This week, Ford pushed out a new over-the-air software update to its Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers. The new software “power-up,” version 4.1.2, adds a bunch of improvements to Ford’s Sync 4A system, including a new UI, more full-screen Apple CarPlay, and a couple of new games. But perhaps the most notable improvement is the addition of physical controls for the climate control and heated seats.

Well, kind of. As you might imagine, an OTA software update would probably struggle to add new physical hardware to a car, at least until someone finally develops replicator or transporter technology. Rather, Ford has leveraged the fact that the Mustang Mach-E’s infotainment screen features a large, twisty knob to control the volume.

But now, the knob will do double duty. If a driver taps one of the icons to select the temperature, fan speed, or heated seats, the knob switches over from controlling volume to controlling the temperature or fan speed (depending upon which one you selected).

The volume knob can now be used to control the cabin temperature, fan speed and heated seats. To use these new controls, just tap the temperature, fan or heated-seat screen control once, which will enable control of the feature when turning the volume knob. pic.twitter.com/dg0vOggKw6

— Mike Levine (@mrlevine) January 4, 2023

It’s a minor tweak, but given the research on how touchscreen UIs cause driver distraction, it should be a good functional improvement for Mach-E owners.

https://arstechnica.com/?p=1907548