Biyun

Apple Computer on August 3 said it has teamed up with three major automakers to link its popular iPod music player with car stereos, laying down a new challenge to a fragmented radio industry.


Ford Motor, General Motors and Japan's Mazda Motor will offer an easy iPod connection in the majority of their brands, allowing drivers to charge the digital music player and store it in a glove compartment as they listen to its songs.


Users will also be able to use car stereo controls to select music on the iPod device.


That's a step up for drivers, who can now listen to the iPod via an adapter that fits into a car's cassette-tape desk.

Biyun

GM will offer iPod connections on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks, Apple said.


Mazda's global 2007 line-up of cars and sports utility vehicles will offer an iPod feature as well.


The agreements could open new doors for the market-dominating iPod, more than 58 million of which have been sold, and for Apple 's iTunes digital download store.

Biyun

Drive-time listening remains a stronghold for radio broadcasters, even though many automakers install stereos compatible with competing subscription-based satellite providers XM Satellite Radio Holdings and Sirius Satellite Radio.


But an easy iPod link could accelerate the device's use on the road, just as it has become popular for pedestrians and mass-transit commuters.

Biyun

Investors in satellite radio have also been anxious about a more aggressive iPod entry into automobiles. They could yet fend off an iPod as they bulk up on big-name entertainment to feed their channels, from shock-jock Howard Stern to talk show queen Oprah Winfrey.


GM said it would offer the "personal audio link" at dealerships for less than $160 plus installation as early as October for some car models.