Bose Media System crams GPS / media playback into your dash

Although Bose has become somewhat of a mainstay in the iPod speaker / overpriced headphone departments, the always controversial firm is kicking out a new device suited for your vehicle's dash. The simply-named Bose Media System head unit looks to replace that entirely antiquated cassette player you're still using, and offers up a solid mix of abilities all the while. Aside from the obvious navigation and CD playback functions, the universal player will also handle SACD, DVD-A, MP3, and AAC files burned onto a CD / DVD-R, and can also tune into XM (and Sirius?) broadcasts when not locked onto AM / FM transmissions. You'll also be graced with 5.1 playback, the uMusic mood-sensing system, proximity control sensors, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, USB 2.0 input for portable media access, and in typical Bose fashion, a mysteriously sized hard drive that reportedly holds "up to 200 hours" of content. Of course, don't expect Bose to divulge any details regarding wattage, screen specifications, or any other tidbit that could be helpful in weighing your in-dash options, but folks eying the forthcoming Ferrari 612 Scaglietti can expect it to debut in their ride for a currently undisclosed price.

[smudley @ Mar 9th 2007 10:59AM]

wbcn... nice!

[Z @ Mar 9th 2007 11:15AM]

This looks very nice. Too bad it doesn't play DVD's. That's the only thing it seems to be missing. I don't know why so many manufacturers ignore that part of entertainment.

Without DVD playback included in the mix, they don't get my dollars.

[hellonico @ Mar 9th 2007 11:24AM]

From the product page:
Compatible media include CDs, DVD audio discs, DVD video discs, Super Audio CDs, MP3s, AAC and nearly all formats available on recordable CDs and DVDs.

Product page: http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/automotive/innovations/media_system/index.jsp

[Z @ Mar 9th 2007 12:22PM]

Ah, DVD video. I see now. My bad. Curious why Engadget failed to mention that.

[wtf @ Mar 9th 2007 11:29AM]

If it weren't Bose, I'd be awfully tempted.

It's damn hard to find feature-rich car stereos that aren't flashy and ugly. This Bose one looks like it'd match the interior of my Subaru nicely.

[Rick Lyon @ Mar 9th 2007 11:32AM]

Hmm, Bose? Did they find some cheap asian faceplates leftover from the 80s that will use to make another cheap product and charge 3 times it's worth? What's with the two heads of death there? I hate 1 knob but Bose gives us TWO! AND look, no text on the buttons! Talk about user intuitive!

[Tim @ Mar 9th 2007 11:54AM]

Ugh.. what a quandary. On one hand, I despise Bose. On the other hand, this is exactly what I want to replace the stock unit that came in my Nissan Versa.

[benderillo @ Mar 9th 2007 11:57AM]

Something tells me that this will not be available to consumers. I think it is going to be OEM only.

[TIMMAH! @ Mar 9th 2007 12:39PM]

It's about freakin' time! Geez people (ie. car audio manufacturers), get on the bandwagon!

[crzyjamaican46 @ Mar 9th 2007 12:53PM]

What about some HD radio damn it?

[Rudy @ Mar 9th 2007 12:58PM]

Despite the Bose-bashing, they may have got it right this time. Esp. the SACD, 5.1 in the car, which seems like a natural choice since even the dullest of cars have a minimum of 4 speakers.

[pauze @ Mar 9th 2007 2:18PM]

i echo a lot of the sentiments here -- this is exactly what i've been looking for: bluetooth, usb, hard drive...but DAMMIT ITS A BOSE! booo!!

i couldn't tell from the spec page on the Bose site, but does it support mp3 on its hard drive? that's something that kept me away from pioneer's avic z1.

if the price is right, i may just cave in. and i guess it'll match the factory-standard Bose stereo i have in my Altima (just trying to look at the positives here...lol)

[James Mertz @ Mar 9th 2007 3:30PM]

Hey morons,
Read up on the product before you flippantly comment. e.g. Rick Lyon, why don't you read about the proximity functions before you complain about the dials (which you won't really need)....

[JB @ Mar 9th 2007 5:00PM]

DVDA!!! Call in the stunt cock(s).

[Bill @ Mar 9th 2007 5:08PM]

Kevin O'Doyle: What kind of stereo do you have?
Michael Newman: I don't know, Kevin, I never checked.
Kevin O'Doyle: Well my dad's stereo is a Bose.
Michael Newman: [yell's while driving away] What? Your Dad's stereo blows? Well that's too bad!

[Jack Cow @ Mar 9th 2007 7:41PM]

Damn it's Bose, so damn it'll be OEM-only. All their systems are built for the model car, and are supposed to be tuned to the uniques interior shapes, blah, blah. So unless you're looking to buy that Ferrari (and if you are, screw the Bose system, its a frickin Ferrari) your out of luck. Damn!

[gg25 @ Mar 19th 2007 6:57PM]

I'll keep my comments short on this. Bose is actually impressing a lot of people these days. They shocked sound engineers working at the Olympic games when they won on performance in all SPL, control and sound quality - the price was also very competitive. The engineers were amazed at the quality of the Panaray LT systems.

I expect Bose to be realising that audio buffs would like to see that come to the consumer line. Expect some impressive stuff from Bose over the next few years. Trust me. There's a new product out in around May - and it's set to put expensive bookshelfs to shame, with fantastic sound, bass and portability. Wait and see... and give Bose another chance.

The only bad thing about this Media system is it will be OEM only. If you ever hear the ferarri system - you'll be very impressed.

[akatsuki @ May 16th 2007 4:55PM]

OEM only? I didn't see that anywhere, and I can't imagine that Bose wouldn't want to make the money they could make selling this thing aftermarket. I would love to replace the crappy stereo in my Boxster with one of these. I could see a period of exclusivity for Ferrari and other high end car makers, but OEM only?