Kenwood trots out iPhone-compatible I-K50 head unit

We suspect the whole "iPhone-friendly" bit is more marketing hoopla than anything else, as Kenwood's I-K50 head unit definitely lacks a straight-up dock connector, but that doesn't mean it won't play nice with Apple's latest handset. Boasting a USB port right on the front, the single-DIN deck gets down with iPods, iPhones and practically any DAP or PMP with a USB connector. Of course, it also supports those antiquated discs we Earthlings call "CDs," and the front-mounted auxiliary input makes it really easy to connect any source with a headphone output. It's set to drop in around a month in Japan for ¥23,100 ($259).

[Via iPodNN]

[tekdroid @ Dec 20th 2008 9:52AM]

I still have aversions to limited-segment text displays like those seen above.

In other news, CD and standard USB support ftw.

[EricC @ Dec 20th 2008 11:33AM]

I had a third-party iPod interface on my old Sony headunit that worked beautifully with my iPod touch. Then I fell in love with the Alpine iDA-X100 and upgraded. They don't advertise it as compatible with the iPhone or touch, but my touch works flawlessly, and word 'round the Internets is that the iPhone works perfectly, too.

Better late than never, eh, Kenwood?

[EricC @ Dec 20th 2008 11:34AM]

Hmm...that was not meant to be a reply, but it sort of works, anyhow =)

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Dec 20th 2008 2:40PM]

Yeah the display looks like it sucks, but at least they put a line-in and USB port on the device. There's nothing dumber than making an iPod-only deck that doesn't bother including a simple line-in.

Myself, I'm considering getting that Parrot deck.. it looks pretty damn cool. I'd love better iPod integration than my crappy DICE w/factory head unit, and the bluetooth would be a major plus.

[nacho @ Dec 20th 2008 10:01AM]

i think the 'new improvement' here is the ability to recognize an ipod thru the usb connector. i'd tried my ipod in another car stereo with usb port and nothing happens.

[Rory @ Dec 20th 2008 10:09AM]

No, the improvement seems to be that it plays nice with the iPhone. Kenwood already has several head units that support the iPod through a USB connection (including the KDC-X592 which has a much better display and sells online for $150 or less) - but most only support the traditional iPods through the USB port, not the iPhone or touch.

[Elvis @ Dec 20th 2008 12:03PM]

The problem isn't Kenwood, it's (cr)apple, they keep changing the interfaces between ipods and other units (because why just get one licensing fee when you can collect one for each device and version?). Ask anyone who writes (or tries to) software to sync an ipod instead of using itunes.

That said, Kenwood needs to get on the stick when it comes to their USB interfaces. I've got a DNX-7100, which while it will work with just about any USB device, and supports playing via things like song, artist, genre, etc., doesn't support random playing except by folder (this was on a 2007 unit, hopefully they've changed since then) and won't play video via USB. Unless, of course, you've got an ipod. Then you can play video, or random play in any category, so instead of using my $60 60 gig USB drive, I had to go out and buy a used ipod and a custom cable, just to get random play via USB.

[Kevin @ Dec 20th 2008 10:01AM]

I'm not sure that "tip" is very good for someone driving a car...

[Level 5 @ Dec 20th 2008 10:06AM]

I used to have an old Kenwood MPV-622 in my car that was iPod compatible back in 03. While I doubt it worked with iPhones, I have to say the display looked alot better than this new one 5 years later. What's the deal Kenwood.. we don't need text that looks like it's off of a Speak n Spell!

[nikster @ Dec 20th 2008 8:12PM]

Wanted: Car Stereo Designer

Must-have qualifications: Love of blue LEDs. Ability to create impossible-to-use interfaces. An eye for what would look the most out of place in a modern, well designed vehicle interior. Ability to cram as much text in as many different fonts as possible on the front plate - preferably it up. With blue LEDs. Then add weird shapes that have no function but look ?!?!?!.

[Alpinerover @ Dec 20th 2008 10:10AM]

And the winner for most obvious and irrelevant post of the day goes to...

[Chase @ Dec 20th 2008 10:19AM]

using "free" and "complimentary" was a little bit redundant, don't you think?

[solarbuddy @ Dec 20th 2008 10:23AM]

I have a JVC deck that reads USB thumbdrive (I use Replay AV to snag Dean Edell's radio broadcasts from KGO's live stream) and it is VERY picky. If there are irrelevant folders or files on the drive it just isn't smart enough to find the mp3's and play them. Something that can handle any usb device would be a huge improvement.

[LostPhil @ Dec 20th 2008 10:32AM]

I have a JVC unit too and I have problems with it reading a thumbdrive - I have to keep turning it on and off until it does. Also, I can't use any mp3 player that draws power from the port either, so that's both of my UMS (MSC) players out of the window. I hope they've changed them in that respect!

[htd @ Dec 20th 2008 10:41AM]

my DUAL 6425 has HD Radio and USB input, it was only $50 after the HD Radio rebate

[STINK @ Dec 20th 2008 7:52PM]

That's the killer app for me - HD radio

[BobFromVegas @ Dec 20th 2008 10:42AM]

Throw your Iphone at iEye

A great way to make trolls like iEye shut up is to use your iPhone as a weapon. Aim for the head.

This has been your free complimentary iPhone tip of the day...!

[Marc @ Dec 20th 2008 10:54AM]

I have a sony deck with an ipod connector that I bought back in march of last year. The connector on it would charge and play back music from all ipods including the 1g touch. Then apple changed the connectors on the iphone 3g and the ipod touch 2g so I had to buy a 40$ adapter but it works great now. I bought two different adapters. The first one I bought was a sosche adapter but it didn't work with my sony unit so I got this other adapter from cablejive that works like bread and butter.

[patsy @ Dec 20th 2008 11:02AM]

I have a slightly different version of that deck that doesn't support iPods, but plays music beautifully off a USB stick. I have an 8GB stick that chock full and it takes less than 10 seconds to index it and start playing when plugging it in. I haven't experimented yet to see at what point it starts bogging down, but I'm considering getting a 32GB stick to put most of my music on. The main limiting factor is the one line UI, which makes it awkward to browse hundreds of albums. Still, the rotary knob makes it quite easy to scroll through large lists and move into and out of folders. Overall an excellent investment of a little over $100. Looking at Crutchfield again, there seems to be an even better model with a three line display: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113MP538U/Kenwood-KDC-MP538U.html?tp=5684&wm=cl

[bill cant fart @ Dec 20th 2008 11:03AM]

@Bob
Does it only work with iPhones or can I use other Apple-made products?

I've got an old Power Mac G4 that's just collecting dust....

[Afterwords @ Dec 20th 2008 11:15AM]

I have a Sony model that came out in September and does all of that for $150.

[Alpinerover @ Dec 20th 2008 11:19AM]

@my post above: Oh crud, I guess I get the prize for using improper grammar while trying to sound funny.

[Levi @ Dec 20th 2008 11:34AM]

iEye is the only person that comes here that I can't avoid calling an idiot almost every time he posts.

iEye, you are an idiot.

[Levi @ Dec 20th 2008 11:35AM]

I love CD's...

[jim @ Dec 20th 2008 12:00PM]

Who's buying cars nowadays anyway :)

[EricC @ Dec 20th 2008 3:32PM]

This isn't a car. It's a stereo.

[Patriks7 @ Dec 20th 2008 5:30PM]

.. that you put in a car..

You ruined it EricC!

[smartmarc @ Dec 20th 2008 12:33PM]

The difference is: Newer iPods (4G Nano) and iPhones (3G) don't support charging via the 12V firewire pins on the dock connector.
Most car equipment works with 12V, because that is what the car battery supplies.
Now everything has to be charged with 5V via USB - so on most of the older iPod-Connector-Kits you get an annoying disclaimer, stating that the kit was not made for charging and is incompatible.

[Orappa @ Dec 20th 2008 12:39PM]

Ngadget this thing with having USB on the front it is a 2 year old tech i had mine for 2m years..
get a grip Engadet

[EricC @ Dec 20th 2008 3:32PM]

Fail.

[Patriks7 @ Dec 20th 2008 5:32PM]

Rappa this thing with having grammar on the proper it is a 2 year old tech i had mine for 2m years..
get a grip Rappa

[Orappa @ Dec 20th 2008 10:11PM]

well that was just boring, really really borring..

[Shugg @ Dec 20th 2008 1:13PM]

I wish they'd talk about higher end stereos ,own pioneer 7" touchscreen with iPod voice control besides bring able to control iPhone iPod videos thru 7" touchscreen,industry first screen has ambient light sensor ,.go pioneerelrctronics.com,.!

[ceejw @ Dec 20th 2008 1:32PM]

I just put in a Pioneer DEH-4000UB headunit in my car it works flawlessly with my ipodtouch 2ndGen and my dad's iphone 3G through the USB connection. Plus it gives you the option to control the ipod with the headunit or on the ipod itself. This was the biggest reason I bought it because trying to control my iPod on a tiny one line screen while driving would be hell.

[Messymeese @ Dec 20th 2008 1:49PM]

♫ Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way....
Oh, what fun it is to smash iEye's face right in, oh! ♫

Why does there have to be an iEye #2? I thought I already had as much reasons for suicides with one iEye.... :(

[Simon @ Dec 20th 2008 2:07PM]

"USB"? What is this device you call "USB"? I listen to music in my car through my phone using BLUETOOTH! I can't believe the new and improved IPhone 3G does not support Bluetooth music streaming? Apple get with the program, nobody uses wires anymore!

[John from Buffalo @ Dec 20th 2008 3:04PM]

Sony EXPLODE line has had this for YEARS.

I have a unit similar to the following ... for over 2-3 years now in my Honda.
http://reviews.cnet.com/in-dash-car-stereos/sony-cdx-gt610ui/4505-6729_7-32330347.html

Nothing new here. Move along.

- John

[Danger @ Dec 20th 2008 3:28PM]

I agree.. I have the same head unit. nothing new!

[Orappa @ Dec 20th 2008 4:05PM]

Yes just what i was saying, old tech..
engadget needs to get a grip old stories for at least 2 days

[kal326 @ Dec 20th 2008 3:52PM]

It has an analog line in, so that pretty much covers the bases for everybody without the need of any proprietary support or adapters. Besides with a small low res LCD screen I would think it would be easier to navigate your music collection from the device.

[iEye - Resurrection @ Dec 20th 2008 5:15PM]

iEye'm ba-ack.

And with a Vengeance.

Watch for the sequel to this one, 'iEye - Vengeance is MiEyen'. Coming to a forum near you.

[Patriks7 @ Dec 20th 2008 5:37PM]

Roll over and die already please?

[jamax @ Dec 20th 2008 5:29PM]

in this world, ieyes come in pairs!

[Colby @ Dec 21st 2008 2:03AM]

Ummm, Kenwood has had head units like this out for a while. I just installed the Kenwood KDC-x492, which looks exactly like this one and fully supports my iPhone, and it only cost $120 shipped.

[lanejasper69 @ Dec 21st 2008 2:27PM]

Yes, not a bad deck but no BT??? That should be a standard now!! A2DP FTW!!!