GM to Offer iPod Integration Across the Board!

[atomicshark]

From Macminute:

Apple works on more iPod/car integration

August 3, 2006 - 09:37 EDT Apple today announced it has teamed up with Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Mazda to deliver seamless iPod integration across the majority of their brands and models, making it easy for iPod users to enjoy and control their iPod’s high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system. With the addition of these models, more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, notes the release. "“Now more than 70% of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, with General Motors alone making it available on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks. Ford and General Motors will feature iPod integration in the majority of their 2007 models in the US beginning later this year, while Mazda’s entire global 2007 lineup of cars and SUVs will offer iPod connectivity. iPod offerings for Ford, General Motors and Mazda provide drivers with outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, while conveniently storing the iPod in the glove compartment.

http://www.macminute.com/2006/08/03/ipod-auto/

[atomicshark]

I think this is a great move by GM. It has taken a while, but they finally did it.

Bravo GM!

[oldskls10]

Nice move by all the above mentioned manufacturers. I wonder if any of them will be backward-compatible with previous model years??

[sigma]

The connector interface into the iPod hasn't changed a bit from the G1 to the G5 iPod, so plug in away.

Great decision GM.

[Quickening]

I have a question...everyone says iPod connection or integration, but in actuality can you use any mp3 player?

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by Quickening

I have a question...everyone says iPod connection or integration, but in actuality can you use any mp3 player?

It means it will connect with the iPod's connector which is exclusive to the iPod. Since the integration is seamless, this is a neccessity.

I am sure that GM and the others will leave an auxilliary port for the other MP3 players including the original iPods.

[mgescuro]

Better late than never, I gues...
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...f071441D74.DTL
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/aug/03ipod.html

Apple's IPod Compatibility in More Cars By MAY WONG, AP Technology Writer


In the latest boost to its dominance in portable music players, Apple Computer Inc. is teaming with General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. to integrate the iPod into car audio systems. GM and Ford are the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 automakers, and the new alliances mean the iconic audio gadget will now be compatible with more than 70 percent of the new 2007 model vehicles sold in the United States, Apple said Thursday.
GM and Mazda will offer iPod integration on all new models, Apple said, and Ford will offer it on many of its Ford and Lincoln Mercury models later this year.
Carmakers say they are responding to a booming trend in which sales of iPods and other MP3 players are predicted to more than double from 58 million units in 2005 to 132 million in 2009.
The iPod holds about a 75 percent share of the portable player market in the U.S.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

So long as GM keeps the AUX port, any MP3 jukebox will work.
iPod integration gives you 3 advantages:
1) It means that you can control the playlists from the steering wheel.
2) You can view the title, artist, etc on your Nav Screen or IP screen.
3) And it's a digital-out signal, which gives you the best audio clarity.

I guess, the potential is there to view videos from the iPod onto the vehicle's screen(s) as well.

Being able to watch video (from the iPod) on a screen in the dash or the backseats etc. would be a killer feature. I hope that becomes a reality within the next couple of years.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Quickening

I have a question...everyone says iPod connection or integration, but in actuality can you use any mp3 player?

So long as GM keeps the AUX port, any MP3 jukebox will work.
iPod integration gives you 3 advantages:
1) It means that you can control the playlists from the steering wheel.
2) You can view the title, artist, etc on your Nav Screen or IP screen.
3) And it's a digital-out signal, which gives you the best audio clarity.

I guess, the potential is there to view videos from the iPod onto the vehicle's screen(s) as well.

Originally Posted by sigma

The connector interface into the iPod hasn't changed a bit from the G1 to the G5 iPod, so plug in away.

Great decision GM.

Well, the connection interface on the G1-2 iPods were a regular firewire port. G2 and on had the dock connector.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by atomicshark

Being able to watch video (from the iPod) on a screen in the dash or the backseats etc. would be a killer feature. I hope that becomes a reality within the next couple of years.

So much for the PhatNoise system.

Especially now, since the rumors are saying that the new G6 iPod will be capable of playing classic Nintendo games, etc.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

So much for the PhatNoise system.

Especially now, since the rumors are saying that the new G6 iPod will be capable of playing classic Nintendo games, etc.

Seriously!

Originally Posted by mgescuro

So long as GM keeps the AUX port, any MP3 jukebox will work.
iPod integration gives you 3 advantages:
1) It means that you can control the playlists from the steering wheel.
2) You can view the title, artist, etc on your Nav Screen or IP screen.
3) And it's a digital-out signal, which gives you the best audio clarity.

I guess, the potential is there to view videos from the iPod onto the vehicle's screen(s) as well.


Well, the connection interface on the G1-2 iPods were a regular firewire port. G2 and on had the dock connector.

Ahh the good old days of firewire!

[CADILLACSIXTEEN]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

So long as GM keeps the AUX port, any MP3 jukebox will work.
iPod integration gives you 3 advantages:
1) It means that you can control the playlists from the steering wheel.
2) You can view the title, artist, etc on your Nav Screen or IP screen.
3) And it's a digital-out signal, which gives you the best audio clarity.

I guess, the potential is there to view videos from the iPod onto the vehicle's screen(s) as well.


Well, the connection interface on the G1-2 iPods were a regular firewire port. G2 and on had the dock connector.

amazing

[kenman923]

That would be good. Hey, the monitors for the nav-systems could include other information, like play lists.

[yamahr1]

IMO, GM should work with Apple on having an optional iPod built into the key. Easily share between home and car. Inserting the key in the ignition would make the connection.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by yamahr1

IMO, GM should work with Apple on having an optional iPod built into the key. Easily share between home and car. Inserting the key in the ignition would make the connection.

What a brilliant idea!!
And iPod shuffle key. There would be limited songs though, and you probably couldn't see what was being played.