It's official. The 2007 RX-8 (and all other Mazda's) will have built-in iPod integration. Mazda is also developing an add-on for the existing RX-8 that will display track info on the existing display and control the iPod from the steering wheel. No date yet.

 

That's great news.

 

Awesome

 

Any links with more info?

 

Are you sure it will offer all of those features?

I kind of hate the BMW ipod interface...that doesn't display track info...

 

subscribes for future info

 

Any upgrades yet besides little electrical features or color choices? Like engine upgrades??

 

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/aug/03ipod.html

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5244014.stm

 

wtf i just bought audiolink last night.

 

And here's another link:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/03/a...ford-gm-mazda/Apple iPod Integration

 

Maybe I mis-read the articles but it seem like it is for future models. I didn't see where it said it would provide (sell) adapters for existing cars.

 

This is sorta cool. I mean, you could spend $200 and get this in the aftermarket and it's been available for at least a year. I'm not impressed until there's a factory option integrated into the NAV unit. Until then Carputer FTW!!

 

Official Mazda press release (from Mazda News Media site):





Mazda Motor Corporation will introduce an iPod®1 connection adapter with which the owner can connect an Apple's iPod digital music player to Mazda's factory-installed audio system, allowing the occupants to enjoy music stored in the iPod.

Starting from the initial launch in Japan, on August 22, 2006, the company will put the device on sale as a dealer option through Mazda dealers in countries throughout the world.

Mazda is the first to offer iPod adapters for almost all of the brand's models2 to be launched in the future.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is JPY 23,100 (including installation fee and consumption tax) in Japan.


Product features of Mazda's iPod connection adaptor accessory

- Connected by a special adaptor to the car audio system, music can be played without compromising the iPod's clear sound quality.

- Owners can switch to the music menu, play songs at random and control the volume with the switches on the car's original, factory-installed Mazda audio system.

- If the steering wheel has audio control switches, the driver can control the volume and select tunes without taking his or her hands off the wheel.

- Once connected, the iPod is stowed securely in the glove compartment where it is charged.

- Operation must be done through the audio system, not using the iPod. Track information, such as the artist or album name is not displayed on the audio system.

- The adapter is compatible with the iPod models with a Dock connector including the third-generation iPod or later, iPod mini and iPod nano. It is not compatible with iPod shuffle.

 

you don't even have a RX-8, so go away

 

Which is all the more reason I would care about an option that is only available on future models.

Calm down, don't get your panties in a bunch.

 

If they goiong to do this, then why not just include aux-in, works better than iPod adaptor since not every one has iPod

 

You wouldn't get the steering wheel controls which a lot of people seem to like because they don't have to use the iPod to change songs. They can just stick it in the glove compartment and lock it.

 

aux-in is on its way out like the cassette adapter (which i still use on my 8....)

 

This thing sucks...garbage...auxMod rules.

 

I wonder how soon before it's available to us because I NEED that!!!!

 

Dang it, no song information on the display? That sucks...

I ever tell anyone how much I hate ipods? Why can't this crap work with other mp3 players?

 

Its called 75% market share, world wide usage, and the best user interface and infrastucture on the market.

 

Yeah, but I hate the little scrolly wheel... Don't know why but I just prefer my Rio Karma 20G. It's a few years old now but works like a champ. I just hate to go out and spend another $300 if I already have an mp3 player.

Don't get me wrong: This does sound quite promising for existing ipod users.

 

I would have to take major issue with "best user interface". The iPod is such a crippled device when it's not connected to a computer with iTunes. You can't browse by anything useful like ratings, creation date, last played date, etc. It is simply a giant collection of songs that must be listened to in a certain limited way. Over simplification has always been Apple's motto and it is extremely limited for power users who aren't intimidated by more than one button. In addition, that scroll wheel, while cool, isn't very precise at all and make operations on the road quite difficult.

Look at the Toshiba Gigabeat S and see what a user interface is supposed to be.