The iPod took another step toward ubiquity yesterday.

iPod meets BMW

BMW said that it has boosted its integration of the dominant portable digital music player in its 3, 5, 6, and 7 series of sedans and sports wagons, adding an in-dash interface with an LCD screen. The move gives drivers the ability to control playback of the iPod from either the interface or from controls on the steering wheel.

BMW previously included iPod integration into some of its cars, but the interface and controls step it up quite a bit. Users can now plug the iPod into an adapter in the glove box and control everything from either the steering wheel or the in-dash interface.

The new interface, also available in BMW's new M5 sedan and M6 coupe, shows artist, album, and track title on the display monitor. The controls let users access and sort their music library, shuffle songs, skip between tracks, and adjust volume.

The upgrade "will enable audiophiles to bring their entire music collections with them, plug directly and effortlessly into a superior sound system while maintaining uncompromised control over their driving experience," the company said in a statement.

The original BMW iPod adapter, meanwhile, will continue to be available for 2002 and later BMW models: X3, X5, Z4 and previous-generation 3 series.

Go to BMW's iPod site for more info.

The new interface is also compatible with Sirius satellite radio and HD Radio, meaning that users of those services can simply plug into the same system.