USB your BMW?

Okay, so we all know that people like this idea of bringing their music libraries into their car. The iPod has certainly made this process simpler for the masses, so for a minute I'll focus on that.

There are over 400 aftermarket products made for the iPod, at least a quarter of which are different FM transmitters, mounting kits, or tape adapters intended directly for use within a car. Auto manufacturers are hopping on board, with Volvo, Alfa-Romeo, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, Nissan, and BMW adding iPod connections built into their new models. But are these auto manufacturers selling themselves short?

I mean yes, the iPod does have a whopping 70% marketshare. But this is a heck of a lot of faith that these manufacturers are putting in Apple. They may be dominating the market in portable music, but nothing like this lasts forever.

So am I crazy, or wouldn't a simple USB connection and interface be more comprehensive?

Think about it: There are hundreds of cars out there that have a power adapter within a compartment, such as the center console. So why not apply the same principal to a universal interface? All portable media devices already have a USB dongle to connect them to your computer for transferring music. Add a USB connection to the inside of a compartment on the center console, an interface to communicate with the radio, and suddenly your car can connect to any music storage device, and control it from the stereo.

As much as I love Apple, I have to call the auto industry out on this one for hopping on the bandwagon. I really think they should have thought this one through. Limiting yourself to one portable media device is like welding the license plate to your car- things change, and eventually you'll have something else to take its place.