DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford is set to become the first automaker to offer a factory-installed HD radio option with iTunes tagging when it introduces the technology next year. This announcement follows a statement last week that the next-generation Ford Sync will essentially allow passengers to turn their vehicle into a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot by plugging a mobile modem or "air card" into the standard USB port.
Next year, all 2011 Ford vehicles will offer standard radio, HD radio technology, Sirius Satellite Radio and even Internet radio if you choose to set it up.
The system will automatically pick up HD signals and provide exclusive access to HD radio HD2/HD3 channels. These "mini-stations" or "sister" channels are found directly adjacent to the main channel on the dial, if they are available. Examples of these stations include a dedicated HD3 channel in Dallas to cover the Cowboys 24/7 and a similar HD2 station in Pittsburgh to cover the Penguins around the clock.
With the HD radio comes iTunes tagging capability. Through the Sync system, drivers will be able to simply press a button labeled "Tag" on the radio display, storing up to 100 songs heard over the radio in the receiver's memory. Customers can then connect an iPod to the Sync system to receive the data and a playlist of these "tagged" songs will automatically appear. They can then conveniently preview and eventually purchase the music if they choose.
"iTunes Tagging and HD Radio technology are strong new additions to the growing collection of Ford convenience features and technology we're offering customers to make driving even more enjoyable. This is another example of Ford's commitment to bring the widest variety of factory-installed customer-focused technology, features and conveniences to millions of people," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas.
Ford noted that nearly 2,000 radio stations in the U.S. are currently broadcast in digital HD quality, with another 1,100 stations airing HD2 or HD3 channels.
Inside Line says: Ford continues to stay on the cutting edge of technology with continuous development of the Sync interface. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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fbo says:
01:22 AM, 01/01/2010
Never been a US car fan, but if i ever buy one ill buy Ford. WHY??? Well, Simply because they didnt steal tax payers money an run off with it, like GM and Chrysler did. Those two got owned by Government and closed plants in USA and opend them in Mexico, india and china.
I have all the Respect for Ford, and this is a thought that most of us share at work. Specially that we are loosing our job in March 31st because of GM ( Government Motors )
deathtollwrx says:
07:53 AM, 12/31/2009
Why does the Mustang need HD radio when the exhaust sounds are piped into the cabin? The rumble of the V8 will drown out the "HD" quality. I can understand if that type of radio is in an automobile that is meant to be quiet but a Mustang GT is not that car.
At least it's an option.
crankypants501 says:
06:54 PM, 12/30/2009
Ford, can we please have memory seats in the Mustang? All of the whiz-bang audio and Wi-Fi is nice, but memory seats would be really, really nice. Some of the power-adjustable pedals you put in your trucks would work great too!
yamahr1 says:
08:04 AM, 12/30/2009
icecubefosho: "HD Radio eh? Practically every aftermarket system has this capability now"
That's completely not true. If you go to crutchfield.com, one of the leading aftermarket car audio providers, you'll see that a small minority of aftermarket receivers include HD Radio.
I have not used Sync, but based on reviews your "big marketing jumble of crap" dismissal lacks credibility. Ford is smart to push the entertainment/infotainment envelope. Younger people love gadgets.
icecubefosho says:
07:41 AM, 12/30/2009
HD Radio eh? Practically every aftermarket system has this capability now.
Theres nothing notable about having drivers navigate their iPods to "tag" a song while driving. In fact its not a good idea considering Sync is a big marketing jumble of crap.
objectiveview says:
10:57 PM, 12/29/2009
....... More ways to make me give money to Steve Jobs? No thanks.