Ford has announced that Ministry of Sound, a music streaming service, is a new voice controlled app for Ford SYNC with AppLinkat the leading technology conference Web Summit which got underway in Dublin. A key message from Ford executive chairman Bill Ford emphasises that collaboration between start-ups, entrepreneurs, inventors, and technology companies will be critical in coming up with new solutions for tomorrow’s biggest transportation challenges.

Ministry of Sound joins the recently announced Meople.Connector app – offering updates from social media networks such as Twitter and LinkedIn – as the newest Ford SYNC with AppLink partners to further enhance the Ford in-car experience. First introduced in Europe in 2013, Ford’s SYNC with AppLink technology already enables drivers to voice-activate apps while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. 

“By working with the developer community to create the auto industry’s only app developer program, Ford is now able to deliver unique voice controlled in-car experiences for our customers, from listening to the latest dance music to receiving breaking news, weather and social media updates,” said Don Butler, executive director, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford Motor Company.

Ford will demonstrate the Ministry of Sound app at Web Summit using Oculus Rift virtual reality technology. Wearing Oculus Rift goggles, visitors will be able to sit in a car seat and experience elements of the application while being virtually transported to far-flung locations like pool side in Ibiza or the middle of Ministry’s iconic London club. 

Ford’s SYNC AppLink technology already enables drivers to voice-activate smartphone apps, including Cityseeker by Wcities, Cyclops, Eventseeker by Wcities, Glympse, Goal Live Scores, Radioplayer, Roald Dahl Audiobooks, Soundtracker, and Spotify.

Ministry of Sound enables drivers to listen to the dance music brand’s live radio station and to choose from genre channels such as Anthems, Chilled, I Am Raver, I Love House, Running Trax and Throwback. Ministry of Sound is the U.K.’s number one dance and house club, and the app enables drivers to listen to the artists that play in the club. The app will soon be available on iOS and Android in English

Butler will deliver a keynote address at Web Summit today titled ‘Car Connectivity: How Software is Changing the Driving Experience’. Ford and Web Summit also are hosting the SYNC AppLink Developer Challenge Dublin, offering programmers a chance at 75,000 euro prize money and the opportunity to develop new apps with Ford. In addition, Ford is partnering with leading advisory firm WeiserMazars to offer services worth 25,000 euros for winning entrants.