Ford adds karaoke to pass time while charging, road-tripping

The touchscreen only displays song lyrics when the vehicle is parked but lets passengers control the experience via smartphone while on the road.

September 19, 2024 12:00 AM

FORD

Ford owners can use the Stingray Karaoke App right from the in-vehicle screen while parked and on the go. Songs are available in 38 languages, including 10 languages in local characters such as Thai, Hebrew, Russian and Greek, plus a multilingual interface with 36 languages available.

Ford Motor Co. is encouraging road-trip karaoke with a new feature on some models' infotainment systems, but solo commuters can't play unless their vehicle is parked.

A software update for the 2024 F-150 Lightning pickup includes a version of the Stingray Karaoke app that uses sensors to detect whether anyone is in the front passenger seat. If so, the passenger can scan a QR code on the screen to control the karaoke experience from a smartphone while playing songs through the vehicle's audio system.

The app will later be added to the Mustang Mach-E and gasoline vehicles with the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system.

The touchscreen displays song lyrics only when the vehicle is parked. Ford suggested belting out some tunes while waiting for the Lightning or Mach-E to charge.

"Our goal at Ford is to continue to improve the ownership experience for customers by delivering experiences like Stingray Karaoke that ultimately bring joy," Chet Dhruna, Ford's connect and engage general manager, said in a statement. "The Ford and Stingray teams worked closely to bring the app to Ford owners so they can make memories with their friends and family no matter where they are on their journey."

Ford said the Stingray app offers songs from a wide variety of genres, with lyrics provided in 38 languages.