As digital music sales rise, compact discs seem to be heading the way of the cassette –for those of you old enough to remember them, that is. For example, in the UK digital sales account for 98% percent of the market. That’s evolution: just as the cassette made the 8-track player obsolete and then gave its place to CD-players, now purely digital content is making CD players a thing of the past.
Therefore, it is only natural for carmakers to add digital music features in their cars, such as USB and iPod ports, and deleting options like the multiple CD-changer. Aside from those ports, Ford’s European arm is also increasing the availability of Bluetooth connectivity and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio, which is now standard in the new Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models.
The company also plans to bring its SYNC infotainment system, which is already available in the US, to Europe next year. The system, apart from offering the usual array of multiple USB, SD and RAC ports and Bluetooth also acts as a wireless hotspot for as many as five devices.
This capability will also allow access to “cloud” services like the Apple iCloud and Google Music, streaming music and therefore eliminating the need for any form of storage device in the car. Ford expects that sales of SYNC-equipped European models will reach two million units until 2015.
Check out the video below to witness the evolution of In-Car Entertainment.
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