Back in January 2022, Ford and ADT announced that the two companies were teaming up to create a new joint-venture called Canopy. This new outfit aimed to combine FoMoCo’s AI-driven camera technology with the ADT’s security monitoring services to provide improved vehicle security. Canopy’s very first product – the Pickup Cam – became available to pre-order back in late July 2023, and officially begun shipping to customers a few months later. Now, however, Ford has acquired Canopy and discontinued the Pickup Cam.
Canopy’s website now loads with a pop-up explaining this move, noting that it’s “now part of Ford Secure.” That message goes on to state that “Canopy will be launching an exclusive Ford product as part of the Ford Security suite of services. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting new partnership. Ford Motor Company has acquired Canopy, the trusted security solution for pickup truck beds. With Ford’s commitment to advancing vehicle safety and security, they plan to leverage Canopy’s resources and expertise to bolster security solutions for pickup truck owners. Collaboratively, our focus has shifted towards developing the next iteration of the Pickup Cam. As a result, the Canopy Pickup Cam will no longer be available for sale.”
As for existing customers, well, as of this September, the Canopy hardware and app will no longer be operational, and the company notes that it’s “taking proactive steps to offer a full refund for the hardware cost for all active subscribers. All refunds will be processed no later than September. Your Canopy device will be unpaired from your vehicle; therefore, you will be unable to connect to the app which means your canopy device will become inoperable.”
It is worth noting that Ford is developing a next-generation version of the Pickup Cam, so customers will have an alternative solution soon. As for Ford Security, it just launched this past February for select 2024 and 2025 Ford F-150 and Super Duty models. It includes both theft and tampering notifications in the FordPass app that can prevent the truck from being stolen – even if the thief has the key – along with a 24/7 hotline staffed by agents that work with police to recover a stolen vehicle, as well as insurance deductible reimbursements up to $2,500.
Comment
We need a Federal law that requires companies to support hardware PURCHASED by consumers for the life of the product, or provide far more than just a refund. We no longer own anything, nor have the right to continue using what we bought if the vendor decides not to support it. And companies should be required to set up escrow accounts to provide that support or payment if they go out of business or get purchased. My old lawnmower continues to work even if the manufacturer goes bankrupt. So should software defined products.