Apple Computer and the BMW Group on Monday introduced an adapter that allows iPod and BMW customers to plug their music collections directly into their car sound systems.
The two companies worked for a year to jointly develop the system that will work in BMW’s newer model 3 Series, Z4 Roadster, X3 and X5 sports utility vehicles and the Mini Cooper.
Apple chief executive Steve Jobs called the product a groundbreaking move — one he hopes will lead to more integrated products between the auto industry and Apple’s hot-selling iPod portable music player.
Current iPod owners usually resort to third-party products, ranging from FM transmitters and cassette adapters, to use their iPods in their cars.
Jobs said these solutions were needlessly complex, as well as ”pretty ugly” and they required the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel to control them.
”This adapter is really the first big step to marry an iPod to an automobile.” Jobs said in an interview.
With the BMW and Mini iPod system, the adapter is connected directly to the car’s stereo controls behind the glove compartment and only a cable inside the glove compartment would be used to plug in the iPod and simultaneously supply power to the music player.
From the steering wheel or car stereo buttons, drivers would be able to control the volume and shuffle songs and playlists — but only up to five special ”BMW” playlists that users specially compile. The stereo display would list a track number — not the title, at least not yet, Jobs said.
The BMW iPod Adapter costs $149. – Sapa-AP