Audi Music Interface takes iPod integration to a new level
The Audi super-forum, Fourtitude, recently had a chance to sample the automaker's newest attempt at iPod integration in an S8, while joined by Audi of America's Product Planning Manager Filip Brabec. The new system, dubbed the Audi Music Interface (AMI), builds on the MMI system in the A3, A4, S4 and RS 4 models. Although the system appears to be one of the best at getting full functionality out of Apple's iPod, other brands of MP3 players should work just as seemlessly with the use of seperate cables. A second media slot is located next to the CD changer on the A6, S6, A8 and S8, providing a slide out drawer to hold your iPod. The AMI will be available as a factory-equipped option beginning in November and a retrofit of the system will be available in the vehicles listed above in early 2007.
The new system is expected to cost an additional $300 when ordered on a new car and Filip wasn't able to confirm pricing on retrofit kits at present. Additionally, the USB 2.0 cable that will allow other MP3 adaptability will arrive later on and will be combined with a software update that will bring the new system up to speed. Although equipping vehicles with video playback represents some safety and legal challenges, it's possible that future generations of the MMI will allow this functionality as well. Click the read link for more details and photos of the AMI in action.
[Source: Fourtitude]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BA 10:41AM (10/10/2006)
Audi + Apple = ? MS mp3 player Zune, why not?
Good post, fresh ideas from old companies.
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epp_b 10:51AM (10/10/2006)
Ugh, I hate all this "iPod integration" crap. You see, there's a thing called a 3.5 mm jack that is on every portable audio player ever conceived. There's another thing called a "line in" connector, to which a 3.5 mm jack can be plugged in. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper and easier than the R&D you need to interface with a special "iPod connector".
Stop helping Apple with their consumer-rights-sucking monopoly!
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Mark Ryan 11:34AM (10/10/2006)
#2.. With full iPod integration as on my Scion xB, one can control the iPod from the head unit, including accessing menus and text. Also, even more importantly, after you shut down the car the music starts right off where you left off when you restart. Also you don't have to separately shut down your mp3 player when you leave the vehicle in order to save it's battery. P.S., I have an 1/8" AUX input as well.
Mark
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G. Snyder 12:40PM (10/10/2006)
Nobody buys anything other than an ipod (in any number that matters). Why would a car company invest on integration with other products? Anyone who does not understands this needs to take a basic business/economics class.
As far as the ridiculous comment about a mini jack...that is not integration and that is not what we are talking about. A lot of companies offer those in addition to ipod integration. Good luck changing tracks on your sandisk/creative whatever while you hurtle down the highway.
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Leo 4:55PM (10/10/2006)
i would rather have a 20-30 GB hard drive where i would store ym songs permanently than keep connecting and disconnecting a stupid piece of i-pod
even the new Chrystler Sebring will come with one, so AUDI seems to be lacking behind again
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Ryan 2:19PM (10/10/2006)
"4. Nobody buys anything other than an ipod (in any number that matters). Why would a car company invest on integration with other products? Anyone who does not understands this needs to take a basic business/economics class."
-Exactly, not many people understand that the a lot of the popularity of the iPOD is due to iTunes. It made it a very good mainstream legal way to do the "mp3" thing. Weather or not you like it, it's cool to see Apple catch Microsoft with their pants down (and Sony in a way). It's a great combo, and if "mp3ing" was ever going to be this "connected" they need an industry benchmark. Cre-A-Tive or whatever is not it.
Now if Apple can hurry up and do the same thing to the movie industry I would be happy!
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G. Snyder 5:24PM (10/10/2006)
The ipod is a hard drive.
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AJ Quick 11:37PM (10/15/2006)
That is really going to an extreme.
Why are they working so hard to interface with a technology that will be dead in a few years? I'm sure at some point Apple will change the iPod's connector and all of these interfaces will need to be upgraded.
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Wayne Middleton 9:00PM (11/09/2006)
Tiff Needel is a legend a must for anyone who drives you mad with bad driving
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