Apple and BMW Announce iPod Connectivity

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.apple.com/ipod/bmw/' target='_blank'>http://www.apple.com/ipod/bmw/</a><br /><br /></div>Apple has announced a partnership with luxury car maker BWM to integrate it's iPod digital audio player with several BMW models. Namely the 3 Series, X3, X5 SAVs, Z4 Roadsters and MINIs.<br /><br />"Connect with music like never before behind the wheel of your BMW 3 Series, and X3 and X5 SAV, Z4 Roadster or MINI. With the installation of an integrated adapter developed by Apple and BMW, you can now control your iPod or iPod mini through the existing audio system and multi-function steering wheel. Which means no loss of power. No loss of sound quality. No loss of control."<br /><br />Cool concept. Having your music library available with you in the car is quickly becoming a key requirement for many consumers. While this solution makes sense for luxury auto makers...the <i>rest of us</i> can simply purchase an iTrip from Griffin Technologies and use that to play music while commuting to work. :)<br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/ipodbmw.gif" />

[Chris Gohlke]

The cool part about this is that you can use the controls already built into the vehicle to control the Ipod. The finish of the glovebox leaves something to be desired though. I would prefer to see a cradle in there not just a dangling wire. At least something to secure the ipod to keep it from moving around would be nice.

I am looking to mount the remote for my iriver on the dash and stow the drive in the glove box. Just need to work out the cable management.

[entropy1980]

Actually here's a way for the rest of us that uses the same technology as what BMW is using, in fact I have heard it's the same device

http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=375&Itemid=79

It's by Denison called the ICELink
Here's a list of cars that support it.
http://densionusa.com/merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DU&Category_Code=IA

Very slick and besides my iTrip sucks! :(

[Jonathon Watkins]

Very slick and besides my iTrip sucks! :(

Why is that? I would like to be able to use radio transmission, but can't in the UK. What's the problem with the iTrip?

[Suhit Gupta]

Oh man, so now I have to buy a BMW as an accessory to my iPod? Isn't that a bit excessive? ;-)

Suhit

[entropy1980]

Very slick and besides my iTrip sucks! :(

Why is that? I would like to be able to use radio transmission, but can't in the UK. What's the problem with the iTrip?

Too many frequencies where i live come in too strong so it doesn't work until I get out into the boondocks :(

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

The finish of the glovebox leaves something to be desired though. I would prefer to see a cradle in there not just a dangling wire. At least something to secure the ipod to keep it from moving around would be nice.

Yea, it looks like a cheap hack in the photo.

[dean_shan]

Why is that? I would like to be able to use radio transmission, but can't in the UK. What's the problem with the iTrip?
How come you can't transmit?

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

I believe such devices are prohibited in the UK, think Jonathon has posted about it before..

[Jason Dunn]

For those of you having trouble with the FM transmitters, why not get a stereo with a minjack input? I did this a few years back with a Pocket PC and it worked quite well.

[entropy1980]

For those of you having trouble with the FM transmitters, why not get a stereo with a minjack input? I did this a few years back with a Pocket PC and it worked quite well.
Don't feel like spending $ on getting one.

[mashtim]

Ok, this is marginally cool, but I'll give up the ability to change tracks from my steering wheel to keep my current setup.

I recently purchased a compatible X3, but chose to go with the old-fashioned AUX IN. This allows me to plug my pocket pc into the stereo and have both music and GPS running through the speakers.

However, I might be interested when the second generation comes out, as I'm sure by then they'll have figured out a way to get the track title and artist info onto the radio screen. They've already figured it out for the built-in bluetooth. It's pretty sweet to hear the phone ring over your speakers and see the phone number/contact name come up onto the radio screen. Of course, most folks think I'm nuts when they see me speaking to thin air, but that's a whole other rant.

Either way, BMW is certainly embracing new technology quite readily., I love to see that!

[Jonathon Watkins]

For those of you having trouble with the FM transmitters, why not get a stereo with a minjack input? I did this a few years back with a Pocket PC and it worked quite well.
Don't feel like spending $ on getting one.

Agreed. Upgrading the car stereo ain't cheep. :?

[James Fee]

Too many frequencies where i live come in too strong so it doesn't work until I get out into the boondocks :(
Heck, I can't even do that. My car seems to block the reception from inside the cabin. If I hold the iPod out the window it works fine. :evil:

[ctmagnus]

Then hack your antenna to pull part of it (an "extension"?) into the cabin.

Edit: if it's possible ;)

[possmann]

I wish they would provide a slot for an SD card into a car radio - Or better yet a USB jack so I could USB any type of memory format into the radio in my car directly... now that would be really cool....

[Jonathon Watkins]

I wish they would provide a slot for an SD card into a car radio - Or better yet a USB jack so I could USB any type of memory format into the radio in my car directly... now that would be really cool....

We can dream can't we. :wink:

How many years before this happens do you reckon?

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Well, there isn't a standard for that, but Creative's Muvo NX and TX line can plug into their itrigue speakers via the USB port. So it's not impossible really..