exploremusic

A few years ago, I drove an Audi S6 for a couple of weeks and although I appreciate the performance and fit and finish, the thing I remember the most is the audio/navigation system.  It was the coolest, most sophisticated and easiest system that I’d ever used—plus it sounded awesomely good.  What the experience taught me is how the user interface can enhance the enjoyment of music in the car. 

Whenever I do my public talks, I stress that the next frontier for music consumption technology is the automobile.  In just a few short years, the AM/FM/CD player most of have today will looks as primitive as if someone had nailed a gramophone to the dashboard.

The hardware still has a way to go, although Ford has got something happening with their Sync machinery, a system that’s underpinned with technology from Microsoft. 

Some people just can’t wait, though.  Check tout this dude who modded his 2006 Mustang by nicely integrating a 3G iPad into the dash.  Although this is a jury-rigged home-grown thing, it’s well done—and you can see where things are headed.  Well done.