# Voice-Activated Stereos Spotify is Teaming Up with Car Makers for Innovative Streaming Stereos By Andrew Sztein | Published 2013-03-08 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streaming-car References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2013/03/06/spotify-volvo) & [mashable](http://mashable.com/2013/02/25/spotify-ford-sync-applink/) Within days of each other, both [Ford](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-x-amazon) and [Volvo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abbey-road-sound-system) have announced partnerships with online music service [Spotify](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-car-thing-1) for some pretty cool music streaming car stereos. The Volvo version is called the Sensus Connected Touch, which allows for a fully voice controlled music playlist. The streaming car stereo connects to the Spotify servers by either using an external 3G/4G wireless dongle, or by connecting to a mobile phone using Bluetooth. While the Ford version falls under the manufacturer's AppLink umbrella, it promises all the same features as the differently titled Volvo version. Considering you can get a ticket or even get into a collision simply by changing songs on an iPod while driving, this is a big coup for both in-car musical enjoyment as well as for road safety. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Voice-activated Stereos:** The rise of voice-controlled car stereos offers disruptive innovation opportunities for car manufacturers and tech companies to enhance the in-car music streaming experience. - **Streaming Car Stereos:** The integration of online music services like Spotify into car stereos presents opportunities for partnerships between automakers and streaming platforms to revolutionize the in-car entertainment industry. - **Connected Vehicle Technology:** The collaboration between car manufacturers and digital music platforms highlights the trend toward developing connected vehicle technology, opening up possibilities for new features and user experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** The automotive industry has the opportunity to leverage voice activation and streaming capabilities to enhance the driving experience and attract tech-savvy consumers. - **Music Streaming:** Music streaming platforms can capitalize on partnerships with car manufacturers to expand their user base and enhance their service by integrating with connected car technology. - **Technology:** The integration of voice control and online streaming into car stereos demonstrates the potential for technology companies to disrupt the traditional automotive and entertainment industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [In-Car Music Streaming Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-car-thing-1.md) - [Voice-Controlled Car Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-x-amazon.md) - [Integrated Automotive Streaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-music-integration.md) - [Studio-Branded Vehicle Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abbey-road-sound-system.md) - [Car Fm Music Adapters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetooth-fm.md) - [Intuitive Car Audio Software](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-audio-software.md) - [Content-Streaming Infotainment Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volvo-cars.md) - [Collaborative Music Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shareplay-1.md) - [Circular Streaming Service Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-home-thing.md)