But now a voice-activated car dvd player that could play whatever you call from a choice of millions of songs is ultimately a reality.
The Parrot asteroid, that is also the first in-car music program that could download apps, launched right now in the 44th International Customer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Using Google's Android mobile telephone application, the device is attributable to go on sale within weeks.
French manufacturer Parrot stated it will price around exactly the same amount as a predictable car dvd.
Its capability to download apps indicates there is access to online music solutions for instance Spotify, while Parrot mentioned it was nevertheless finalising which solutions it'll use in the UK.
The voice-activation feature allows users to inform the stereo what they want to listen to, and also a scroll wheel can move via menus.
'For instance, when you inform it you need to listen to Lady Gaga, it's going to scan your iPod and tell you what songs you have got, but additionally go and look on line for Lady Gaga songs,' said Parrot’s Fabien Laxague.
'This is quite different, but we feel apps within the automobile will turn into a huge market. There is an unlimited variety of applications that we're pondering about, all the things from an app that shows your nearby parking spaces to one that gives you directions.
'When customers want new capabilities, they will merely download them. '
Quite a few apps are going to be provided initially, as well as the firm will set up a specific app store so users can download additional by means of a 3G dongle that plugs into the back of the method.
Experts say the radio is a different instance of how apps. First pioneered by Apple for its iPhone, are increasingly becoming readily available in other gadgets.
'This definitely shows that the following battlefield for technologies is definitely the vehicle, ' said Stuart Miles of gadget web-site Pocket Lint.
'People are utilised to obtain apps on their phones and in some cases on their televisions and other gadgets today, so now they want apps in their automobile also.
'Until now vehicles have been relatively low-tech - you go in and go to listen to the radio, or play your iPod. This requires in-car technology to one more level. '