You can already access music subscription service MOG on your smartphone, tablet, PC, and many home entertainment appliances. Now it’s moving onto the biggest gadget of them all, the car. MOG is launching on Ford’s Sync connected car platform, closely integrating its $ 10 monthly music-on-demand service with Ford’s on-board infotainment system.
The key to service is an updated version of MOG’s iPhone app, which automatically connects to Sync when connected via the USB port in 2012 Sync-enabled vehicles, including the Fiesta, Fusion, F-150, Super Duty, E-Series, Mustang and Expedition. The app can relay its settings, playlists and downloaded content to the car’s stereo. It also uses the iPhone’s 3G connectivity to link to MOG’s Internet-based services, giving the driver access to MOG’s curated radio stations, as well as playlist and ‘favorite’ songs not stored within the phone.
The integration goes beyond merely streaming the app’s audio feed through the car’s speakers. Ford worked closely with MOG as part of its App Link program to port the service’s user interface and core functionality into the dashboard. Basic Sync voice commands can be used to start the app, move between songs and shuffle playlists. Users can assign MOG radio stations and playlists to the stereo’s preset buttons, and they can designate new songs as favorites using through voice prompts, adding them to their music collections.
Ford has been positioning Sync App Link as a mobile platform over which developers can build apps for cars just as they would for Android or iOS phones. Ford, however, hasn’t yet opened App Link to the general developer community. Instead it has selectively added applications through direct partnerships. It’s primary focus has been on companies a lot like MOG – music or other audio content streaming services, as opposed to more visually oriented apps that might distract the driver.
Ford’s first big dev partner was Pandora, but the automaker has since included in the program Clear Channel’s digital streaming service iHeartRadio, audio magazine provider Stitcher, Slacker Personal Radio, and news services NPR and Orangatame OpenBeak.
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