Overload: Just came across this site earlier today:

http://world.altavista.com/babelfish..._23SAV_Std.htm

Didnt have the chance to examine it closesly but it seems to contain some connector information and what not for the 6. Which uses the same connector..

 

btw, about how hard it would be to install the module once it's done? Sorry for the noob and vague question, but a simple procedure of what it takes to install it would be helpful, thanks.

 

Look at the site.. If they find the connector it will be snap-in, otherwise it will require some soldering.

 

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL - news) on Monday unveiled an adapter that lets users of its iPod digital music player connect them to stereo systems in some BMW and Mini Cooper models and use buttons on the steering wheel to play their music libraries.

From today's news, it shows big companies are seeing the need for something like this. BTW they want $149 for it.

Yahoo news

 

So, someone tell Apple to buy OverLOAD's design and they'll be 1/2 way to a really good Mazda design with more features than they could ask for.

Or, someone tell Mazda to buy OverLOAD's design and they can source the connectors and make everyone happy (including OL, 'cause he'll have a nice wad of cash for his efforts).

 

Or Mazda could just include AUX inputs by default, and make the useless tape and MD modules plug into that. Between AUX radio inputs and factory remote starters, auto manufactures are really missing the boat here!
BTW i still haven't had time to try and do the CD Player hack, though I think im goona try to mount the iPod in the sunglass holder up top!!! thats perfect if I can make it fit!

 

The key to an excellent Apple product is not having more features; it's having the right ones.

I don't believe Apple is actually manufacturing the recently announced BMW adaptor, either. Also, check out the Denon ICELink for iPod. Some of the Blaupunkt adapters use the stereo's LCD display to navigate through all tracks and playlists on the iPod, rather than limiting you to a preset number of playlists, as does the BMW solution.

Disclaimer: I work for Apple; but I don't speak for them.

 

I'll have an AUX-IN for my 20 gig Archos soon,the car audio guys I hired are Masters.
When it's all said and done,I'll post details,but they assure me that it's not gonna' be an issue....so we'll see....won't we?

:D

 

Some news for those of you who eventually get tired of this vaporware, there's a good solution being discussed in another thread, that uses a PIE Mazda-to-Alpine MBus, in conjunction with an Alpine M-BUS to Aux connector.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=31969


Also, I ran into a site which has this exact vaporware project:
http://www.sylfex.com/products/auxmod/history.shtml

 

Ummm...sylfex is OverLOADs web site. so yes, it is the same. I'm not calling it vapor ware yet though. If overLOAD says he is giving up on the connectors...then we can call it vaporware. Just because it is taking a long time doesn't mean it is vapor ware...

 

Any news updates OverLOAD? The PIE module sounds like it works. I'd really like to have the steering wheel controls, but I'm only two weeks away from completing my carputer project and I need a solution.

 

I see that BMW has an iPOD aux-in adapter now...

CNN iPOD for BMW

Newst iPod accessory: BMW

Apple unveils adapter that will allow iPod to play through car's stereo system.
June 23, 2004: 1:43 PM EDT



SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. on Monday unveiled an adapter that lets users of its iPod digital music player connect them to stereo systems in some BMW and Mini Cooper models and use buttons on the steering wheel to play their music libraries.

Apple and BMW AG said in a joint statement that the adapter, priced at $149, would work in BMW's 3 Series, Z4 Roadster, X3 and X5 SUVs and the Mini Cooper, and will be powered by the car, not the iPod's battery.

Drivers plug the iPod into a cable in the car's glove compartment and then can control the iPod using the standard buttons on the steering wheel, the companies said.


Some new cars already have audio jacks that can be used to connect digital music players, including the iPod, to car stereos, and devices using a car's power outlet and a cassette player or a small radio transmitter are available. However, many new cars no longer have cassette players.

But Apple said this was the first time that an adapter had been specifically designed to integrate the player with the existing audio controls of a particular car model.

Apple's iPod is the most popular digital music player on the market, and the company has sold more than 3 million of the devices since their introduction in October 2001. The iPod works with Apple's iTunes online music store.

"This is the first really big step that's been taken to marry iPod to automobiles," said Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive, in a telephone interview. "And there will be other steps."

Jobs and Tom Purves, chief executive of BMW of North America, said their agreement was not exclusive, which means Apple tie-ups with other automakers could follow. The companies have been working on the technology for more than a year.

Purves told Reuters that over time BMW will make the BMW iPod Adapter compatible with stereo systems in its 5 Series and 7 Series models and the rest of its product line. He declined to say when this would happen.

"They value it as private time and now they can listen to music on their iPods in a safe way," Purves said, referring to the time that BMW drivers spend in their cars.

The roll-out is being supported by a dedicated Web site called www.ipodyourbmw.com, as well as a marketing campaign including print, outdoor, online and television advertising, the companies said.

"The cars that are being served now ... these are the cars that a lot of young, hip people buy," Jobs said. "It's right in the sweet spot of where the iPod is."

Jobs, when asked about the company's small, 5 percent share of the computer market, often responds by noting that Apple and BMW have about the same percentage share of their respective markets, and that he doesn't see BMW complaining.

The adapter must be installed by authorized BMW and MINI centers only, the companies said. The device will be available at BMW centers starting July 12, for 2002, 2003 and 2004 models. The adapter for the Mini will be available later this summer, the companies said.

 

ooookay. Happy as i am to know that i might have an Apple iPod solution for my 8, I'm sick of hearing about it. I don't own a BMW, so this doesn't have any bearing on me, and it's been mentioned more times than I listed.

Thanks for the Reuters write up, though. Hopefully everyone is aware that we could be in line soon to get ipod support from Apple / Mazda. However, the Aux-in module is for more than just iPod... so, I'm going to un-wad my panties and keep waiting for the connectors to appear from whatever Gods control such things.

 

This is for the Mazda6, looks like they are for 2003 year model, but still might have information you need...

http://www.dpspa.com/mz6manual/

 

I'd still like a simple update. Like, "yes, we believe we will have something in another four weeks" or "no, a delivery date is still unknown and not likely in the next few months".

I just want to know that if I go buy the PIE option I won't be kicking myself in another couple of weeks. My hat is still off to OverLOAD for taking on such a daunting task and I believe that several of the factors have been out of his control. However, he understands and respects those that are unwilling or unable to wait for his solution. I appreciate that, OverLOAD, and I'm just wanting to know how I should proceed.

 

Well, Depends on how patient you are. I'm still not a sponsored vendor, so I can't give out release information, but if your on my email list, you'll know when I've got something to say.

We've made some big strides in the software this week, and we're getting pretty close to a stand-alone module.

If you do decide to go the PIE route, keep in mind that they do have a new Pioneer XM controller adapter for the RX-8 (and others), but the use is still somewhat limited. We've got most of the functionality in the software completed, and will be able to offer many more features. If you just want Aux-in to get you by for a while, buy a tape deck. They're not too expensive. We're seriously considering a core-upgrade for the tape modules to replace the internals and use the connector that it comes with and the cage and do the module in there..

Anyway, next week we should have most of the software wrapped up, as this has been a very busy week.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

Wow, a 45 page thread. And still going!

OverLOAD, could you give us a quick recap of what your sofrware feature set will be? Thanks...

 

Awesome! *Opens his wallet* Where do i pay?

 

Great Idea! I suggested such an option (tape deck cannibalizing) so so many pages back. I recently priced the tape module at Trussville without the trim peice at $120 I think. I was ready to buy it and either do the tape hack when the PIE thread was posted. Now my options are three. I think the conversion of the tape module into OverLoads module is the best idea going. (Not just because I raised it initially). Absent a reliable source for the connector I am ready to start the daisy chain. (or however it would be processed)

 

It was originally purchased from Trussville, but never opened or used.
PM me with an offer if you'd like to purchase it.
(Includes the trim piece.)

 

Will you still be updating that sylfex page with news, too?

--Mazda 6 owner also anxiously awaiting this project's completion

 

Most definately. It's not really the best web-page, but it's low budget for now. It's got a DHCP IP address so it frequently needs to be updated when it gets out of sync, but it's going to be the main source of info in the future.

edit - http://www.sylfex.com/products/auxmod/

The re-cap is the same as before. The options available on the device havn't changed., and can best be seen from that page.

More later this week,

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

Take the IP conversations elsewhere, this thread is already too large.

---jps

 

From the sounds of things, Apple may beat him to the punch. They insinuate that the BMW adapter is just the tip of the iceberg. Whoever will let me control my iPod through my steering wheel first will get my money :-D

And as for complaints of this Topic being 47 pages long... this is a FORUM after all. If all this discussion was unwanted, then maybe this whole 'thing' should have been started someplace else. Forms exist to be used.

 

I agree. The thread is this long because of interest. It's obvious to me that the concern was over free advertisement (as it always is with this board) and not over it being too large to be useful to someone.

If OverLOAD didn't want that conversation in his thread, he would have asked it to stop (just as I have in other threads when mine started to get hijacked). OverLOAD is not going to pay for advertising every month when he doesn't even have an estimated delivery date yet. That should make sense to anyone. But he's already committed to paying when his module is ready. As for the hosting offers, those offers are to help OverLOAD get to the point where he can START PAYING YOU MONEY.

I am an active user on many other free forums and I have to say this is the worst I've seen when it comes to the moderators constantly worrying that their users are cheating them out of money their somehow owed. I think it really degrades the experience here.