Not so much any more, but I used to make an annual road trip to visit a friend which was about a 16-hour drive each way. Over the years, the evolution of music access has made the drive considerably more pleasant, but there is still something of a limit to the variety. This combination app and car kit brings the endless music available on the Internet to your smartphone, and from there to your car’s audio system. What more could you ask for during a road trip?

Livio is the company bringing the music to you. First, start with the app for your iPhone or Android phone called appropriately enough Car Internet Radio. It is optimized for use in the car, and gives you access to over 42,000 AM/FM and Internet only radio stations from around the world. If you can’t find something you want to hear from there, then maybe your problem is that you have no musical taste. This isn’t satellite radio… it connects through your phone’s Wi-fF or 3G/Edge connection. If you like the station you’re listening to, it will recommend similar stations with just a swipe of your finger. You can even use other apps while listening to the radio in the background.

Second, you’ll need the Bluetooth Internet Radio Car Kit. This will connect your smartphone to your car’s audio system, giving you physical controls over the app. The audio is transmitted to your car’s speakers simply by plugging it into the cigarette lighter (or whatever they call those ports now that smoking is taboo) and connecting it to your phone via Bluetooth. It’s even got a built-in USB port so you can charge your phone while you rock out. And even better, it lets you use your phone hands-free through your car’s speakers, which will definitely come in handy when you’re driving in one of the ever-increasing places with hands-free laws.

Musical goodness doesn’t come cheaply, though. The kit will run you $120.00 US.

Source: Red Ferret

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