When Audi showed off the Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept car at the Los Angeles Motor Show, one of the key features was a prototype of streaming internet radio direct to the car. It's a glimpse into a future that's not too far away - a future that could come sooner than you think.

The system by Bang & Olufsen streams the internet radio channels via a mobile internet connection - the same connection that supplies the Google Maps-powered GPS navigation system.

Of course, this next generation of "radio" has tailored its programming to your specific musical tastes, thanks to the car's occupants accepting or rejecting the music tracks (a la Pandora, or Slacker). So it behaviorally builds a custom-made playlist that is able to adapt to your unique tastes. The "perfect" set of channels, with an endless selection of genres available.

Prototypes are one thing, but when will such a system see the light of day?

The answer is 2010, according to the Center For Automotive Research (CAR). CAR conducted supplier interviews that indicate 2010 - which is just over 2 years away - to be when customized and/or on-demand content will be streamed to vehicles.

That content could range from personalized internet radio, to streaming video/movies, to localized alerts and updates, not to mention more robust real-time traffic data using two-way communication.

Combine this trend with the fact that vehicle-based digital storage systems, like the Ford SYNC and Chrysler MyGIG, will continue to proliferate and drop in price. And suddenly it all starts to come together.

These systems, which are essentially built-in harddrives with interfaces made specifically for on-road use, can cache large amounts of data and make up for any signal drop-outs - creating a seamless experience regardless of where you are.

Mobile wireless 3G networks aren't the only way that signal will reach your car (though currently, they could do just fine). If Google has it's way, the 700mhz spectrum that's going up for auction early next year would be "open" to all at wholesale prices. Paving the way for a wireless internet boom as innovative wireless providers, who otherwise couldn't afford to build a national infrastructure themselves, will be able to provide you (and your car) with wireless internet service.

This is the future of "radio" (among other things)... and it could come as soon as 2010. Are you ready for it?

[What Hi Fi?, CNN]

Internet radio service Pandora, which is eons more interactive than most broadcasting services, has stepped it up even further by adding four new "extras" to boost the social experience of its listeners.

The new features are:

1. Pandora now tells you more details on what you're listening to (a la Slacker) and recommends similar songs instead of just playing them sight-unseen, and shows other members who have similar interests
2. In addition, Pandora now allows you to keep follow friends and interact with them via the service
3. Pandora has also added 100 genre presets so you don't need to search to begin listening
4. Finally, Pandora has also added original programming to its repertoire in a new featured called "Pandora Presents"

Earlier this year Pandora on the Go was announced in partnership with Sprint to include the internet radio service on over a dozen mobile phones. They also hooked up with Sonos as well as Slim Devices' Squeezebox and Transporter to bring Pandora into homes without the need for a computer.

And Pandora is only two years old.

Aside from a pointing finger at Pandora and screaming about "competition" (which it is), Sirius and XM need to really look at what they're doing in terms of interactivity with their listeners. Now I agree with Mike Arrington in that the service should maintain focus on its core offering... you know, playing good music. But while ago I also talked about a Digg for Radio concept, which is really nothing more than an online voting system to replace (or supplement) calling in via phone. And I still feel that in this environment, interactivity is important. There's so much more that satellite radio could be done with connecting and interacting with listeners - and in turn allowing listeners to connect with each other.

Maybe it's just me, but doesn't it just seem counter-intuitive that channels and shows need to promote their online presence on... MySpace?

[Pandora Blog]