So just to clarify with your previous post about this whole thing being pitched to investors and other select groups and them being lukewarm on it, are you saying they were actually shown the styling and weren't too fond of it, or that they just had a lot of doubts about Ford's plans to build these vehicles? 

I thought that Pano-mode was a Lincoln exclusive feature. Is there any difference between Ford and Lincoln Digital experience? 

After Cybertruck, anything else is going to be a much easier sell

I saw that in the description, that's what I meant by "augmented," maybe not the right word. But I didn't see Google mentioned so I am assuming that they took away the Google gatekeeper, and allow you to use the voice button to operate whichever framework you want; Apple Car Play, Google, Android etc as in Sync3 & 4.   Cars are getting to be like printers. You buy the printer and then pay an exorbitant price for the exclusive ink cartridges. 

FDE didn’t go away.  Connectivity package gives you a 5G cell modem and all the internet enabled features.

Back to Ford Digital Experience, It's all moot, anyway for 2026, it has been replaced or augmented with Ford Connectivity Package, with a compulsory subscription, of course: $149.95/yr or one time $745 for seven years after the 1yr trial period. Sexier name than Sync5, I guess. It appears to have all of the features of FDE, without the Google Proprietary stuff. Maybe I wan't the only one frustrated with it.    Below is the pertinent page, not the whole guide.   2026 Explorer Order Guide.pdf

Knowing some of the details around the new Ford Electric platform and construction process, I think that all three photos above would be doable under Ford’s future plans. All it would take is roll out of new production line methodology to Ford Blue plants. That way Ford would get a much better evolution to lower cost and the flexibility to cover changing customer needs.

Adding on this.  Ford has to focus on making a Great Electric Truck that affordable.   The Core mission of a Ford truck is to be useful.  Electrification has expanded what People think trucks can be and can do. there is so much you can do to make a unique vehicle. Ford shouldn't be too attached to traditional styling.   Rivian: Gear Tunnel   Silverado EV: the midgate and massive battery   F-150 EV: the Frunk Telo: Packaging  Slate: minimalism  

With any of the music services, you can "create on the fly." Call Up a song, album, or artist, hit play, save if you want, and so on build new playlists, and no voiceover every other song telling you your listening to Sirius XM "Hey Siri" works, but if you want to use the steering wheel button you have to exit Apple Car Play first. furthermore if I wan't directions from my current location to a place saved in Apple Maps or In Route, I have to use "Hey, Siri." First world problem, I'll manage.

Yeah, you're right, I'm still paying for something, but my point was more that in order to put together the variety that I listen to, I'd have to create a bunch of channels/add a bunch of songs to one of the "create your own" thing.  I'd rather listen to what they play on the radio that will add new songs over time without me having to seek it out.   I listen to a wide variety of stuff though.....80s,90s,2000s, 10s EDM, smooth jazz etc. etc.