Engadget

BMW revealed yesterday it's integrating Stitcher Radio into cars with BMW Apps or Mini Connected services.

Stitcher is a news radio and pocast service that's often referred to as Pandora for news radio. In-dash use of Stitcher requires a connected iPhone. Drivers can use BMW's dashboard system to create or remove stations and provide feedback like "More Like This" or "Listeners Also Like."

Engadget has a hands-on video here.

Google is developing a home entertainment system with a focus on wireless music streaming, according to the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and other publications.

The system would reportedly be based around Google-made devices (unlike Android and Google TV devices, which are made by third-party manufacturers). It would include a hub device with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in, wireless speakers, and would be controlled by smartphones and tablets. Google will apparently test the system over the summer.

"Like Apple AirPlay does for iOS, it would stream music from Android devices to home entertainment systems, which are usually the nicest speakers in the house," comments Eliot Van Buskirk at Evolver.fm.

There's no word yet on whether the system will involve radio in some way. One would expect Google's own cloud music service -- which includes a Pandora-like Instant Mix feature (RAIN coverage here) -- will be included.

"Google’s larger goal, a person closely tied to the project said, was to connect everything in the home to the Internet, including light bulbs, speakers and TV sets," writes the New York Times.

Engadget comments that the project sounds "a whole lot like a Sonos competitor."

For more on the story, check out the New York Times' coverage here, Evolver.fm's article here, or Engadget's report here.

Pioneer's in-dash AppRadio connects with iPhones to stream Pandora and Rdio (RAIN coverage here). Engadget recently reviewed the $400 device, finding the Net radio options to be seamless and slick.

But the device itself offers some annoyances. Navigating through the music apps on the AppRadio's touchscreen is "a relative pain" while driving, writes Engadget. Plus there are some annoying bugs and quirks, like not being able to listen to the radio and use the AppRadio's navigation features at the same time.

Overall, Engadget writes the AppRadio is like "peeking into the future": lots of potential, but currently too many first-generation bugs for mainstream drivers. You can find the full review here.

Toyota's Entune in-car Internet radio system will be offered with the 2012 Tacoma, Camry and Prius V. The announcement marks yet another major car manufacturer bringing web radio to consumers' dashboards. Toyota is promoting its Entune system, along with the new Prius V, on a nationwide tour that runs though December.

"At launch, [Entune] will include more apps than other automakers' systems," writes CNet (here). The system supports Pandora and iHeartRadio -- along with various other apps -- via a Bluetooth-connected iPhone, Android or BlackBerry device. Toyota says (here) the system will also support general Bluetooth streaming (presumably allowing users to listen to any Net radio app through a Bluetooth-ready mobile device), USB connectivity, satellite and HD radio.

Like Ford's Sync system (which supports also Pandora and iHeartRadio), drivers will be able to control playback with voice commands. Otherwise, the system uses an in-dash touchscreen display. Engadget reported earlier this year (here) that Entune will be free for the at least the first three years (the cost will reportedly be "included with the factory navigation option," at least in the Prius V). 

Toyota debuted Entune in January during CES (RAIN coverage here). It then won CNET's "Best of CES" and Popular Mechanics "Editor's Choice" awards.

Ford, BMW, Mini, Mercedes, GM, Smart and other car-makers also offer in-car web radio features. You can find our in-car Internet radio round-up here.

LG, Sharp and Philips are “joining forces” to create a development kit for web-connected TV applications, essentially creating a common standard for developers. This is good news for anyone hoping to gain a presence on new Internet-connected TVs, including webcasters.