Ford Formally Announces Factory-Installed HD Radios with iTunes Tagging Capability

Ford, one of the big players in the automotive industry, has issued an official report formally announcing its plans to include HD radios as a standard across many of its upcoming car models. The receivers, capable of pulling in digital radio signals for dramatically improved sound, boast iTunes tagging, a capability that allows the user to tag favorite songs. In 2010, Ford vehicles will also offer Internet radio through Ford SYNC from a Bluetooth-streaming audio-capable smartphone, such as the iPhone.

Ford says that one of the latest features on its growing list of factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies set to be made available in 2010 is “iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound.” In the official report, Ford explains that HD Radio receivers decode and play digital radio signals with a dramatically improved sound.

FM stations have near-CD quality, making it more relevant for customers to select songs they want to download and purchase. When listening to a compatible HD radio or car stereo system, iTunes Tagging allows listeners to press “tag,” and save the name of that song as a favorite. When an iPod is connected, that song’s title and metadata are saved.

Once songs have been tagged, the user will be able to sync their iPod to a Mac or PC, at which point a new Tagged playlist will appear in the iTunes jukebox — complete with links to the iTunes Store. The ability to preview tagged songs for free, or buy the content via iTunes will be provided to them.

“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,” Mark Fields, president of The Americas, said. “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.”