Alpine debuts "Ready-for-iPod" car stereo head units
updated 04:35 pm EST, Thu January 6, 2005
Alpine head units for iPod
, have enhanced user interface features such as a dedicated iPod icon for direct source selection and identification on the unit's display screen. Alpine, who was the first to deliver an aftermarket system integration solution for using the iPod in the car, is now offering "Ready-for-iPod" head units that offer exclusive GlideTouch technology and a new easy-to-use slider function on the second-generation PulseTouch screen.
The new head units offer integration of the iPod's controls right from the display or remote, including the ability to view song information (artist, album or song name) on the display and easily search for songs through the receiver's Quick Search interface. Alpine also offers exclusive MediaXpander technology, which it says enhances detail in compressed digital media.
The Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod features a "hide-away" design, which can be installed anywhere in the vehicle -- under a seat, in the glove box or behind the dash. A single cable connects the adapter to the Alpine head unit, while a second cable connects the adapter to the iPod through the iPod dock connector. When the vehicle is on, the Interface Adapter also charges the iPod's internal battery.
The KCA-420i is available now from authorized Alpine dealers for $100. The Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod is compatible with any updated iPod with a dock connector. Alpine's 2005 Ai-NET head units, sold separately, are available starting at $250.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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In fact, the Products link in the link bar is missing, so I assume they're working on updating it. Also, according to the press release, the lowest-end iPod-compatible head unit increased in price by $50 ($250 vs. $200). Hopefully some of that additional cost is enough extra memory to eliminate the serious limitation on the number of artists/albums/playlists that existed on the 2004 head units.