| iPod’s popularity certainly has a major say in | | | | heading? |
| the Car audio industry today, not directly from | | | | The soon to be released AVR is designed to |
| apple but from the millions of iPod users. Due to | | | | work with the gateway 500 fibre optic kit allows |
| the massive amounts of people who regularly use | | | | different sources of entertainment to be played |
| iPod’s on a daily if not hourly basis Car Audio | | | | simultaneously, So for example the adults might |
| Brands and Vehicle Manufacturers have had to | | | | want to listen to their favourite music in the front |
| redefine how car audio and entertainment works | | | | of the vehicle while the kids enjoy their favourite |
| and what is expected from each component | | | | DVD in the back. This step is a major advance in |
| within the system. | | | | the car entertainment world and will open up |
| Vehicle manufacturers are more aware of the | | | | several avenues for further development in the |
| demands of the public and use additional add-ons | | | | future. |
| as a selling point in an aid to promote new ranges | | | | Another one of Dension’s products nearing |
| and vehicles. However the majority of factory | | | | completion is the Wi-Drive, this device when |
| iPod car kits are simply an AUX input into the | | | | complete will allow you to integrate your vehicle |
| audio system. This allows music to be played | | | | into the wireless home network, and this has |
| through the speaker system, which for some | | | | many advantages at first glance. Such as instant |
| users is enough. However this option does not | | | | file transfer from computer to vehicle and vice |
| offer any of the more advanced features that | | | | versa. However this device holds many more |
| aftermarket kits do. | | | | possibilities than first anticipated. A wireless |
| So the big question is do vehicle manufacturers | | | | internet network connection can be made with |
| see a future with iPod car kits or are they waiting | | | | the use of mobile USB dongle currently available |
| for the next big invention? | | | | from various mobile networks providing internet |
| The investments from Car Audio Brands suggest | | | | access to all of the users in your vehicle. |
| that the iPod is going to be here for a minimum | | | | The possibilities of car audio and entertainment |
| of several years. The larger brands such as | | | | & iPod integration in the future are endless, |
| Dension, Alpine & Kenwood have taken iPod | | | | devices such as the AVR and the Wi-Drive will |
| integration to the next level, although in separate | | | | open up many avenues for the next stage of |
| directions. Alpine & Kenwood have built fully | | | | development. For example; |
| iPod compatible aftermarket stereos, with new | | | | Security devices could be invented that provide |
| features such as imprint technology & HD | | | | live streaming from the vehicle to your own |
| screens that allow users to configure the | | | | computer monitoring your vehicles safety |
| components depending music quality and type. | | | | combined with “web cams” installed in |
| Combined with Made for iPod & iPhone you | | | | your vehicle you could see exactly what |
| can get the most out of your iPod by finding and | | | | happening to your car live. Live streaming or the |
| playing music and videos much easier than ever | | | | download of music and videos from iTunes could |
| before. | | | | be played on TV screens installed in the vehicle |
| Dension however has made larger strides by | | | | through the use of the Wi-drive and AVR while |
| combining iPod technology with factory fitted | | | | you’re on your journey, simply select and go |
| equipment. The Dension Gateway range provides | | | | through your iPod to choose all the latest Apple |
| an iPod connection into your factory fitted stereo, | | | | iTunes has to offer. |
| ensuring that the original look is maintained. The | | | | Television channels broadcasting live online could |
| Dension Kits also provide Steering wheel control | | | | be watch instantly allowing new entertainment |
| for the iPod and music, Text display on a lot of | | | | channels to be integrated into future vehicles, |
| vehicles including the new CAN cluster display | | | | controllable at various points in the car. Maybe the |
| vehicles within the VW & Audi Group and the | | | | kids want to watch different TV channels? No |
| retention of your CD Changer via a CD Retention | | | | Problem now. |
| Kit at additional cost. | | | | One thing is clear, the Car audio and |
| However it’s the new components that | | | | entertainment business is moving on. New and |
| Dension are developing that offer the greater | | | | improved technology being created continually and |
| indication of where iPod integration may be | | | | the iPod certainly can be at the centre of it all. |