{
  "id": 18128563,
  "title": "My 20-year-old iPod beats Android Auto in the car, and streaming never comes into it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/my-20-year-old-ipod-beats-android-auto-in-the-car-and-streaming-never",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-04T13:30:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/my-20-year-old-ipod-beats-android-auto-in-the-car-and-streaming-never-comes-into-it/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The iPod Classic has seen a resurgence in popularity, but it has always felt natural to me. My issue stems from using my phone as the primary music player in my car; Android Auto, streaming apps, and constant notifications make it overly complicated and disruptive. I also dislike being constantly interrupted by notifications, ruining my listening experience. My solution has been to use my 20-year-old iPod Video as my music source, and I am pleasantly surprised by how much I prefer it for my daily drives. Unlike streaming services, a dedicated music player provides a more straightforward, uninterrupted experience. The main advantage of using an iPod Classic in the car is its curated music selection, free from external data connectivity and subscriptions. All you need to do is plug in your iPod, select your album, and you're ready to go. Unlike phones, where you may have to navigate through multiple menus to find your desired track, an iPod offers a seamless, hassle-free experience. For highway driving, mobile connectivity can be inconsistent, and streaming music can quickly consume your data allowance, especially if you are listening to lossless tracks. Although downloading offline playlists is an option, it adds to the complexity of managing your music library. With an iPod Classic, you already have your entire music library curated and ready to go in high-resolution, without worrying about data interruptions or limits. However, the benefits of using an iPod Classic extend beyond just the technical aspects. The music library is a collection of tracks I know I love, unlike streaming services' tendency to push me towards popular tunes. No more surprises or unwanted changes in my musical selection. Furthermore, the absence of interruptions is a significant benefit. Calls, text messages, and other notifications do not interfere with the music playback, unlike Android Auto, which tends to interrupt when a call comes in. Finally, connecting an iPod Classic to a modern car is not as challenging as it seems. The iPod uses a 30-pin dock connector, which can be connected via USB if the car's infotainment system supports Apple's Made for iPod standard. This effectively turns the iPod into an external hard drive, displaying track information on the car's infotainment screen, allowing for easy navigation through artists and albums. For cars that do not support direct iPod playback over USB, a 3.5mm audio jack can be used to connect the iPod to the car's analog input jack, providing a reliable and straightforward analog connection. Ultimately, this option offers a reliable, distraction-free way to enjoy a curated music collection on the go.",
  "summary": "I ditched my phone for my old iPod in the car, and I never miss the notifications",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}