5 ways your smartphone can bring your music into the car

The expanding role of smartphones as our one-stop destinations for productivity, entertainment, and information doesn't have to end when you get behind the wheel. Car stereo manufacturers and device accessory designers are making it increasingly easy to bring these devices onto the open road, making your commute more enjoyable. Sometimes, your phone can even get to your car before you do.

With so much power already in your pocket, let's take a look at how to make it jump to your dashboard.

1. Smart radios
Price: $300 and up

Not really a smartphone solution per se, smart radios go beyond merely letting you listen to music or watch videos from your phone or MP3 player. Today's smart radios run apps of their own and allow you to use the ones on your phone. These are a great solution for tech enthusiasts and road warriors who live on the cutting edge or want to maximize their productivity while on the road. The downside to these devices is that they are the most expensive option, and devices such as the Parrot Asteroid aren't for those that struggle to set the time on their kitchen microwaves. They don't quite turn your car's dash into the space shuttle cockpit... but almost.

The Pioneer AppRadio is an evolution in car audio iOS integration. The manufacturer worked with Apple to enable the stereo to not only serve up audio and video, but to natively support iOS apps on the 6.1" touchscreen display. The Parrot Asteroid takes a different approach, with a host of built-in apps that piggyback off the internet connection of your smartphone.

2. Traditional aftermarket radios
Price: $130 to $199

Traditional aftermarket car stereos are a great solution if you're looking for a more familiar interface but also want to be able to connect your smartphone or MP3 player. There is a huge array of choices available to fit any budget, giving you plenty of design and control options to choose from. If you're looking for full-featured options, the Pioneer DEH-6300UB and the Alpine CDE-123 both allow you to select music directly from your Apple device using the stereo controls, listen to Pandora via your phone, and play music stored on USB thumb drives.

3. Factory radio adapters
Price: $100 to $150

USA Spec has created a line of adapters that use the satellite radio expansion or CD changer port commonly found on late-model car stereos. These adapters allow you to keep your factory radio while adding functionality. You can control your iOS devices through a wired connection without needing to completely replace or upgrade your stereo.

4. Auxiliary jacks
Price: $5

There are also a few options that allow you to use your smart phone without installing new hardware at all. Auxiliary jacks have become more common on late-model factory radios and represent your easiest and least expensive option. These jacks allow a direct connection from the headphone jack on your device to the front of your car stereo. The only minor inconvenience is that a second cable is necessary to power or recharge your device.

5. FM transmitters
Price: $25 to $100

Frequency modulation transmitters, which broadcast the audio from your device over a low-powered FM radio channel (which you can then listen to like a regular radio station — you and your MP3 player become the disk jockeys!), make a good all-in-one solution. These transmitters typically charge your device and transmit audio through a single connection, thus eliminating a floorboard full of tangled wires.

Let the good tunes roll
The level of integration in your mobile office or soccer team transporter is only limited by your budget and level of comfort with technology. Whether you simply want to be able to listen to your favorite music from your MP3 player, get directions to your next meeting, or catch up on an episode of your favorite sitcom while you wait to pick up the kids from school, there's a solution to fit your needs.

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