2006 GM vehicles to feature iPod connector
updated 04:55 pm EST, Thu March 17, 2005
GM iPod connector
is offering iPod connectivity with some new vehicles this year, starting with the new Chevrolet HHR. The audio systems include an auxiliary channel and front mounted auxiliary input jack, so that an iPod or other audio source can be easily plugged in and played through the vehicle sound system. "The Chevy HHR will help launch a new family of radios that will bring iPod connectivity to a broad range of GM vehicles," said Paul Nadeau, director, infotainment displays and controls, for GM Engineering. "We think the ability to easily connect an iPod or other audio source directly into the vehicle audio system will be a big hit with customers." The input will be standard equipment on 2006 models of the Chevy HHR, Impala and Monte Carlo; Saturn VUE and ION; Pontiac Solstice; Buick Lucerne; and Cadillac DTS. The radios will be fitted to other new GM models over the next several years as the vehicles are updated.
Misleading title, I think
03/17, 05:26pm reply
based on the article, I think the title should be "2006 GM vehicles to feature "audio in" jack". It doesn't sound like they're putting in an iPod-specific connector.
Specifically: "We think the ability to easily connect an iPod OR OTHER AUDIO SOURCE directly into the vehicle audio system will be a big hit with customers." (emphasis mine).
resuna
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
Not "iPod Connectivity"
03/17, 05:45pm reply
That's not "iPod Connectivity", that's an aux input. Which, IMHO, is the minimum that any car stereo should provide nowadays (but of course they don't.)
Not that I expect GM to custom-wire their stuff for iPods (that'd be pretty stupid on their part, actually), but it's not exactly going to eliminate the need for additional iPod interface accessories.
neilw
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2000
yup
03/17, 06:25pm reply
Yeah AUX Input isn't dock connector, theres macnn for ya though. But you can already buy very cheap adapters to turn the CD Changer controls into AUX Inputs on most GM radios anyway, so they really haven't done much. Some other cars (like Mazda's) are much more difficult to get an input into.
l008com
Professional Poster
Joined: Jan 2000
Easy to add
03/17, 06:49pm reply
w/ the current GM stuff you generally get either the 6 disk changer, or the single w/ mp3 (needed for xm for some reason). There's a simple adapter, as mentioned, that plugs in the back to give you aux. Most GM dashes around the audio are REALLY easy to remove, so adding this is simple. I agree that an aux input in FRONT should be the minimum in any stereo, but it's not. So GM/Delphi doing this is a small step for them, but a nice thing to have in a tight vehicle.
technohedz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2000
advertising for iPod
03/18, 09:23am reply
So it's an audio in jack and not an actual iPod specific connection.
The best part is that GM is giving Apple and the iPod free advertising. It's the only product specifically mentioned. The press release didn't say anything about a digital jukebox, only other audio devices. For people like my mom, who isn't technically savvy and who wants her own iPod, this will be all the more reason for her and others to get an iPod. These people will know it works with the iPod and if experience tells me anything, they'll totally miss what "other audio devices" means. It's an iPod endorsement, intentional or not.
Expect other automakers to follow, although GM is actually following BMW's lead to a degree. But more people own and buy GM products than BMW.
krb
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2000