Ford will be the first automaker to give its customers in-vehicle access to the SiriusXM Internet Radio App in Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC AppLink. Ford drivers will be the first to enjoy access to the MySXM and SiriusXM On Demand features of SiriusXM Internet Radio alongside satellite radio. via voice commands, steering wheel or radio controls.
The SiriusXM Internet Radio App can be used in more than one million Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC AppLink, a feature that provides drivers with control of their favorite mobile applications with voice commands, steering wheel or radio controls while they keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Once SiriusXM Internet Radio subscribers download the latest version of the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for their compatible iPhone or Android smartphone, they can connect to SYNC AppLink for safer in-vehicle control of MySXM and On Demand.
“SiriusXM Internet Radio’s MySXM and On Demand features are entering the car alongside satellite radio for the first time, enhancing the SiriusXM listening experience by giving Ford customers using SYNC AppLink the ability to hear personalized music channels and programming when they want it, while continuing to enjoy the seamless nationwide coverage provided by live satellite radio,” said Jim Meyer, SiriusXM CEO. “We are excited that Ford sees the advantage of being the first automaker to give its customers easy, safe access to our unparalleled audio entertainment through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and satellite radio in the connected car.”
“Ford’s long relationship with SiriusXM demonstrates our commitment to offering the best in-vehicle audio experience, including new technologies for our customers,” said Ford Chief Technical Officer, Paul Mascarenas. “This is an exciting opportunity to let Ford customers experience the quality and variety of SiriusXM’s satellite and internet radio offerings side by side, and gives drivers another way to personalize their audio entertainment and driving experience to their tastes.”
Customers purchasing any new Ford vehicle equipped with satellite radio will receive a six-month subscription to SiriusXM’s All Access Package with access to SiriusXM’s premium programming lineup via satellite, plus access to SiriusXM Internet Radio on smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.com.
RBR-TVBR observation: It’s a good play for SiriusXM, because it gets the company into the personalized music channels space, competing in that nook of the dash with Pandora, Slacker, iHeartRadio, etc. The on-demand offering will help set the app apart from the competitors and further underscore to subscribers how much they’re getting for that monthly fee.
