[ZSC100]

First: Overall the Lightning is amazing and I think majority agree. I have an XLT SR Equip. group 311A (basic). I love the smaller screen with all the tactile radio and HVAC below. Aftermarket CarPlay magic box type product is an absolute must in all my family's vehicles for the past several years. Visibility even in the back seat for watching video while driving in this truck is great and with how quiet the truck is the experience on road trips is amazing. Also, watching YouTube, Netflix, HBO while charging is a must. I know others have asked for this funcionality ASAP and I hope @Ford Motor Company is listening.

My one ask for this post is, please, please let us remove the secondary info section on the right during CarPlay use. This option is available ONLY in navigation mode, but why? Why not just let us remove it for all main functions. It would be so easy for a UI programmer to fix this it's not even funny. I've found that leaving it on the "Bed Camera" is the best option as it's blank when the camera is off, but please @Ford Motor Company make this update for us.

New video by Zachary Carpenter

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[ZSC100]

Of course there are other issues that are known with the UI, like the %0 battery issue: New video by Zachary Carpenter

I also get some weird menu glitches on the dash:

A progressive company would have a way for owners to interact with engineers, even if it was totally 1way and report things like this @Ford Motor Company

If there is something I've missed please someone tell me. Thanks

 

[swajames]

I'd like to see quicker access to the cameras for trucks with the larger screen. With the current UI you need to open up the options menu and then select the camera which is a pain when you need to bring them up quickly. My Bronco and the Lightnings with the other screen option had a physical button which turned on the cameras and that works much better. I'd like to see a permanent soft button that gives you one-press camera access with the larger screen.

 

[ChasingCoral]

I'd like to see quicker access to the cameras for trucks with the larger screen. With the current UI you need to open up the options menu and then select the camera which is a pain when you need to bring them up quickly. My Bronco and the Lightnings with the other screen option had a physical button which turned on the cameras and that works much better. I'd like to see a permanent soft button that gives you one-press camera access with the larger screen.

I agree. Parking this big truck, I often want the cameras, including when I pull in at home. The cameras really should be either a permanent soft button or one of the cards.

 

[sameye4m]

First: Overall the Lightning is amazing and I think majority agree. I have an XLT SR Equip. group 311A (basic). I love the smaller screen with all the tactile radio and HVAC below. Aftermarket CarPlay magic box type product is an absolute must in all my family's vehicles for the past several years. Visibility even in the back seat for watching video while driving in this truck is great and with how quiet the truck is the experience on road trips is amazing. Also, watching YouTube, Netflix, HBO while charging is a must. I know others have asked for this funcionality ASAP and I hope @Ford Motor Company is listening.

My one ask for this post is, please, please let us remove the secondary info section on the right during CarPlay use. This option is available ONLY in navigation mode, but why? Why not just let us remove it for all main functions. It would be so easy for a UI programmer to fix this it's not even funny. I've found that leaving it on the "Bed Camera" is the best option as it's blank when the camera is off, but please @Ford Motor Company make this update for us.

New video by Zachary Carpenter

photos.app.goo.gl

That was actually my biggest pet peeve about the extra cards. BUT lucky for you, this was enabled through an update a while ago. See expand button highlighted in pics

 

[ZSC100]

That was actually my biggest pet peeve about the extra cards. BUT lucky for you, this was enabled through an update a while ago. See expand button highlighted in pics View attachment 4295 View attachment 4296

Specifically what device are you using to serve the carplay here? An apple phone? I looked all over and can't find any option:

Remember, this is not a phone it is basically a little computer tricking the truck into thinking it is a phone so you can watch YouTube and other video while you are driving. Magic Box is the brand that advertises the most on Facebook and they are the most expensive too, but here's a video ad on an older truck that does not show that option as well: Streaming Made Easy | The Magic Box Easily Add apps, music videos, live TV, and much much more to any Vehicle Screen that has CarPlay by apple. LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE | By The Magic Brand | Facebook

 

[sameye4m]

Specifically what device are you using to serve the carplay here? An apple phone? I looked all over and can't find any option: View attachment 4314

Remember, this is not a phone it is basically a little computer tricking the truck into thinking it is a phone so you can watch YouTube and other video while you are driving. Magic Box is the brand that advertises the most on Facebook and they are the most expensive too, but here's a video ad on an older truck that does not show that option as well: Streaming Made Easy | The Magic Box Easily Add apps, music videos, live TV, and much much more to any Vehicle Screen that has CarPlay by apple. LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE | By The Magic Brand | Facebook

iPhone 13

 

[HellBoy]

First: Overall the Lightning is amazing and I think majority agree. I have an XLT SR Equip. group 311A (basic). I love the smaller screen with all the tactile radio and HVAC below. Aftermarket CarPlay magic box type product is an absolute must in all my family's vehicles for the past several years. Visibility even in the back seat for watching video while driving in this truck is great and with how quiet the truck is the experience on road trips is amazing. Also, watching YouTube, Netflix, HBO while charging is a must. I know others have asked for this funcionality ASAP and I hope @Ford Motor Company is listening.

My one ask for this post is, please, please let us remove the secondary info section on the right during CarPlay use. This option is available ONLY in navigation mode, but why? Why not just let us remove it for all main functions. It would be so easy for a UI programmer to fix this it's not even funny. I've found that leaving it on the "Bed Camera" is the best option as it's blank when the camera is off, but please @Ford Motor Company make this update for us.

New video by Zachary Carpenter

photos.app.goo.gl

hmm your request has already been granted…the 2 arrows on the top left of the screen, under the temperature popped up for me after Power Up 5.4

 

[ZSC100]

hmm your request has already been granted…the 2 arrows on the top left of the screen, under the temperature popped up for me after Power Up 5.4
View attachment 4315

Please post a picture of your software details screen. When you say 5.4 do you mean 3.5.4, I am on 3.5.2, but to my knowledge my truck is up to date. If not, how do I force an update.

 

[sameye4m]

Specifically what device are you using to serve the carplay here? An apple phone? I looked all over and can't find any option: View attachment 4314

Remember, this is not a phone it is basically a little computer tricking the truck into thinking it is a phone so you can watch YouTube and other video while you are driving. Magic Box is the brand that advertises the most on Facebook and they are the most expensive too, but here's a video ad on an older truck that does not show that option as well: Streaming Made Easy | The Magic Box Easily Add apps, music videos, live TV, and much much more to any Vehicle Screen that has CarPlay by apple. LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE | By The Magic Brand | Facebook

I’m deducing from this that you’re not using a phone? I didn’t understand what you meant initially by magic box. The expand works for phones. I’m guessing they use signature IDs to identify device connected and can alter offered settings based on that. I’m not sure why you think Ford would support your streaming while driving, that’s a lawsuit for them. It would be nice to offer streaming while you’re charging, but sync4 is quite old with limited capabilities. Maybe it’ll be offered when they switch to android

 

[ZSC100]

I’m deducing from this that you’re not using a phone? I didn’t understand what you meant initially by magic box. The expand works for phones. I’m guessing they use signature IDs to identify device connected and can alter offered settings based on that. I’m not sure why you think Ford would support your streaming while driving, that’s a lawsuit for them. It would be nice to offer streaming while you’re charging, but sync4 is quite old with limited capabilities. Maybe it’ll be offered when they switch to android

I am anti-Apple in general, but I had a co-worker ride with me to lunch today and we plugged in his iPhone and same thing: no expand button on the left sidebar menu So, I'm hopeful that it is infact just not the latest update to Sync4. Can you please post the full version # you are running that allows you that feature.

 

[sameye4m]

I am anti-Apple in general, but I had a co-worker ride with me to lunch today and we plugged in his iPhone and same thing: no expand button on the left sidebar menu So, I'm hopeful that it is infact just not the latest update to Sync4. Can you please post the full version # you are running that allows you that feature.

I got 3.5.2 on 9/15, I had the feature enabled before that. Maybe you should try a reset, i believe it’s media power button and seek forward at the same time for sync4

 

[ZSC100]

I got 3.5.2 on 9/15, I had the feature enabled before that. Maybe you should try a reset, i believe it’s media power button and seek forward at the same time for sync4

It's steering wheel vol- and seek right, the bottom left and bottom right buttons. I did this, the screen went blank after about 10sec, startup splash screen went for a while it was definitely rebooting, then back to normal. Plugged back in my friends iPhone, same thing, no expand button. So, now I'm thinking again it's a feature of the phone that's plugged in and not the SYNC4 system. This is bizarre, I just checked with my friend and his iPhone is an older 12mini, Software v15.6.1, so that may be the problem. I'll find someone else with a 13 soon and try it and report back.

So, regarding the video while driving liability thing. I fully believe it should be up to the driver's discretion on this issue. I have zero problems with full screen video playing for my passengers while I drive. And it absolutely should be 100% capable of doing anything a phone can do while charging. It's actually appalling that Ford didn't make it a priority to be able to watch video and play games while charging. I hate it when people give me shit for things Ford can't do that Tesla's do with ease.

 

[ZSC100]

I’m deducing from this that you’re not using a phone? I didn’t understand what you meant initially by magic box. The expand works for phones. I’m guessing they use signature IDs to identify device connected and can alter offered settings based on that. I’m not sure why you think Ford would support your streaming while driving, that’s a lawsuit for them. It would be nice to offer streaming while you’re charging, but sync4 is quite old with limited capabilities. Maybe it’ll be offered when they switch to android

Sameye, I've tried many phones over the past week, no dice. I've had Power-Up 3.5.2 this entire time to my knowledge. Please verify your truck says this:

I've tried 3 different phones prior and post software upgrades on the phones 12, 12mini, 13pro, including the lastest iOSs 15.7 and 16.

What is going on?, no expand button in the top left:

 

[MicheleFrankie]

Ford has light years to go to catch up with Tesla regarding UI on the app and the screen. It is so easy to check mileage AND percentage on the Tesla app and multiple steps on the FORD app. Also, the screen in the truck requires multiple steps to get to the camera. It would be nice to have a single button to activate the camera. I hope Ford is reading these suggestions.

 

[HellBoy]

Ford has light years to go to catch up with Tesla regarding UI on the app and the screen. It is so easy to check mileage AND percentage on the Tesla app and multiple steps on the FORD app. Also, the screen in the truck requires multiple steps to get to the camera. It would be nice to have a single button to activate the camera. I hope Ford is reading these suggestions.

what do you mean check mileage and percentage???

and it takes me one button to get access to all cameras....

 

[MicheleFrankie]

what do you mean check mileage and percentage???

and it takes me one button to get access to all cameras....

on my app and screen in the Tesla, it doesn’t matter where I am, I can just click on the mileage and it toggles between percentage and miles remaining to empty. Conversely, if I’m in CarPlay, I have to click on the truck logo, then go to cameras. I know it’s only two steps, but that’s twice as many as the Tesla. This is just one example of multiple steps for the ford vs. single step for Tesla. Don’t get me wrong the truck is great but I’d love to see some UI improvements.

 

[R.I.P.]

what do you mean check mileage and percentage???

What is the battery percentage? Right there.
Rated miles left? Right there
GOM, predicted miles left (very accurate)? Right there. Charge rate? Control of the charge rate? All very accessible in a Tesla.

It is not reasonable to expect Ford to be to the Tesla level this quickly, I am sure they will catch up.

 

[HellBoy]

What is the battery percentage? Right there.
Rated miles left? Right there
GOM, predicted miles left (very accurate)? Right there. Charge rate? Control of the charge rate? All very accessible in a Tesla.

It is not reasonable to expect Ford to be to the Tesla level this quickly, I am sure they will catch up.

this is weird....because I can see the battery % and Kms left (estimated) in the app as soon as I log in, in the home tab...I can also see the charge rate and choose to 'charge to 100%' (only shows up when I am charging) in the home dashboard as well...that why you guys got me confused…

Here’s the screenshot:

 

[HellBoy]