Alpine Electronics' January 6, 2004 Press Release:

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, will demonstrate at CES the world's first solution that enables consumers to connect and control their iPod from their in-vehicle sound system. Alpine's iPod Ready strategy is part of the company's overarching mission to create innovative in-vehicle electronics that are easier to use and provide great sound in the mobile environment. "The integration of iPod control into selected 2004 Alpine in-dash receivers addresses the growing market of portable digital audio device users who want a safe and easy-to-use solution for playback in the car," said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. With a simple one-cable connection, iPod users will be able to operate key playback features from the Alpine receiver's buttons and have display of playlists, album, artist and songs on the head unit. The iPod can then be safely stored in the glove box or console because it acts like a portable hard drive connected to the head unit through Alpine's powerful Ai-NET system bus. The Alpine connectivity solution also provides charging of the iPod's internal battery. "Alpine's iPod Ready in-dash receivers will allow iPod users seamless control of up to 10,000 songs easily in their car," said Stan Ng, Apple's Director of iPod Product Marketing. "Being able to display song information and browse the iPod's entire music library right from the Alpine head unit makes this a superior way to enjoy non-stop music in the car." Alpine has engineered a unique interface box that takes advantage of the iPod Accessory Protocol allowing audio, track information, and control signals to be communicated over the Ai-NET system bus to the in-dash receiver. This seamless integration provides emulation of the iPod's controls through an Alpine head unit using both the front panel buttons and the wireless remote control. Alpine's iPod Ready Interface kit will be available later this summer through Alpine authorized retailers.

Don't bother going to Alpine's web site yet, for further details. They don't have this press release up. Nor could I find any further details about this exciting new product. Patience is a virtue. Perhaps this summer, when it is officially on the market. We look forward to it: Alpine of America.

Also worth considering, is the Dension ice Link that is capable of controlling a CD changer and is the ultimate car kit for your Apple mp3 player.

Compatible with both classic and 3rd generation iPods, ice Link routes iPod audio through the CD changer port and translates head unit key presses into remote control commands for the iPod giving access to FF/RW as if the iPod was an integrated component of your car hifi. The interface includes a Firewire socket enabling your iPod to be charged with your existing Firewire or dock cable.

We also recommend the passive cradle by Brodit of Sweden, and the Brodit Proclip damage free mount to avoid having to drill holes in your car dashboard.

~Jennifer