Though it just revealed new, next-generation infotainment software developed in conjunction with Google, Ford’s SYNC system remains in use in many of its vehicles, and will do so for the foreseeable future. SYNC 4A, in particular, has been around for a few years now in vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and continues to receive updates designed to keep it relevant. Thus, it should come as no surprise that one engineer who worked on that software – Joshua Moore – hid a special Easter egg in it, as he just revealed via LinkedIn.
“Being a parent puts work in perspective. Having an opportunity to do work that honors your family is special,” Moore wrote in a recent post. “A few years ago, I led the development of the Sketch app found on thousands of Ford vehicles today with the SYNC 4A infotainment system. It’s a drawing feature designed for passengers to easily craft drawings or doodles using the center touch screen when parked. My daughter, Rose, was born as I was working on the app, and given how often I was thinking of her I began to explore a way to honor her (and surprise others!) with an ‘Easter egg.'”
“That manifested as a rose drawing, only accessible to those that know how to activate the secret function. If you drive a Ford with SYNC 4A (or have a friend with one), rapidly tap the tab on the top of the Sketch app screen for four seconds and watch a red rose drawing appear. Special thanks to Husein Dakroub and the rest of the SYNC software and engineering teams for making this possible and my lovely daughter who inspired me to create this feature. Happy Valentine’s Day, Rose!”
This is certainly a touching and interesting hidden feature for sure, and one that we imagine plenty of owners of SYNC 4A equipped vehicles will now discover, thanks to this revelation. After all, Easter eggs are nothing new in the automotive world, and have become more prevalent in recent years as automotive fans find them to be quite interesting – and amusing, in some cases.
We’ll have more on SYNC soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comment
Now I know why they can’t release Blue Cruise updates on time. The engineers are too busy goofing off.