Why are you still listening to the same boring, tired, censored, over-sponsored talk shows and the same looped 40 pop songs when your smart phone can replace everything? Your favorite DJ has been fired. Your favorite music station has switched to another top 40 station. It's time to turn your back on an industry that turned it's back on you. You workout, clean, and hang out with ear buds in while you stream Pandora internet radio. So why haven't you switched your driving routine?
It's actually very simple to connect your smart phone to your car stereo, as long as you have a data signal from your carrier. Most new stereos have a USB connection, which is what smart phones use to charge or transfer data. By connecting your phone you can not only listen to files downloaded on your phone but stream media from apps that taking are over radio.
- Pandora: A free app that streams music related to any artist you select.
- LastFM: Much like Pandora but has a monthly fee.
- Slacker Radio: Like Pandora but has more ads in between.
- Stitcher: Streams podcast, you can search and favorite many podcasts.
When I purchased my iPhone I actually had an older stereo that did not have a USB port built in. So now what? There are a couple options to work around this. The cheapest and easiest way is to buy an FM transmitter. These will connect via USB and then send a signal over an FM radio signal. You can then tune into the signal you've selected and listen to your phone. The drawback of this method is a lower quality sound, and you always charge your phone through these devices.
Many older stereos that don't have USB do have a manufacturer specific port in the back of the stereo for AUX input for different devices such as multiple disc changers. Remember those? I found with Kenwoods that they made a cable that plugged into the port and into an iPhone/iPod. I found the model and searched for it on eBay. The cable only cost a few dollars and works great! It charges the phone while streaming media.
I didn't want my phone just rolling around on the floor so the next accessory I purchased for it was a windshield mount. Again, this item was found on eBay for just over $10 and has been stably secured to my window for over a year.
The end result was a fully functional and very cool looking set up.
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