Integrating iPod connectivity has been a big issue and selling point with vehicle marketing. I have noticed many commercials talk of iPod or MP3 player compatibility and in addition, bluetooth technology as well.
Audio is a big deal with car owners (even myself) and marketing companies are catching on to the desire to have a good sounding stereo system. Part of this integration includes adding portability options like iPod connections for drivers. Take your music from the house, to the car, and elsewhere. Especially on long trips, the music comes in handy and you don’t have to search for stations (even though satellite radio gives lots of options, why not bring your favorites along?).
According to Telematics Research Group (TRG), 80% of 2007 models for sale in the U.S. will offer “branded audio” as optional or standard equipment up from 67% during the ’06 model year. As it sounds, car makers will couple with audio manufactureres like Harmon/Kardon, Bose, Boston Acoustics (and I happen to have Alpine in my Dodge) and other well known brands.
It is reported that last year only 12% of vehicles for sale supported true iPod integration, while nearly 50% of the ’07 models support iPods. Meanwhile, auxiliary input is supported by nearly 60% of ’07 models. The makers are promising more storage and interface options in addition to connectivity. Last year no models came with a factory-installed hard disk but it’s expected already for the 2007 models that at least six models have already incorporated this into their plans.
Related Posts
- Belkin TuneStage II for iPod
- iTurbo iPod Charger
- More Details Surface on Upcoming, iPod Phone
- Oprah and Bono to unveil Product Red iPod nano tomorrow
- “iPod Jon” cracks iPod and iTunes
Loading ...
This is moronic that’s it’s taken this long. How long have mp3 players been around? 10 years? It’s taken that long to have hard drives put into cars? I have had a Sony Xplod CD pla yer with a detachable face with 1 Gig flash drive mp3 pla yer that plays wma and you just plug the face into your computer via USB I am shocked that this wasn’t done 5 years ago. Whoever starts doing it will make a fortune just like apple did on iPods which was anything but innovative considering all the technology to make them was already around years before apple “came up” with the idea to make iPods.