riscy
09-18-2006, 09:59 PM
source (http://www.wired.com/news/culture/mac/0,71787-0.html?tw=wn_technology_9)
Author : John Gartner
Date : Sep, 15, 2006
Apple's updates to the iPod give consumers more choices for mobile music, but they still must navigate a bumpy road to hear iTunes in their cars.
Automakers, who often take years to incorporate new technologies, are slowly integrating the iPod experience into their product lines, perhaps fueled by the knowledge that consumers are willing to pay more to connect in the car. According to a survey published by J.D. Power and Associates in August, 60 percent of iPod owners are willing to pony up $150 for the privilege. Here is a rundown of the current and future choices for turning vehicles into iPod players.
Today's iPod-friendly standard equipment on vehicles is limited to auxiliary audio input jacks that enable iTunes to be played through the car speakers but with no ability to control the player. For example, Toyota includes audio inputs that work with other MP3 players on the latest Prius, Camry, Sienna, Yaris and 4Runner models. Connecting an iPod requires a cable with 3.5-mm connector on one end and an RCA interface to plug into the dashboard or CD player.
Apple announced in August that General Motors would offer an iPod connectivity option for its entire line of vehicles, and Apple estimates that 70 percent of 2007 model year cars will feature iPod connectivity. In addition to GM, Ford and Mazda will also offer optional car stereo/CD players (also known as head units) that enable iPod owners to select songs and browse folders, with the first products due at the end of this year.
Nearly 20 other automakers either currently or will soon offer dealer-installed upgrade kits. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, Honda and Toyota offer upgrade kits where iPods are stored and connect in the glove box and cost upwards of $500 with installation. For example, Toyota has a $260 iPod kit for its three Scion models (the xA, xB, and tC), while the Mercedes kit is $299.
There is "not a lot of differentiation" in the functionality provided by iPod connectivity kits offered by auto manufacturers, according to Brian Moody, the road test editor of automotive analyst Edmunds. He said that iPod connectivity is becoming an expected feature in new vehicles.
Connecting to iPods “is a very important thing for us; it can make or break (the) buying decision," said Ford spokesman Nick Twork.
Ford will include auxiliary audio input jacks in half of its 2007 models, and next year the company will offer the Ford TripTunes Advanced system for controlling iPods, according to Twork. The dealer-installed option will recharge the iPod when it is plugged in, and will offer improved sound over its current upgrade kit, he said.
If you haven't purchased a vehicle in the past few years, or if your car company has been slow to embrace iPods, there are low-cost adapters or more elegant alternatives from third-party stereo companies.
read more (http://www.wired.com/news/culture/mac/0,71787-0.html?tw=wn_technology_9)
Author : John Gartner
Date : Sep, 15, 2006
Apple's updates to the iPod give consumers more choices for mobile music, but they still must navigate a bumpy road to hear iTunes in their cars.
Automakers, who often take years to incorporate new technologies, are slowly integrating the iPod experience into their product lines, perhaps fueled by the knowledge that consumers are willing to pay more to connect in the car. According to a survey published by J.D. Power and Associates in August, 60 percent of iPod owners are willing to pony up $150 for the privilege. Here is a rundown of the current and future choices for turning vehicles into iPod players.
Today's iPod-friendly standard equipment on vehicles is limited to auxiliary audio input jacks that enable iTunes to be played through the car speakers but with no ability to control the player. For example, Toyota includes audio inputs that work with other MP3 players on the latest Prius, Camry, Sienna, Yaris and 4Runner models. Connecting an iPod requires a cable with 3.5-mm connector on one end and an RCA interface to plug into the dashboard or CD player.
Apple announced in August that General Motors would offer an iPod connectivity option for its entire line of vehicles, and Apple estimates that 70 percent of 2007 model year cars will feature iPod connectivity. In addition to GM, Ford and Mazda will also offer optional car stereo/CD players (also known as head units) that enable iPod owners to select songs and browse folders, with the first products due at the end of this year.
Nearly 20 other automakers either currently or will soon offer dealer-installed upgrade kits. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, Honda and Toyota offer upgrade kits where iPods are stored and connect in the glove box and cost upwards of $500 with installation. For example, Toyota has a $260 iPod kit for its three Scion models (the xA, xB, and tC), while the Mercedes kit is $299.
There is "not a lot of differentiation" in the functionality provided by iPod connectivity kits offered by auto manufacturers, according to Brian Moody, the road test editor of automotive analyst Edmunds. He said that iPod connectivity is becoming an expected feature in new vehicles.
Connecting to iPods “is a very important thing for us; it can make or break (the) buying decision," said Ford spokesman Nick Twork.
Ford will include auxiliary audio input jacks in half of its 2007 models, and next year the company will offer the Ford TripTunes Advanced system for controlling iPods, according to Twork. The dealer-installed option will recharge the iPod when it is plugged in, and will offer improved sound over its current upgrade kit, he said.
If you haven't purchased a vehicle in the past few years, or if your car company has been slow to embrace iPods, there are low-cost adapters or more elegant alternatives from third-party stereo companies.
read more (http://www.wired.com/news/culture/mac/0,71787-0.html?tw=wn_technology_9)