Ford’s SYNC will run individual station apps; Greater Media first

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FordFord has chosen Detroit-based jacApps as the recommended mobile app developer for its new Ford Developer Program, which gives local radio stations their own branded apps in the dash. Greater Media is already offering up 16 of its stations. Available on select Ford vehicles, SYNC AppLink drivers can now voice-command and control the smartphone apps to listen to their favorite Greater Media stations from Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Detroit and New Jersey while driving.


jacAPPS is create customized apps for each Greater Media station on Apple iOS and Google Android platroms.

“This is a real game changer for the radio industry, Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth tells RBR-TVBR. “In-car listening has been at the core of our listeners’ radio habit; we started with the 5 push button radios in the 50’s. Now, in the 21st century, we can provide the ability to wirelessly link their phone to their Ford car, and make use of the powerful voice activated or steering wheel commands the SYNC system provides. It’s vital that radio maintain its place on the dashboard.”

Once a driver connects his or her smartphone to a Ford vehicle via Bluetooth or USB, SYNC AppLink allows for the control of selected apps by pressing the voice button on the steering wheel and using simple voice commands.

Live streams can be triggered by just saying, “Play stream” or “Stop stream,” while on-demand podcasts are available by just saying the name of the program such as “Drew & Mike” for users listening to 101 WRIF in Detroit.

The Greater Media stations that will be available:

Boston – Magic 106.7, 105.7 Classic Hits WROR, Country 102.5 WKLB, 96.9 FM, WBOS 92.9

Charlotte – WBT News-Talk 1110 AM, The Link 107.9

Detroit – WCSX 94.7, WMGC 105.1, 101 WRIF

New Jersey – WDHA 105.5, WRAT 95.9

Philadelphia – WMGK 102.9, WMMR 93.3, 95.7 BEN-FM, 97.5 The Fanatic

More than 1 million Ford vehicles already on the road have SYNC AppLink built in. AppLink enables drivers to take advantage of their mobile data to stay connected while they keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

All of the Greater Media radio apps are available free of charge on the Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store.

RBR-TVBR observation: This is sort of the way radio can complete the circle into new technology. These stations will not fade out beyond their coverage area; they will be as close as the previous push-buttons of past car radios and drivers will not have to leave their smartphone-enabled world behind the new dashboard to get to their favorite radio station. This puts traditional radio on an even playing field with online-only stations, and even Pandora. Very promising news.

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