Apple and BMW’s recent ” iPod Your BMW ” promotion offers a way for owners of recent-model BMW vehicles to interface their iPods with their stereos. But if you don’t own a BMW or don’t have a compatible model, what are you to do? One solution comes from venerable car audio maker Alpine, which in January announced the development of its Interface Adapter for iPod. With Apple and BMW’s recent announcement making the rounds, Alpine recently offered further information about its product, which it now says will ship in the fall.
The Interface Adapter for iPod enables users of vehicles equipped with Alpine-made head units that sport an Ai-Net system bus to control their iPods directly from their stereo’s front panel or remote control. Song information — including artist, album and song name — is displayed on the head unit, and a rotary knob enables users to quickly scroll through their music collection.
The Interface Adapter for iPod consists of an interface box and cable that can be installed anywhere in the vehicle, according to Alpine — under the seat, in the glove compartment, or behind the dash. A cable connects the Interface Adapter to the Alpine head unit, while another cable connects a Dock Connector-equipped iPod or iPod mini. The Interface Adapter also charges the iPod’s battery when it’s connected.
Alpine says that the “MediaXpander” technology featured on its system “restores lost detail” to compressed digital media, as well. Alpine’s receivers also sport the company’s “Bass Engine” technology, which it says will tune the system for the best sound quality in the vehicle.
Alpine plans to make the new Interface Adapter for iPod available through Alpine authorized dealers early this fall for US$100. It’s compatible with any iPod mini with firmware version 1.1 or any Dock Connector-equipped iPod with firmware version 2.2. Alpine now offers 11 Ai-Net head units at retail prices starting around $200. Consumers interested in more information are directed to e-mail Alpine for details.
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