LAS VEGAS — NPR listeners will have a new experience if they
drive a Ford car: the ability to listen to on-demand radio through a Sync
AppLink-enabled NPR News app.
The app is a first in its category. NPR News is the first
dedicated news app for Sync AppLink, which Ford is launching this week at
International CES.
From NPR’s perspective, it’s another way to provide one of those
“driveway moments” when “listeners sit in the driveway to listen to the rest of
the segment,” said Gary Knell, president and CEO of NPR.
The AppLink program actually connects the car, and builds menus
within Ford Sync, with apps on a smartphone such as an iPhone, Android or other
handset. The NPR app works with Sync to build menus that can be accessed on the
dashboard, on the steering wheel, and also by voice.
Listeners select specific programs such as “Fresh Air,” “Car
Talk,” or “All Things Considered;” topics such as politics or hourly news or
politics; and even choose from NPR stations around the country for varied
programming.
“NPR is now taking advantage of the advanced smartphone control
interface that we’ve built into Sync AppLink to enable a wider range of
information and entertainment options for our customers,” said Doug VanDagens,
global director of connected services at Ford Motor Company, in a statement.
The NPR app is immediately available through Ford Sync on a range
of 2012 model Ford vehicles including Fiesta, Mustang, F150, Fusion and Focus.
The platform will be exhibited in the Ford booth in the North Hall, Grand Lobby
and lower meeting room 2230.
