Nowadays we have gotten used to carrying our smartphones around with us everywhere we go.  With a persistent data connection your smartphone is now much more than just a phone.  If you can find it on the Internet you can see it on your phone.

That might be why more and more car makers are integrating streaming audio app compatibility into their vehicles.  For example my car has Microsoft Sync software built into it.  Using bluetooth streaming or a USB cable I am able to listen to any content over my car stereo system.  I’ve used my smartphone to stream content from Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and the TWiT app.  Pretty much anything that streams audio content I can listen to in my car.

Ford isn’t the only automotive maker to allow for this functionality.  Its a common trait to be able to use your smartphone to listen to streaming sites in the car.  Some vehicles even have a large LCD display that shows the content being served to you over the web.  In many cases the steering wheel controls, or even voice control, can be used to control the audio app on your phone.

Now auto makers such as Volvo have announced that support for Spotify will be built into their vehicles.  Certain Volvo’s will have Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud service built into the vehicle.  This service includes a cellular modem.  In fact, its almost like having a smartphone built into your car.  This will allow for a constant data connection that can reach out to Spotify.

I think its a very interesting trend to see how automakers have shifted towards apps and smartphone connectivity, and while the radio remains in the car its very much an afterthought like the CD player.  You basically have a radio, and a commercial free one at that, in your pocket most of the day.  It makes sense to include it within your car.

I think a lot of radio station and radio personalities are seeing this trend.  The thing is that not all of these folks are finding a way to stay relevant in the internet age.  Some stations are included in TuneIn Radio or iHeart Radio.  And some syndicated shows, such as Lex and Terry, are developing their own apps that serve the show to listeners 24/7 over the internet.  They are making it so that the FM radio isn’t necessary to consume their content.

The real question here is how long do we have to go until the FM radio is an optional and often forgotten feature in vehicles?  When will FM radio go the way of the cassette tape?  In my case I rarely listen to my radio so I can see the day when I will no longer use my FM radio.