Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/03/car_makers_drive_incar_ipods/
Ford today pledged to listening to what its customers are listening to and make it easier for motorists to hook up an MP3 player to their car stereos. Top of list of new features for its 2007 line-up are auxiliary audio input jacks, but the auto maker also promised tighter iPod integration for its higher-end motors.
Cars getting audio sockets in their dashboards include the Ford Edge, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Fusion, Sport Trac, Ranger, F-150, Mercury Milan, Mountaineer, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKZ, Navigator and Lincoln Mark LT. The inputs provide an easy way to connect a music player to the vehicle's hi-fi.
Of course, there's nothing new here from a technological standpoint, but it means most new Fords will have the DAP-friendly cabling next year.
Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers will also get to offer TripTunes, an optional extra that fits an iPod dock connector into the vehicle's glovebox, which not only keeps the player charged while routing audio to the stereo, but also allows the Apple gadget to be controlled using the in-car audio rig's buttons and knobs.
Ford's announcement was followed by similar schemes from General Motors and Mazda. Together will already announced plans from BMW, Acura, Honda, Dodge, Jeep, Infiniti and a host of other car makers operating in the US market, 70 per cent of all the 2007-model autos offered in the US will feature iPod integration, Apple claimed.
Beyond the States, the Mazda programme will see iPod support added to all of its new-year global car and SUV lines. ®
MS and Ford team on in-car software (9 January 2007)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/09/ms_ford_car_software/
Seat revs iPod, digital radio-friendly sporty auto (31 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/31/seat_ipod_ibiza/
BBC journo 'reveals' BBC DAB-on-iPod plan (11 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/11/bbc_promotes_bbc_dab_plan/
Sony shuffles Sports Walkman brand into iPod era (9 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/09/sony_unveils_digital_sports_walkman/
UK retailer touts ultra-slim monolith MP3 player (9 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/09/amp3_mcody_m20/
Warner mulls bundling music DVDs with iPod-friendly songs (7 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/07/warner_apple_ipod_tunes_discs/
Creative draws bead on iPod Nano with second-gen Neeon (4 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/04/creative_unveils_neeon_2/
Firm ships MP3 player with integrated 'iTrip' (28 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/28/netac_mustik_a200_fm_transmitter/
Memorex readies handheld iPod videoscreen (27 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/27/memorex_iflip/
Griffin iTrip to be UK street-legal by year's end? (14 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/14/itrip_to_be_legalised_in_uk/
Mitsubishi presses play on iPod-inspired auto (17 May 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/05/17/mitsubishi_i_car/
Iqua Snake wraps stereo headset around car seat (2 May 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/05/02/iqua_bluetooth_snake/