Apple teams with Acura, Audi, Honda, Volkswagen to deliver iPod vehicle integration
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Apple teams with Acura, Audi, Honda, Volkswagen to deliver iPod vehicle integration
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/6811/
Apple today announced it has teamed up with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to deliver iPod integration with their car stereos for 2006 model lines. Seamless integration of iPods in cars allows music lovers to enjoy high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system, easily access their entire music library and take their music with them everywhere they go. There are now 15 car companies around the world offering iPod integration, and more than 5 million cars will ship with iPod support in the US in 2006.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to provide drivers with a seamless iPod experience,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing in the press release. “Car companies are embracing the iPod, and over 30 percent of the cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod integration."
The Honda and Acura Music Link iPod integrations will be the first to include text-to-speech capabilities or VoiceID, which is used to search for playlists, artist and album names or genre information. Acura and Honda will feature iPod integration in the majority of their lineup beginning later this year.
Beginning in November, Audi will feature iPod integration in the A3, A4 and TT models and Volkswagen will offer iPod integration for the majority of their 2006 US lineup.
Apple today announced it has teamed up with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to deliver iPod integration with their car stereos for 2006 model lines. Seamless integration of iPods in cars allows music lovers to enjoy high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system, easily access their entire music library and take their music with them everywhere they go. There are now 15 car companies around the world offering iPod integration, and more than 5 million cars will ship with iPod support in the US in 2006.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to provide drivers with a seamless iPod experience,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing in the press release. “Car companies are embracing the iPod, and over 30 percent of the cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod integration."
The Honda and Acura Music Link iPod integrations will be the first to include text-to-speech capabilities or VoiceID, which is used to search for playlists, artist and album names or genre information. Acura and Honda will feature iPod integration in the majority of their lineup beginning later this year.
Beginning in November, Audi will feature iPod integration in the A3, A4 and TT models and Volkswagen will offer iPod integration for the majority of their 2006 US lineup.
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Originally Posted by kray17
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/6811/
There are now 15 car companies around the world offering iPod integration, and more than 5 million cars will ship with iPod support in the US in 2006.
There are now 15 car companies around the world offering iPod integration, and more than 5 million cars will ship with iPod support in the US in 2006.
But, I guess it's a marketing advantage to feature your XYZ car with iPod integration.
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yeah i sure wish there was a way to retrofit it... i just bought my 2005 TL , and would love to have this.
i guess i'll have to wait for my next TL
i guess i'll have to wait for my next TL
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The Honda and Acura Music Link iPod integrations will be the first to include text-to-speech capabilities or VoiceID, which is used to search for playlists, artist and album names or genre information.
#6
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NEW UPDATE Ipod adaptor for $250
Acura Unveils iPod Music Link Accessory
Acura today unveiled the Acura Music Link iPod(R) adaptor, which allows seamless integration between iPod and Acura audio systems. The new accessory developed by Acura enables drivers to listen to their iPod in digital sound directly through the audio system in the 2006 Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans and MDX SUV. Acura Music Link allows drivers to select their music by artist, album, genre and play list through the standard controls on the audio system head unit. Additionally, the Acura Music Link adaptor will be the first to include text-to-speech capabilities or VoiceID, when searching through the iPod music library with the audio system controls.
"We are very excited to partner with Apple and offer the Music Link accessory to our Acura customers," said Stony Furutani, manager of Acura accessory marketing. "Acura vehicles are equipped with the latest audio technology and we are pleased to expand the audio experience to iPod users."
"We're thrilled to team up with Acura, to provide drivers with a seamless iPod experience," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPod product marketing. "Car companies are embracing the iPod, and over 30% of the cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod integration."
The Acura Music Link adaptor provides outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod battery at the same time by a cable conveniently located in the glove compartment. The adaptor will be available starting in mid-December exclusively for purchase and installation at Acura dealers. Suggested retail pricing for the Acura Music Link will be approximately $250 plus dealer installation charge. Acura Music Link is backed by a full Acura factory warranty. Consumers should check with Acura dealers for specific restrictions.
iPod's are available at in the U.S. through the Apple Store(R) at www.apple.com and at selected retail outlets.
Acura today unveiled the Acura Music Link iPod(R) adaptor, which allows seamless integration between iPod and Acura audio systems. The new accessory developed by Acura enables drivers to listen to their iPod in digital sound directly through the audio system in the 2006 Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans and MDX SUV. Acura Music Link allows drivers to select their music by artist, album, genre and play list through the standard controls on the audio system head unit. Additionally, the Acura Music Link adaptor will be the first to include text-to-speech capabilities or VoiceID, when searching through the iPod music library with the audio system controls.
"We are very excited to partner with Apple and offer the Music Link accessory to our Acura customers," said Stony Furutani, manager of Acura accessory marketing. "Acura vehicles are equipped with the latest audio technology and we are pleased to expand the audio experience to iPod users."
"We're thrilled to team up with Acura, to provide drivers with a seamless iPod experience," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPod product marketing. "Car companies are embracing the iPod, and over 30% of the cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod integration."
The Acura Music Link adaptor provides outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod battery at the same time by a cable conveniently located in the glove compartment. The adaptor will be available starting in mid-December exclusively for purchase and installation at Acura dealers. Suggested retail pricing for the Acura Music Link will be approximately $250 plus dealer installation charge. Acura Music Link is backed by a full Acura factory warranty. Consumers should check with Acura dealers for specific restrictions.
iPod's are available at in the U.S. through the Apple Store(R) at www.apple.com and at selected retail outlets.
#7
FIGHTING ILLINI
Originally Posted by need4spd
The adaptor will be available starting in mid-December exclusively for purchase and installation at Acura dealers. Suggested retail pricing for the Acura Music Link will be approximately $250 plus dealer installation charge.
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#8
Originally Posted by RSA_Secure
Does that mean that we can fit it on 04, 05 TLs?
I thought it was a standard option, but $250 + install = Cost of another iPod
Not worth it unless you really want to use your iPod
I already have playlists
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Retro fit will be available after the initial release for 06
I just got back from a dealership to pick up my car and one of the district manager was there for a meeting. i was assured that there will be a kit that will retro fit to the 04 & 05 TL. he implied that it's a different kit than the December version which is only for 06 models. price was also unknown. the kit will be a dealer-only install/availability. i'm sure there will be generic versions of this in due time
#13
Originally Posted by w1n78
I just got back from a dealership to pick up my car and one of the district manager was there for a meeting. i was assured that there will be a kit that will retro fit to the 04 & 05 TL. he implied that it's a different kit than the December version which is only for 06 models. price was also unknown. the kit will be a dealer-only install/availability. i'm sure there will be generic versions of this in due time
Awesome! If this is true, I hope it will have all the functions and features the '06 TL will have too.
#15
Originally Posted by w1n78
I just got back from a dealership to pick up my car and one of the district manager was there for a meeting. i was assured that there will be a kit that will retro fit to the 04 & 05 TL. he implied that it's a different kit than the December version which is only for 06 models. price was also unknown. the kit will be a dealer-only install/availability. i'm sure there will be generic versions of this in due time
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i think its just the ipod...
By the way, i wonder how it would look. Is the plug on the centerstack? or in the glovebox? and i wonder how it looks on the nav screen too.
By the way, i wonder how it would look. Is the plug on the centerstack? or in the glovebox? and i wonder how it looks on the nav screen too.
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Originally Posted by BUD001
i think its just the ipod...
By the way, i wonder how it would look. Is the plug on the centerstack? or in the glovebox? and i wonder how it looks on the nav screen too.
By the way, i wonder how it would look. Is the plug on the centerstack? or in the glovebox? and i wonder how it looks on the nav screen too.
#21
Word from Acura
I spoke with Mike Spencer, +1-310-783-3165 from the press release this morning. I asked him if the propsed iPod Acura Link product would work on the the 2005 and he told me in factit would to the best of his knowledge. He told me the 2005 and the 2006 RL had the same radio part number which would make this item work on the 2005 as well as the 06.
Based on this, I am about to take possesion of a 05 RL. This will break a 9 year run of Audi's ending with trading in a 2000 S4.
Should I be thrilled to make the move to Acura?
Based on this, I am about to take possesion of a 05 RL. This will break a 9 year run of Audi's ending with trading in a 2000 S4.
Should I be thrilled to make the move to Acura?
#22
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yeah... i REALLY hope this ipod integration feature is available for 05' TL's as well. I just put in a full JL Audio audio system in my car and im waiting to see what this adapter will let me do in my car with the ipod. I hope we can navigate thru the ipod with the navi screen... otherwise its gonna suck to drive and choose songs to play on that thing. "crossing fingers"
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Originally Posted by baltimoreacura
I spoke with Mike Spencer, +1-310-783-3165 from the press release this morning. I asked him if the propsed iPod Acura Link product would work on the the 2005 and he told me in factit would to the best of his knowledge. He told me the 2005 and the 2006 RL had the same radio part number which would make this item work on the 2005 as well as the 06.
Based on this, I am about to take possesion of a 05 RL. This will break a 9 year run of Audi's ending with trading in a 2000 S4.
Should I be thrilled to make the move to Acura?
Based on this, I am about to take possesion of a 05 RL. This will break a 9 year run of Audi's ending with trading in a 2000 S4.
Should I be thrilled to make the move to Acura?
Having learned to drive on BMWs and having owned Honda/Acuras for the last 14 years, I don't know that you'll be thrilled with your RL (depends which Audi car you're coming from - A4 or S4, A6 or A8, TT - and Japanese cars have a different feel) but you'll definitely know that an RL is a really fun to drive car at a great price (plus very reliable). Welcome aboard the SS Acura.
#24
Hello RL
My last 5 Audi's have been:
87 4000 CS (I bet it is still running somewhere)
93 90 (pretty awesome car)
00 S4 (Hate to it go. Most fun car of all time, but about to hit 100K miles)
02 A6 Avant (wife totalled it so we had to get a new one)
03 A6 Avant (28 days out of service in 2 1/2 years, the reason I am leaving Audi)
I have enjoyed Audi until recently. BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volvo all seem to suffer from the same problems regarding reliability recently. I looked at the Acura TL as a replacement and almosted settled there, but wanted the all wheel drive. Not sure why Acura doesn't make a 6 speed, manual, all wheel drive version of the TL. Would be a fun ride.
So I am going the RL route. I know it is less sporty, but good power and decent handling. I am guessing I will be in the shop less than my Audi's.
87 4000 CS (I bet it is still running somewhere)
93 90 (pretty awesome car)
00 S4 (Hate to it go. Most fun car of all time, but about to hit 100K miles)
02 A6 Avant (wife totalled it so we had to get a new one)
03 A6 Avant (28 days out of service in 2 1/2 years, the reason I am leaving Audi)
I have enjoyed Audi until recently. BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volvo all seem to suffer from the same problems regarding reliability recently. I looked at the Acura TL as a replacement and almosted settled there, but wanted the all wheel drive. Not sure why Acura doesn't make a 6 speed, manual, all wheel drive version of the TL. Would be a fun ride.
So I am going the RL route. I know it is less sporty, but good power and decent handling. I am guessing I will be in the shop less than my Audi's.
#25
Release Date
Also Mike Spencer told me the iPod Acura Link release date could slip a bit to the beginning of next year. The goals was to have them out by Christmas / end of year. , but not sure if that is still going to happen.
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Originally Posted by baltimoreacura
Also Mike Spencer told me the iPod Acura Link release date could slip a bit to the beginning of next year. The goals was to have them out by Christmas / end of year. , but not sure if that is still going to happen.
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Originally Posted by baltimoreacura
My last 5 Audi's have been:
87 4000 CS (I bet it is still running somewhere)
93 90 (pretty awesome car)
00 S4 (Hate to it go. Most fun car of all time, but about to hit 100K miles)
02 A6 Avant (wife totalled it so we had to get a new one)
03 A6 Avant (28 days out of service in 2 1/2 years, the reason I am leaving Audi)
I have enjoyed Audi until recently. BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volvo all seem to suffer from the same problems regarding reliability recently. I looked at the Acura TL as a replacement and almosted settled there, but wanted the all wheel drive. Not sure why Acura doesn't make a 6 speed, manual, all wheel drive version of the TL. Would be a fun ride.
So I am going the RL route. I know it is less sporty, but good power and decent handling. I am guessing I will be in the shop less than my Audi's.
87 4000 CS (I bet it is still running somewhere)
93 90 (pretty awesome car)
00 S4 (Hate to it go. Most fun car of all time, but about to hit 100K miles)
02 A6 Avant (wife totalled it so we had to get a new one)
03 A6 Avant (28 days out of service in 2 1/2 years, the reason I am leaving Audi)
I have enjoyed Audi until recently. BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volvo all seem to suffer from the same problems regarding reliability recently. I looked at the Acura TL as a replacement and almosted settled there, but wanted the all wheel drive. Not sure why Acura doesn't make a 6 speed, manual, all wheel drive version of the TL. Would be a fun ride.
So I am going the RL route. I know it is less sporty, but good power and decent handling. I am guessing I will be in the shop less than my Audi's.
I think compared to your recent A6s you'll be satisfied with the RL performance-wise, and much happier with the reliability. Interior, I still think that Audis have great interiors and I actually prefer the TL interior to that of the RL (too busy for me).
My Cars ( I think the BMW years are correct):
'81 BMW 320i (fun beginner car)
'85 BMW 533i (super fun second car)
'85 Honda Accord LX (reliable college car)
'93 Acura Integra GS (most interesting)
'97 Acura 3.0 CL (needed a reliable auto for the wife)
'05 Acura TL (reliaiblity got me this over chipped S4)
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I just got my 06 last friday.. and my dealer said they were still hearing end of dec.. I couldn't get them to throw it into the deal of the car, but got them to give it to me at cost.. which they said they didn't know what "cost" was yet. Which is kinda lame cuz i have the feeling they will screw me still..
I'll have to compare what other people pay before I pay them "cost"
I'll have to compare what other people pay before I pay them "cost"
#31
As soon as it is available I am sure dealers will start selling them on ebay at slightly above cost - so you will be able to at least get some estimate as to what their cost is via the prices on ebay.
#32
Ok well I know what I'm adding to my X-mas list along with a 30/60G Video Ipod (Black). Wonder if I could get this thing to play the video through my navi screen.
I can always dream!
... it would be so cool to have the ipod screen blown up onto the navi screen and use the navi touch screen to control the ipod! Someone invent that!
I can always dream!
... it would be so cool to have the ipod screen blown up onto the navi screen and use the navi touch screen to control the ipod! Someone invent that!
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Originally Posted by hurricane350
Any pictures of this around?
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...078#post496078
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My 2 cents (digits)
I just had our parts manager look up the part numbers on the 2005 and 2006 TL audio units. They do have a different part #, but it is just the last 2 digits that are
different which usually just designate a color change. This makes sense, since the 2006 TL has a Blue display vs. a Gray display on the 2005. We were not able to determine if there are any other changes to the audio unit.
Since he has not recieved any additional information, he is not able to confirm 2005 TL compatibility yet, but he has had several inquiries and is working to track it down.
different which usually just designate a color change. This makes sense, since the 2006 TL has a Blue display vs. a Gray display on the 2005. We were not able to determine if there are any other changes to the audio unit.
Since he has not recieved any additional information, he is not able to confirm 2005 TL compatibility yet, but he has had several inquiries and is working to track it down.
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I'm not sure how much value this has. But, I took my car in for service at Fountain Acura (Orlando). I asked my service advisor if there would be a retrofit available. He said no that there would not, because the '06 TL has a different wiring harness.
In my opinion, I don't see it as a big deal if all that is required is the new wiring harness to retrofit. But, if the radio itself is a different version, then I'm sure '04 and '05 owners will be out of luck. I also imagine that there has to be some type of firmware update for the headunit to control the iPod, display its information and for voice commands.
I hope we'll know something soon.
In my opinion, I don't see it as a big deal if all that is required is the new wiring harness to retrofit. But, if the radio itself is a different version, then I'm sure '04 and '05 owners will be out of luck. I also imagine that there has to be some type of firmware update for the headunit to control the iPod, display its information and for voice commands.
I hope we'll know something soon.
#38
Originally Posted by DWeier
I just had our parts manager look up the part numbers on the 2005 and 2006 TL audio units. They do have a different part #, but it is just the last 2 digits that are
different which usually just designate a color change. .
different which usually just designate a color change. .
if they changed the last 2 of a series of 5 and they are letters (eg: -003za vs -003zb) it's a color change most likely interchangeable (and usually only applicable to interior parts, and pre-painted exterior body parts).
if they changed the last 2 of 3 (eg: -003 vs -013) it's a design (improvement) or (more likely) MANUFACTURER (eg: Alpine=-003, Matsushita/Panasonic =-013, Clarion=-023) change.
typically most parts w/ all but the last 3 digits of the part# are somewhat interchangeable. part #'s w/ different digits in the middle 3 series are NOT interchangeable. the middle sequence determines model application (eg: -abc-003za for TL vs -def-003za for TSX).
#39
Originally Posted by jowaldo
not really.. but on the tsx forum, someone posted a picture from a brochure for one.. and a install manual for putting it in a civic.. altho i'd bet its a lot like what it will be for a TL
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...078#post496078
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...078#post496078
looks like most of the day to install-
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Well, here's a bit of good news. The Honda Bus Cable 2-Port fits into the back of the TL's head unit (I have one in mine), see post https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=08A31-0F1-000.
So, at the very least we will be able to install the iPod cable (bus cable 14-pin connector). So, what remains to be determined is if there are any differences between the '04 and '05 head units (hopefully not), and whether there will be firmware to enable the Music Link on '04 and '05 head units.
So, at the very least we will be able to install the iPod cable (bus cable 14-pin connector). So, what remains to be determined is if there are any differences between the '04 and '05 head units (hopefully not), and whether there will be firmware to enable the Music Link on '04 and '05 head units.