Ford integrates Slacker Radio

0

Look out, Pandora: Slacker Radio has joined the lineup of smartphone apps that Ford drivers can control with their voice through its optional SYNC AppLink. AppLink builds on the SYNC connectivity system by enabling drivers to access and control apps on their smartphones via voice.


SYNC AppLink is available on the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, Mustang, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT500. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator feature SYNC AppLink as standard equipment. 

Ford drivers will be able to use their voice or the audio system controls to select Slacker stations to play, skip songs, set favorites or ban a song or artist they don’t want to hear again. When driving into areas with limited or no data connectivity, drivers can still listen to their favorite music by storing content directly to their phones.

In order to use Slacker with AppLink, drivers need to update the Slacker Radio app on their smartphones to the latest version. Slacker with AppLink is now available on Android and BlackBerry with iOS pending approval.

RBR-TVBR observation: Competitor Pandora is in the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, Ford’s Sync, Toyota’ Entune system and BMWs equipped with the BMW Apps option. So obviously it’s not that complicated to integrate with any online music service. With this level of rollout happening, we can see why CC Radio is focusing on its iHeartRadio app so much. At least it offers up real radio stations, right?