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]
Do not be fooled i know many people that will not be able to get TV at all when analog TV is turned off.
No way no how satellite or anything over the air.
Sattellite radio is the only way. .Expect sat radio to become much more than just radio.
Nothing at least for many many years will be able to do what sat radio can do.
Satellite radio is a dying technology.
So if satellite radio dies and my only choice is to get internet radio in my car or going back to terrestrial I guess I am going to have to go back to terrestrial. Satellite is a no thought technology that delivers what I want. Internet radio seems like work. I wonder how much the internet access is going to cost. Probably more than satellite is now.
Or am I supposed to use my mobile phone. No Way my phone is for making phone calls.
If Satellite radio is a dying technology tell me what is going to replace it?
It will not be WiMax or cell Phone
So what Magic is going to get a good signal to a moving car?
Satellite radio is a dying technology (for entertainment purposes) because it is currently 1-way and highly bandwidth challanged. Without being able to send data back, it is limited to the soon to be dinosaur world of spoon-fed content. Everything is becoming user customizable, on-demand, and mobile. The idea of having to be in a certain place at a certain time to watch or listen to something is quickly beginning to change. Live broadcast (sporting events, talk radio and such) are the best chance for sat radio to stay alive.