[NEWS] Spotify and Ford announce in-car partnership

Spotify is today set to announce its partnership with Ford’s in-dash entertainment systems. The announcement, expected this morning at the 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will detail how Spotify is expected to integrate with Ford’s Sync AppLink technology.

The link-up will be available in the new Ford EcoSport [Focus] in Europe by the end of 2013, whilst existing vehicles in the US who already have the AppLink systems will receive an update in the coming weeks.

In terms of integration, users will be able to voice-control their Spotify in-car with commands such as ‘star’, ‘play music’, ‘shuffle’ etc. Whilst not the first music service to partner with Ford (Pandora, Amazon and Rhapsody already have launched services in the US), it is expected that Spotify integration will become deeper than services by existing parties.

Ford’s press release announced:

• All-New EcoSport to Offer Ford SYNC AppLink in Europe; Spotify Partnership Delivers Music Streaming on the Move
• Ford announces the all-new EcoSport in Europe will be among the first vehicles in Europe to offer the Ford SYNC AppLink system when the compact SUV goes on sale later this year
• Ford is the first automotive manufacturer to collaborate directly with the leading music streaming service Spotify to bring their music service into the car
• Ford also confirms European partnerships with smartphone app service providers Kaliki Audio Newsstand, Glympse and Aha
• Ford Developer Program enables developers to create voice-control apps for services from connected smartphones