portmgr198

Here is the press release announced this morning from GM, (Ford and Mazda, too) regarding their Apple iPod integration.....

Bringing Music to Drivers' Ears
Fully integrated system debuts on Chevy HHR in October GM plans to include
device on its entire 56-model lineup



DETROIT, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Because great cars and great tunes should
travel together, General Motors has developed an affordable, all-new iPod
adaptor; allowing music lovers to use their iPod with the factory-installed
audio system in GM vehicles, beginning this fall.

The device, called "Personal Audio Link," will sell at GM dealerships for less
than $160 at MSRP, plus installation. It will be introduced in October on 2006
and 2007 model year Chevrolet HHRs, already one of the industry's most
personalized vehicles, with more GM vehicles scheduled to be added by the end
of this year. Designed specifically for the iPod, GM expects to make the device
available on all of its 56 vehicle models - mostly by the end of 2007 - meaning
GM will offer the widest range of vehicle applications for iPod integration in
the industry.

"We understand that people want to use their iPod whenever and wherever they
want," said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, Marketing &
Advertising. "We're thrilled to offer an awesome, seamless digital music
experience to our customers across our entire portfolio of great cars and
trucks."

Vehicle personalization is embedded in today's vehicle purchase and ownership
experience. Nancy Philippart, executive director, GM Accessories, believes that
iPod and GM vehicle personalization are a perfect fit.

"With our simple, affordable system, our customers can plug their iPod into
their vehicle audio system and get what they want - clear, quality sound as
well as access to playlists and artists' names," said Philippart. "Because the
Personal Audio Link was designed specifically for GM vehicles, the level of
integration our system offers is unmatched in the market."

The Personal Audio Link iPod adapter, about the size of a deck of cards and
not visible to the customer once installed, uses existing radio software, and
is integrated through the radio's digital XM Satellite Radio band. (XM does not
need to be activated for the system to work.) This provides improved sound over
FM modulated systems, and better control and display over FM modulated and CD
changer interface units.

The system displays song artist, title and genre on the radio display, and
allows song selection by genre, playlist, artist and album. In addition,
Podcasts and audio books are no problem. Personal Audio Link enables the user
to store, sort and select their favorite Podcast or audio book by title. In
vehicles equipped with steering wheel audio controls, those controls will also
control volume.

Once the device is installed, the customer plugs the iPod into an interface
cable in the glove box, where the player can be safely secured and stowed. The
device also charges the iPod while the vehicle is operating.

"We know our music-loving customers have been clamoring for a system like
this, but we were determined not to go into the market with one unless it was
truly integrated, easy to use and affordable," said Philippart. "I think this
system will be music to our customers' ears."



Personal Audio Link Key Features - At a Glance
* Seamlessly connects an iPod to the vehicle's factory installed audio
system
* Charges iPod when ignition is on
* Choose from English, Spanish or French language for function displays
* Search and display music by genre, playlist, album, artist
* Use seek function to move forward or reverse within a song for up
to 15 seconds
* Select "shuffle" function to mix music
* Sort music using "alphabetical jump" from A-Z list
* Sort and select Podcasts and audio books by title
* Control volume from steering wheel controls
* Personalize text display in dynamic mode (radio display scrolls through
artist, album, title, song, time remaining, etc.) or static mode (fixed
on one display element such as artist)
* Perform fast music searches using high-speed text display technology

About GM Accessories

GM sells divisionally branded accessories through its network of Chevrolet,
Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER dealerships. For more
information about product offerings, please visit any GM divisional website
(i.e. www.chevy.com) or www.gmaccessorieszone.com.

About GM

General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs,
builds, and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global
automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at
www.gm.com.

SOURCE General Motors Corporation

/CONTACT: Tom Henderson, +1-810-606-3114, tom.e.henderson@gm.com or Elaine
Redd, +1-810-606-3101, elaine.redd@gm.com , both of General Motors Corp.
/Web site: http://media.gm.com
/Web site: http://www.gm.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-03-06 0849ET- - 08 49 AM EDT 08-03-06

Driver_WT

But will it work on a 2005 C6 - we like our tunes too.

GM should have had this out long ago. I bought an IPOD Interface for my 2003 BMW Z4 two years ago.

timd38

GM is trying to maintain their "ahead of (behind) the curve" position.

Zuntov

It will probably work if you have the XM input /tuner with your radio.
Knowing GM, the data link between the IPod and the radio will be horribly slow.

AFVETTE

I just saw this, better late then never. I just burned my first MP3 cd using iTunes and am very impressed with the results, to include the audio quality and title/artist/song display.

I still may opt for this gizmo if it integrates with the NAV system completely.

Tom

double eagle

Better than what's available now as far as I know...

C6WannaBe

It's another clever popularity/marketing strategy and that's it.

1. You can only use AAC on your ipod. So you have to rip your own CDs to AAC, or buy from iTunes, or cross convert your mp3s. (This causes a loss in quality)

2. You can't share your iTunes easily because of CRM

3. They damage easily and replacing the battery will cost you an arm and leg.

Why does everyone have one? Because they have really cool commercials and it's a cultural hit only. There are plenty of players that are cheaper and work better. Creative Labs, iRiver, and Samsung make a few.

-The non conformist

portmgr198

Well, I guess you wont be getting this add on...

C6WannaBe

If you think about it, it doesn't make any sense. This only works with the latest series iPods. What happens 5 years down the road when they switch the interface again to support video or whatever and your current iPod breaks?

What happens if Microsoft's new Zune surpasses iPod? The word is they are going to spend as much on Zune as they did the XBox launch. Microsoft is coming at apple's iPod with a elephant gun.

I never liked lossy codecs to begin with. But on the C6 Audio system, I guess it wouldn't make much a difference.

Sorry to be a grump

portmgr198

Hey, you are entitled to your views. I think you should skip it. I will get it. I probably will not own my Vette 5 years from now. If the std changes, I'm sure there will be upgraded cables, too. Hey, the CD has been around for over 15 years now and will probably be around for a few more years. If you are planning for what will or will not be years from now, you will never take advantage of the here and now..

But, how do you really feel???

richhoff

That will be very cool. I bought Ipod's for my Grandkids a few weeks ago. I liked them so much that I bought me one last week. I have been using a Monster FM transmitter with fantastic results, but this will be even better.

timd38

Your transmitter works because you are not in a big city. They aren't worth a darn in Detroit, Milwaukee ot Chicago.

Casem1

These systems exist for most vehicles anyway. The C5 has one available, but there is none available for the C6. They actually use CD Changer controls and inputs for superior sound quality and full control of the ipod from the radio. Like I said, there is not one for the C6. The 2007 vette is already available and I don't believe this is included so I guess either wait or buy a new radio. Perhaps the old radio has the provisions but we will have to wait and see if it will work...

Anyway, now if GM will just change the Z51 package to include the widebody kit (Z06 fenders) and an LS6 cam and LS7 exhaust then add this iPod adapter, that will make for a C6 that I will buy in a heartbeat and likely wouldn't even mod!!! Thats what I call a performance package...

(you listening, general???)

Zuntov

I'm pullin out my C6 base stereo this weekend and installing the Alpine 9857 primarliy for the IPod interface.

Audioi

The European market is so far ahead. It has been included in many cars for years.

cfl70

ok gm put me down for one

ljbuz

I have been using the Neucleus for a few months now - and am fairly happy - I did have it run down my battery when the Ipod stayed attached and charging...but the sound is excellent and you can choose between operating the unit thru the Nav or the Ipod - 2006 C6

Doughan

You obviously do not own an iPod.

You can load and play mp3 songs with no problem on any iPod.

I've owned several for years without ANY problems.

Apple has a battery replacement program for the iPod that is fairly inexpensive.

su8pack1

Forum vender's let us know when it's available.

jeffbogi

The real story for the press release was that a brain was discovered at GM. Better late than never would be a tad bit of an understatement.