Apple, BMW Introduce IPod Adapter
Mon Jun 21, 7:28 PM ET
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Apple Computer Inc. and 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 (news - web sites) 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.
"These solutions are all Rube Goldberg. They're pretty ugly and they all require you to take your hands off the steering wheel to control them," Jobs said in an interview. "This adapter is really the first big step to marry an iPod to an automobile."
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 and installation at BMW centers will cost an additional $149, said Tom Purves, chairman and chief executive of BMW of North America. They will be available starting July 12 for 2002 to 2004 models. The Mini Cooper iPod adapters will be available later in the summer.
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