Technobabble

iPod in Car

Posted by on Mar 1, 2009 | 8 Comments

No question about it, iPod in car setups are all the rage … from the least expensive FM transmitters to the high end OEM factory implementations and aftermarket goodies. While I’ve been less then happy with the various inexpensive FM units, I’ve been wowed by some of the latest iPod in-car implementations that are coming directly from the auto manufacturers.

While more and more cars are coming straight from the factory with simple audio line-in, a simple jack is the bare minimum. Controlling your music with your iPod while driving is a hazardous endeavor that should be avoided. Taking your eyes off the road to look down at the tiny screen is downright dangerous.

The best factory implementations feature USB hookups that allow you to access your music through playlist, album, and artist listings right from the steering wheel. My two current favorites are Audi’s MMI interface and Ford’s Microsoft Sync.

The 2009 Audi A4 Quattro I had last month was tech-smart, simply elegant, and Starship Enterprise cool. Not only was the in car iPod support suburb, the mobile phone sync was nearly instantaneous, with everything available at the touch of a thumb … without lifting a hand from the wheel. (All of this at a pricetag, of course.) Beam me up.

On the other end of the in-car iPod affordability scale, I dig what Ford’s doing with the Microsoft Sync system. Voice control really does work … once you learn how to speak Syncese. (Never mind your buddy busting your chops about those Michael Bolton tunes you thought you hid.)

The Sync system earned a place in my heart when I reviewed the Ford Focus in a basic installation. But I soon found that Sync takes a whole new dimension when coupled with a flat screen LCD Navigation unit, as it was in our Ford Flex test unit. Seeing and scrolling through all your music folders (while stopped, of course), lets you pick the perfect playlist without guessing.

Have you added a custom iPod hook up to your present car? Will iPod in car capabilities be part of your next new car purchase decision?

Sound off!  :)

  • http://www.gavincampbellonline.com Gavin

    I use an aftermarket iPod system made by USASpec and have installed it in my Acura TL.

    I love it. It integrates with the system and emulates an external CD changer in the system. I can control the iPod directly from the steering wheel controls.

    The unit also has an aux input for other devices if you want. However you can’t control those devices like an iPod.

    It all runs about $200 and was very easy to install. Just a plug in the back of the radio.

    I know they just updated the unit to add more features but I feel no need to upgrade.

    As for the sound quality. It is perfect. A direct line into the system. Beats an FM transmitter.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/bflat450/ Brian

    I had an iTrip FM transmitter that was not bad once I found a good clear station for it, but it got stolen. I wish my car had a tape player though because the tape player adapters have really good quality.

  • http://www.geekbooks.com/ Dan Gray

    @Gavin – Thanks for the tip on the USASpec system! I might just go with that when I get the spare change.

    Tearing the dash apart can be shaky … gotta find the diagrams before I break a bunch of expensive plastic or someone will kill me. ;)

  • http://www.gavincampbellonline.com Gavin

    @Dan. For my specific car I didn’t have to remove anything to install it. However it was a bit tricky but there were details on my TL forum as to how to do it. It also shouldn’t be too expensive if you want to get a professional installer to do it for you. You will be very happy with it. The whole unit and my ipod are all stored away in my center console so nothing is out in the open.

  • http://geeks.pirillo.com/profile/pacmanghost_x Matt

    In my honest opinion, I think the CD Player will continue to keep its place in the average automobile as the primary means of mobile entertainment for a few more years…

    Many automobile manufacturers are beginning to add MP3 capability to their CD Players, ultimately allowing you a burn a data disc with some nicely organized folders and files, in turn giving you the ability to navigate through your folders right on the stereo, or, if you have an in-dash GPS, right on the navigation screen.

    Another nice feature that is becoming prevalent in some high-end luxury cars with premium sound systems and LCD screens in the dash, is the “in-dash” MP3 player. This idea is achieved by solid-state drives or flash memory behind the stereo or monitor that give you the ability to rip music from music CD’s or data discs right onto the drive.

  • gypkap

    I have a 4 Gen iPod and an iTrip transmitter whose fidelity is good enough for listening to music while on the highway.

    I also have a Macally power adapter, used with my charging cable, that keeps my iPod charged on the road.

    I listen to podcasts downloaded from the Internet, and also make long playlists (one is 4 hours long) of favorite music. Less fiddling while on the road.

    • http://www.carandipod.com Ivan

      I was at the Car motor show in Amsterdam last wednesday and was impressed at how many manufacturers were offering factory-fitted iPod integration in 2009 models.

      Different product managers on the stands told me they expected more and more customers to find it normal to be able to plug in an iPod in their new car. They also believe it will greatly influence the second-hand value of cars. Just like satnav today, second-hand car buyers in the future will expect a factory-fitted iPod integration.

      I even got to play with the iPod integration on an Aston Martin DBS (I’ll be posting it on my blog soon). Cool!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1787055051 Tanner Chase Carter

    Best move Google could make. No company should have to support legacy browsers, the web needs to move forward and I’m very glad Google is jumping on board with that.