Ford Adds Slacker Radio With Sync AppLink

The battle to control drive-time listening is heating up with the entry of another digital audio service through a partnership with a car manufacturer. Ford is the first automobile manufacturer to make Slacker available in new cars via the Ford Sync AppLink, which allows drivers to import various online apps, including media content, via a smartphone connection.

To ensure the safety of drivers, the Ford Sync AppLink allows drivers to control the Slacker online audio service via voice command. They don’t have to take their hands off the wheel to take advantage of popular features like skipping songs, setting favorites or “banning” songs and artists they don’t like. The Slacker app integration also allows drivers to store music for listening in areas where they don’t get cell phone reception.

The service allows listeners to create custom stations by selecting their favorite artists and songs, or choose from 150 stations curated by expert DJs. It also offers personalized talk content, including personalized comedy, ABC News, and ESPN Radio stations.

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Ford’s Sync AppLink is available on a number of new models, including the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, Mustang, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT500. It is also offered as standard equipment on several models in Ford’s high-end Lincoln brand, including the 2012 Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator.

However, Slacker isn’t the only digital audio service piling into new automobiles. Pandora has partnerships with Ford, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes and Hyundai, among other carmakers, as well as radio manufacturers Alpine and Pioneer, whose aftermarket products allow drivers to access Pandora from car dashboards.

As with other in-vehicle integrations, Pandora access requires a smartphone, which connects with the vehicle’s onboard computer system.

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