Over half of 2009 vehicles in America will offer iPod support

And we're not talking about that 3.5mm-to-3.5mm trick, either. No sirree, we're referring to bona fide iPod integration, and 2009 marks the first year where over half of all US-bound automobiles are expected to offer optional support for Apple's prolific PMP. When looking at 2008 model year vehicles, just 39% offered tight iPod integration, but according to Phil Magney, vice president of automotive research for iSuppli, the "automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies -- or the lack of them -- are influencing sales." Furthermore, Bluetooth is expected to be in 82% of 2009 US vehicles (optional or standard), and just so we're clear, we're talking all cars, not just the luxury brands. Unfortunately, no data was provided for expected compatibility with the DJ Ditty.

[Via Wired, image courtesy of JPMagazine]

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:11AM]

iPods get updated yearly or less, I expect to keep any car I buy for a minimum of 10 years. Does it really make sense for me to buy a car with iPod integration when I don't know if a future iPod generation will work with it, or if iPod will even be around at all in a few years? Personally I'm happy with the headphone jack adapter I installed in my after-market Sony deck.

rcappo, I like your idea about the Touch. We got one recently as a gift and I hadn't figured out where to use it yet. Will give it a try in the car.

[JustEric Posted Oct 15th 2008 1:35PM]

Forget "future iPod generation." It's more like "future iPod firmware." When I got my iPod touch for Christmas last year, the iPod adapter in my truck (the brand escapes me at the moment, but I believe they went under a while back) that had served me well with my 1st-gen Nano for years continued to serve me well -- and in some cases, BETTER -- with the touch.

Fast-forward almost a year, and a handful of firmware updates later, and the thing is flaky at best. Every update seems to break something new, or at a minimum, break something that it already broke a little more. Why do I keep updating? Because I (foolishly) hope that Apple might pull its head out of its ass and fix it...or at least TELL US what they're fixing. I'm so sick of seeing a new firmware update that says "Bug Fixes."

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:37AM]

:D

[Skorpius Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:47AM]

Hopefully these decks will use their own DAC and not rely on the iPod for that, akin to the Alpine units that do this. 24 bit Burr-Brown, please.

[Demios Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:50AM]

Us creative users get no love.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 12:04PM]

It would be nice if Apple didn't change the voltage on the charging! It went from 12V down to 4-5V now with the iPhone 3G and new iPod Touch. I have a 2008 Infiniti with the iPod integration cable and now it won't charge my new iPod Touch. It will play music and interface with the Nav screen, but now I have to bring it inside each night to charge it up. It also won't work on my iHome radio/alarm clock next to my bed or my old "retractable" power cord for travelling!

[drakino Posted Oct 15th 2008 12:12PM]

Some of the support out there is pretty poor. Just got back from a vacation where the rental car (some 2009 hyundai) had "iPod" support. What they really meant is "Window formatted, classic iPods".

Basically, there are two ways to talk to an iPod to play music:

1. The unsupported way of reading the hard disk directly, scanning for MP3 files, or sometimes reading the Apple database file directly. This has never been supported, and can and has changed at any time.

2. iPod control mode. The stereo speak to the iPod with a specific protocol to control and play music. This works with any Windows or Mac iPod, including the newer touch, and iPhones.

Rarely do the specs on the car indicate what method is used. And a lot of people are going to be pissed when they have a car with #1, and an iPod that won't work.

[Dharmabhum Posted Oct 15th 2008 12:14PM]

One should point out that some iPod integration connections are actually USB-based; in fact, most are. Some automakers offer an extra cable extension that just connects the iPod's out-port to the vehicle's USB port. Some host the simple iPodUSB cable that comes with the iPod.

All this means that, provided the iPod connection isn't a hidden behind-the-scenes cable with only your input visible, then your iPod works on the USB input, and that USB can be used for any number of universally connectible devices!

[rdb4133 Posted Oct 15th 2008 12:46PM]

I just recently installed the Pioneer DEH-6000UB on my 06 Mazda 3 and it's a sweet head unit. It comes with a USB female connection that you can use to plug up a flash drive, iPod and I think most MP3 players. Not too sure if it will work ones that use special software needed to load music on it, like the Zune. But I tried my 80GB iPod Classic and Creative Zen Stone 1GB and they both worked flawlessly. The interface to control the iPod, other USB devices and even MP3 cd's is much better than any other units I've seen out there. The 3-line display is really nice too :)

[pretol Posted Oct 15th 2008 1:24PM]

I'm sorry for all those people. When apples changes their dock specs, they have to throw away the car. Apple, GOOD JOB, you got them where you want them.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 2:39PM]

Why isnt ford busting out connectors for the Zune... ya know.. that other portable audio player that plays more formats... to go with their ms sync..

[pyehac Posted Oct 15th 2008 2:42PM]

I recently installed GROM's iPod integrator into my '04 Mazda3. Now I don't have to change CDs on my commute home, and I don't have to wait until I get 15 songs to make a CD!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 3:17PM]

Only half? Guess we know which half will be left on the lot.

What ever happened to Albinos?

http://tobroketolaugh.com

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 9:30PM]

Perfect example of just how awesome iPods are. How many will offer Zune support?? Oh wait...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 16th 2008 2:18AM]

Think Different?