by , 5:30 PM EDT, June 22nd, 2004
Apple officially announced a new iPod solution for BMW owners on Monday. Developed jointly with BMW, the new technology allows BMW owners to control their iPods through the car's on-board stereo, rather than controlling one's stereo through one's iPod. From Apple's site:
Connect with music like never before behind the wheel of your BMW 3 Series, and X3 and X5 SAV, Z4 Roadster or MINI. With the installation of an integrated adapter developed by Apple and BMW, you can now control your iPod or iPod mini through the existing audio system and multi-function steering wheel. Which means no loss of power. No loss of sound quality. No loss of control.
The BMW iPod adapter can be installed in 2002 or later 3 Series, X3 and X5 SAVs, Z4 Roadsters and MINIs with compatible audio configurations.
Announced yesterday, Apple says the BMW iPod Connector will be available July 12th for US$149 (plus installation charge). You can find more information on the Connector at Apple's Web site.
Looking forward, we expect for the auto-industry to offer more in-dash solutions for MP3 players. This sort of integration is definitely part of the natural progression of music-listening technology. Until then, however, you can always use something handy like Griffin's iTrip (US$34.84 - Amazon)