Today I ran across an interesting news release from iSuppli Corp. Apparently, in 2009, more than half (58 percent) of all cars sold in the U.S. will support iPods. This compares to just 39 percent of U.S. vehicle models that are iPod compatible in 2008. A recent iSuppli survey of 2009 model year vehicles proves that automakers are placing greater emphasis than ever before on technology features. Check out the full story, including a breakdown of technologies by year, at www.isuppli.com.

This makes me do a little happy dance, and I hardly even drive anywhere. The release covers the availability of other technologies, like Bluetooth features, but if you read my last blog, you know how I feel about talking on the phone. Mostly, I am just totally in love with the idea of plugging an iPod directly into a car. Makes me actually consider getting a new car—and my car is totally paid off… Tempting.

What do you think? Is this a blessing? Do you yearn for the day you can just plug your iPod in and let it play without having to fuss with expensive but ill-tempered transmitters? What do those of you that have long commutes think about all of this? iPods… Bluetooth… Embedded hard disk drives… Now all we need is a robot to actually drive FOR us!