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Archive for the ‘iPod integration’ Category

What if you bought an Audi but didn't order the Audi factory-fitted iPod interface? No problem. Just ask your local Audi dealer to install an aftermarket iPod interface kit. That's what the owner of this Audi Q7 did and the dealer installed a Dension Gateway 500 iPod interface. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to listen to your iPod or iPhone music in a car that has a cassette deck (yes, they still exist) is by using a cassette adapter. Here's a short video of how it works with an iPhone in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Read the rest of this entry »

I had a chance to play with the iPod interface with the latest iDrive in a 2009 BMW 1-series.  One of the differences with the previous iDrive is that there are a number of quick access butttons next to the central iDrive wheel.

I especially focused on the quick search function. If you have a full iPod with a 60GB or more storage capacity it can be quite frustrating to have to scroll through a long list if you want to go from your ABBA artist to your favourite ZZ  Top Album. Read the rest of this entry »

If you're going to replace your factory-fitted system with an aftermarket in-dash unit, you might as well go for a fully integrated system including navigation, iPod integration with iPod video control and iPhone compatible bluetooth . Here are two systems that will do the job nicely if your original car unit can be replaced with a double-din sized in-dash unit. Those are the Kenwood DNX8120 (USA, Canada) or DNX8220BT (Europe) series and the Pioneer AVIC F90BT or F900BT series. Read the rest of this entry »

An increasing number of car manufacturers are offering iPod connectivity in their models. With the popularity of Apple's iPod, car buyers increasingly expect to be able to plug in their favorite MP3 player when they're on the road. But beware. Manufacturers have chosen different approaches to claim iPod connectivity. Here's an overview of the different offerings and what to look out for. Read the rest of this entry »

One thing I definitely like about the new iPod integration in the XC60 is the fact that the iPod display screen is seperate from the GPS navigation display. That way you can search and select music on your iPod without losing sight of your navigation indications. Many other systems use one screen to display all information including the audio/iPod interface but Volvo has chosen a different approach here. Read the rest of this entry »

Jaguar has high hopes for making the replacement of the S-type a huge success. In branding and marketing the new XF Jaguar has largely emphasized the high-tech features of their latest model to attract new customers. There are many cool tech gadgets like the pop-up "drive selector" or the special opening system for the glove compartment and I was therefore very curious to see what they had thought of in terms of iPod integration. Read the rest of this entry »