Ford announces Spotify partnership for in-car music streaming service
Ford has announced a partnership with Spotify, which will bring the popular music streaming service to Ford vehicles via the upcoming Ford Sync AppLink.
When the compact SUV goes on sale later this year, the new Ford EcoSport will be among the first vehicles to offer the in-car Spotify music streaming service via the Ford Sync AppLink system.
Spotify is the first music service provider to announce app availability for the Ford Sync AppLink system and marks Spotify’s first collaboration with any car manufacturer to date.
“Sync AppLink opens up a whole new world of content to Ford customers that they can access on the move by voice control while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road,” said Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President for Research and Innovation at Ford. “As one of the world’s most popular music streaming services, Spotify is the perfect partner to demonstrate the benefits of the Ford Sync AppLink system.”
The upcoming Ford Sync AppLink system will enable Ford customers to control smartphone apps directly from an in-car display. The system will be voice-activated and will be installed in 3.5 million vehicles by 2015 in Europe, according to Ford.
Spotify’s Ford Sync AppLink partnership will allow subscribers access to their playlists and songs via a list of set voice commands such as “shuffle”, “repeat” and “recently played”.
“Spotify brings you the right music for every moment; on your computer, your mobile, your tablet, your home entertainment system; and soon also in your Ford vehicle,” said Pascal de Mul, Spotify’s global head of hardware partnerships. “Our partnership with Ford AppLink will enable music-loving drivers to enjoy access to Spotify’s huge catalogue of more than 20 million tracks safely, while on the road.”
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