Apple says Ford, GM and Mazda to offer iPod hookups
Apple Computer on Thursday announced it has teamed up with Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Mazda to deliver seamless iPod integration across the majority of their brands and models, making it easy for iPod users to enjoy and control their iPodâs high-quality sound through their carâs stereo system.
"Weâre delighted that Ford, General Motors and Mazda will support iPod connectivity in nearly all of their new models," said Greg Joswiak, Appleâs vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. "Now more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, with General Motors alone making it available on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks."
Ford and General Motors will feature iPod integration in the majority of their 2007 models in the US beginning later this year, while Mazdaâs entire global 2007 lineup of cars and SUVs will offer iPod connectivity.
iPod offerings for all three of the auto makers provide drivers with great sound quality while charging the iPod and conveniently storing the device in the glove compartment. Seamless iPod integration also allows drivers to use their carâs multifunction controls to select their music using artist, album, playlist or shuffle songs, as well as to easily skip between tracks and playlists.
"iPod and iTunes are leading the digital music revolution, providing the best way to listen to music on the go, at home and in the car," Apple said in a statement. "With over 58 million iPods sold, the iPod is the worldâs most popular digital music player and the iTunes Music Store is the number one online music store with over a billion songs purchased and downloaded worldwide."
Additional information
The folks at LeftLaneNews are offering some additional details (and photos) of GM's "Personal Audio Link" package. Meanwhile, information on other auto makers that offer iPod integration is available through Apple's Web site.
18 Comments
What I'm looking for is a slot loading iPod dock type car stereo made by Apple which would have a 6" or 7" touch-screen. To confirm, no buttons, one slot, touch-screen, Apple logo, job done.
the link points to http://www.appleinsider.com/www.appl...od/ipodyourcar
it should be http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipodyourcar
Well this is nice, but is it really iPod integration.
I just looked at the 2006 BMW & Lexus and they no longer have the iPod cable they have an aux audio input now which you can plug in any MP3 player. Which suxs since it requires you to use the iPod interface to control the Ipod where are the original implemention you could control the iPod through the dash of the car.
It looks like the auto companies do not want be tied to the ipod, with the aux audio input you can input any audio device and have it play through the car stereo.
It looks like the auto companies do not want be tied to the ipod, with the aux audio input you can input any audio device and have it play through the car stereo.
It is easier not to be tied to the iPod, but it makes the whole experience more "user friendly" that way.
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They better do it quick - before they go bankrupt and out of business!