Ford Sync AppLink adds Spotify to its playlist

By Stephen Edelstein February 25, 2013

Ford Sync AppLink adds Spotify to its playlist — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ford drivers will soon be able to access Spotify from their cars. At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Blue Oval announced that the popular music service will soon be accessible through its Sync AppLink, allowing drivers to play music hands-free.

AppLink allows Ford drivers to access an ecosystem of smartphone apps using Sync voice-recognition, and Spotify is the latest app to appear in the jungle.

Integrating Spotify will require a Premium account and an iPhone equipped with the appropriate app. Syncing the phone with, uh, Sync allows drivers to control the app with their car’s infotainment controls.

Voice commands can take care of obvious tasks like starting or stopping music, turning “shuffle” on, or selecting a playlist. Other functions allow driver/users to make better use of Spotify’s music library. Sync can find similar music, or tell the driver what’s playing if he or she zones out.

Spotify’s social media functions will also be a part of this road-going version. If a friend sends a song, playlist, album or artist to the driver’s inbox, the car will read it to them and ask if they want to play it. Sync can already do this with incoming text messages, proving that the car is no longer a sanctuary from social media.

If talking to a car sounds a little weird, there are also standard audio controls for changing tracks, playing and pausing songs, and presets.

Ford says it has over one million Sync AppLink-equipped vehicles on the road already. Other available apps include, Pandora, iHeart radio and Stitcher. Sync AppLink is available on most Ford cars, including the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, and C-Max. It’s also available on the Expedition SUV, E-Series van, and F-Series trucks.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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