Stingray brings streaming radio and podcast apps to Ford and Lincoln in-vehicle systems

Stingray said it has launched two new streaming-audio applications designed for in-vehicle infotainment systems in Ford and Lincoln vehicles, aiming to make it easier for drivers to move from traditional radio to curated streaming and on-demand audio.

According to the announcement, the Ford Streaming Radio and Lincoln Streaming Radio apps are “OEM IVI Audio” experiences, meaning they are built to run inside the vehicle’s native infotainment environment rather than through phone projection alone. Stingray said the apps are powered by its platform and are intended to improve the in-car listening experience with curated music channels and global radio.

The company also said the apps include access to “millions of podcasts,” positioning the offering as a broader alternative to broadcast-style audio. For consumers, that matters because it shifts discovery and playback into the vehicle interface, which can reduce friction during commuting or road trips.

Ford and Lincoln drivers, the announcement implies, will be able to use these apps directly from the dashboard. Stingray’s framing is centered on convenience and content variety, with streaming radio functionality sitting alongside podcast access in the same in-vehicle menu structure.

Stingray, which trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol RAY, has positioned itself around digital audio distribution and the integration of music and media into connected-car ecosystems. For automakers, the appeal is straightforward: in-vehicle platforms are increasingly a competitive battleground, and audio is one of the most frequently used features for daily driving.

While the announcement emphasizes content breadth, it does not spell out commercial terms such as pricing, revenue sharing, or whether the apps include free tiers, subscription requirements, or trial periods. It also does not provide a rollout timeline by vehicle model year or infotainment system generation.

The company similarly does not disclose technical details that consumers might care about, such as offline caching, data usage expectations, audio codecs, integration method with Ford’s or Lincoln’s infotainment software, or whether the apps support user profiles and personalized recommendations across drivers.

What is clear from the announcement is the direction of travel for connected-car media: automakers and audio partners are working to bring streaming and podcast libraries into the core vehicle experience, not just as an optional extension through a smartphone. The next step for drivers will be availability, including which models receive the apps and whether updates arrive via over-the-air software downloads or through dealer installation.