06/23/2004, 3:55pm, EDT
Wednesday, June 23rd
Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod to ship this fall
The solution allows users to control iPod playback using the head unit's front panel buttons or remote; view song information (artist, album and/or song name) on the display; and easily find tracks through the receiver's Quick Search interface. Alpine is also integrating exclusive MediaXpander technology, which restores lost detail to compressed digital media, according to the company.
The adapter features a hide-away design and can be installed anywhere in the vehicle, including 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. Alpine says the the iPod then acts like a plug n' play hard drive controlled by Alpine's rotary knob control. The Interface Adapter also charges the iPod's internal battery when the vehicle is powered on.
The Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod will be available through Alpine Authorized Dealers early this fall for $100 and is compatible with any iPod mini (firmware version 1.1) and iPod (firmware version 2.2) with a dock connector. Alpine's 2004 Ai-Net head units, sold separately, are available through authorized dealers at target retail prices starting at $200.
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Does your iPod play protected AAC files? Yes.
Will this work with protected AAC files? Yes.
If the Alpine is the player and the iPod is just acting as a mounted hard drive, then Apple will have to authorize this device as an iTMS player (like 5 iTunes, or unlimited iPods.) For some reason I don't see that happening, that will open the floodgates...
The picture I've seen show the iPod connected as a hard drive, the Alpine head unit is the entire interface. This release also makes no mention of browsing through PLAYLISTS. Perhaps it just indexes the ID tags and lets you browse through your library via artist/album? No integration with iTunes or the iPod interface itself = bad thing.
In short, yes, it plays protected AAC. It uses the accessory protocol, which means the iPod does the playing, decoding, and track info, and transmits the audio and data to the receiver.
However, what kind of feedback will the iPod provide to the head unit, I wonder? The BMW deal looks cheesy, hopefilly, more than "Track 1, Track 2..." are available.
"view song information (artist, album and/or song name) on the display"
Alpine First NO WAY!
It is May 1st, 2005 and BlitzSafe STILL does NOT have an interface for the iPod. BlitzSafe has been perpetually saying it will release "in about a month" for the past two or three years! What a load of BS!! (funny how they have the same initials)
Dension had the first iPod interface: the iceLink. Today, everybody except BlitzSafe seems to have an iPod interface released: Dension, Apple/BMW, Alpine, P.I.E., and Monster Cable/Sound Gate. Maybe if BlitzSafe spent less time spamming forums with their vapourware, they could actually get a product out the door.