IPods Integrations and New Car Models
Provided By: CarInsurance.com
You might be out for a jog or in an airport waiting for your flight and you will notice that everywhere you look there is likely someone with their headphones on listening to their iPod. What do these people do when they get in their automobiles and want to continue to list to their iPod play list? Car makers are now creating ways in which to integrate technology so that new car models will allow for connectivity with iPods.
Automobile makers have realized that car buyers want to be able to bring their iPod with them into their car instead of a handful of CDs. IPod owners want to take their music collection or audio book or pod cast, whatever they have put into their iPod, with them on the road or during their daily commute. That is why so many have started to work with Apple, the creator of the iPod, on how to integrate technology into their vehicles so the iPod can be easily used with the car’s audio system.
Starting with 2005 models Volvo, Nissan, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari began integrating iPod with their in car stereo systems. Mercedes was the first automaker to provide full iPod navigation for music lovers as they drive. Mercedes integration system allows for drivers to listen to their iPod music collection or podcasts through the vehicles audio system. This system also allows the motorist to select their music using album, artist or a play list using the controls on the steering wheel.
Volvo began their iPod integration with two connectivity options in their entire 2005 US model line. Some Volvo models use a dashboard mounted FM transmitter. In other models there is an iPod adapter that will connect to the iPod from a cable positioned in the car’s glove compartment. In this second type of connection the Volvo driver will be able to control the music through the normal sound system and steering wheel controls.
In 2006 the list of car manufacturers that have decided to offer iPod integration continues to grow. The Apple site for iPod lists models of cars with such options. This list of car manufacturers include: Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Toyota Scion, Mini-Cooper, Suzuki and Volkswagen. These car makers have either integration options on certain model types or have accessories to outfit the vehicle to play the iPod.
General Motors (GM) has jumped in and began fitting some of their 2006 vehicles with a new stereo system that can play the iPod. These new stereos will include an extra channel and a plug-in jack that can be used for connecting your iPod or other audio source. With this connection set up, the iPod or audio player can be heard through the car’s sound system.
The first GM vehicle to include this new stereo system is the HHR. There are other 2006 models will also start to include this iPod adapter as a standard feature. These model types will include the Chevy Monte Carlo, Chevy Impala, Pontiac Solstice and Saturn VUE.
Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge will start full iPod integration in the spring of 2006. This audio option is estimated to cost around $175 US dollars. These auto makers say that retrofits may be available for some 2005 models as well.
If you have a prior year model or older car made by any automobile maker you may not be out of luck. Many stereo accessory manufacturers have iPod integration options that you can buy and use in your vehicle. Whether a vehicle is new or old there are options for iPod users so that they can bring their play lists with them along for the ride.
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