platform for its next-generation Sync system, according to Bloomberg News.

Unnamed sources tell the news service that QNX will cost less and deliver more flexibility and speed.

Ford has been working to to improve the Sync voice command and the more elaborate MyFord Touch infotainment control system. Both have been popular with customers since being introduce in 2007 and 2011, respectively. Yet they continue to generate myriad complaints about slow response, system freezes and an inability to recognize voice commands or link reliably with cell phones.

Customer struggles with Sync and MyFord Touch have badly damaged the company's quality ratings. In the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey, Ford plunged from fifth in 2010 to 23rd in 2011, largely because of reported owner problems with the electronic system.

Ford has sold more than 7 million vehicles equipped with the Microsoft-based Sync system. The voice-activated system can be used to search for and play music, control the navigation system, place cellular phone calls and listen to audio books.

Bloomberg notes that competition among in-car software platform providers is intensifying as carmakers rush to add more telematic features.