After the app is running on a Sync-connected iPhone, drivers can use voice commands to play a track, star or unstar a track, select a playlist, add a track to a playlist, find similar music and turn shuffle and repeat on and off. Drivers can also use the car’s controls to play a track, pause a track, skip a track and use the preset numbers to program an artist, album or playlist.
There are a few big catches, however. As of now, an iPhone is required, and according to Spotify spokesman Graham James, there’s no firm date for when it’ll be compatible with Android smartphones. Also, the service is only available to Spotify Premium account holders, which requires a monthly $9.99 subscription.
Ford is the first automaker that Spotify has collaborated with, and James told us that the company has plans to expand. “We want to be wherever our users want us to be,” he said.
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.