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It helps to think of MyFord Touch separately in terms of its unique user interface (UI) and the new Sync features. The UI does away with the switches, knobs and buttons found on most vehicles and instead uses touchscreens, touch-sensitive switches and voice recognition for most major functions.

The main components of the UI are an 8-inch LCD touchscreen in the center stack, 4.2-inch LCD screens straddling the speedometer in the instrument panel (IP) and a five-way controller on each spoke of the steering wheel that corresponds to a respective LCD screens in the IP. The display on the left side shows vehicle functions such as fuel economy, mechanical status and safety features, while the one on the right is reserved for audio, climate, phone and navigation functions.

Both the center-stack touchscreen and the IP screens use color-coding to visually clue the driver to which controls do what: phone functions have an orange background, navigation green, climate control blue and audio/entertainment red. The touchscreen also uses a four-corner layout to allow access to those same four systems so that drivers don't have to search through multiple menus to find what they want. Just touching a corresponding corner accesses the desired system, and in most cases voice commands can also be used to make adjustments.

While the touchscreen shares a design DNA with Ford's recent in-dash interfaces and the IP screens are similar to the ones used in the Ford Fusion Hybrid's SmartGauge, the touchscreen adds a separate mode that, similar to a computer's desktop, can be customized so that only the functions most important to the driver can be displayed. The touchscreen also features an innovative "3D Carousel" interface that can be used to display album artwork a la an iPod's Cover Flow and display photo contacts in a connected phone's address book.

So how does Sync fit into all of this? As with previous version of the system, it's largely functioning behind the scenes. There are new connectivity options and a heap of new feature, which we broke into categories below:

Media Hub: This is what Ford is calling its new connectivity array, which includes two USB inputs (so that you can add, say, a second MP3 player or thumb drive), an SD card slot and A/V inputs via RCA jacks.

Internet Connectivity: One of the coolest new features, Sync will include onboard Wi-Fi capability and a built-in browser so that when an equipped car pulls up to a Wi-Fi hot spot, Internet access is available while it's parked. The browser supports on-screen and USB-connected keyboards and an RSS feed aggregator and text-to-voice reader, while the 3D Carousel interface can be used for bookmark browsing.

Ford has already announced the ability of Sync to create an in-car Wi-Fi hot spot through a USB-installed mobile broadband modem or "air card" for Internet access while on the go.

Navigation: The free Sync Traffic, Directions & Information app debuted last year, and the latest version of Sync adds directional arrows, street names and distance markers on the in-dash display to augment the previous voice-only prompts. Full map-based navigation can also be added as an option via an SD card available from Ford and supplied by TeleNav, and Ford claims that the SD cards will be less expensive and make downloading data less time-consuming than with DVD-based systems. The mapping data will also include 3D visual landmarks.

Voice Recognition: VR has been one of Sync's strong points, and the latest version will offer direct speech commands and a "flattened" menu structure for quicker and more responsive voice control. Voice command has also been extended to selected climate-control functions and most radio functions, and a Sirius Game Finder application will let sports junkies find events using commands like "Tune to the New Orleans Saints game" or "Show NBA games."

Audio: Ford announced the availability of HD Radio with iTunes Tagging ahead of CES. The new Sync system also allows browsing through media on connected devices via the 3D Carousel without having to change audio sources. Bluetooth music streaming has also been enhanced to includes metadata and additional command and control functions for compatible devices.

Vehicle Personalization: Features in this category include custom welcome messages, saved user profiles that can be transferred between other vehicles equipped with MyFord and image and video uploading via the Media Hub's SD card slot or USB ports.

The new system will be available in three levels:

• MyFord on base models, which includes a smaller center-stack display, only one IP screen and with the ability to add Sync as an option;

• MyFord Touch, which includes the 8-inch center screen and the two IP screens and Sync;

• MyFord Touch Sony, which adds a premium sound system and a different dash control layout.

The system will be branded MyMercury Touch and MyLincoln Touch on those Ford family vehicles, and it will be standard equipment on Lincoln models. In Lincolns, the center stack will also feature unique fingertip "slider" controls for audio volume and fan speed. Occupants can just simply slide a finger along a touch-sensitive bar to adjust setting, while an LED "chaser" gives a visual indication of the volume or fan speed.

MyLincoln Touch will also feature MyTemp personalization to allow storing a preferred temperature and accessing it with a single touch of the MyTemp button, as well as the ability to program different MyTemp settings for multiple drivers. The MyLincoln system will see the light of day when the 2011 MKX goes on sale later this year, while MyFord Touch will debut around the same time on the 2011 Edge.

In the three years since Sync was unveiled at CES, the system has set a new standard in voice activation, integration of portable devices, upgradability and value. Ford was also wise to offer Sync across its model line as a standard feature or reasonably priced $350 option, and to make it a selling point on the entry-level Focus.

The strategy paid off since Sync has helped Ford move more cars, especially at a time when sales and competitors were crumbling. And it has helped position the automaker as one of the most tech-savvy in the industry. Will MyFord Touch have a similar impact? From our demo of the system -- and since we're in Vegas -- we're betting it will. But be sure to check back with us in three years to find out.