Pandora Coming to a Car Radio Near You

Any one that has tried Pandora Radio out has to admit it’s pretty sweet. The internet radio provider lets you create your own music stations and listen to them from virtually anywhere. Whether its your cell phone or your computer Pandora is there. You could even get it in your car — provided you were willing to jerry-rig a setup using your Pandora-enabled phone or iPod.

Thankfully the days of MacGyver-ing your phone to get Pandora in your car may soon be over. According to GigaOm, the internet radio provide is looking to make a dedicated leap towards cars. Cheif Technology Officer Tom Conrad said that the initial push would still rely on smartphone apps that would be controlled from a steering wheel or dashboard interface. Eventually they would eliminate the need for apps altogether, integrating Pandora into web-connected autos outright.

There is already a deal between Pandora, Ford Motors, and some as of yet unnamed auto companies to include in-dashboard controls for mobile handsets. The devices would be held in place and drivers could access Pandora without having to fumble around with their devices which could be an accident in the making.

“Within a few years, new cars will have Pandora built in and “bundled with either the price of the car or services associated with the car,” he said, ramping up competition with subscription-based satellite radio providers as well as terrestrial radio broadcasters.”

With Pandora officially making its way to our cars, what does the future hold for satellite radio providers like Serius XM and old school FM stations? Pandora offers users the ability to create their own music stations, the ability to skip songs at a whim and discover new music along the way. Rumors are swirling that an announcement will be made about Pandora’s new venture at CES in a few weeks. The competition will have a lot to think about over the holidays.