RX-8 Factory iPod adapter....finally!
08-09-2006 | 07:55 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Shifty Bastard.
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Melbourne, Australia.
RX-8 Factory iPod adapter....finally!
This will make timbo happy......
From the Mazda Australia website:
Cheers,
Gomez.
From the Mazda Australia website:
MAZDA TO ZOOM-ZOOM INTO THE iPod® REVOLUTION
7-AUGUST-2006
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced today that it will introduce an iPod® connection adapter. This is the first of its kind for any volume-selling model and allows the driver to play their iPod through the car’s audio system.
To be launched in Japan on August 22, 2006, the company will put the device on sale as a vehicle accessory available from Mazda dealers in countries throughout the world.
Mazda is the first to offer iPod adapters across their entire future product range, including the new cross over SUV the CX-7 and their new pick-up truck the BT-50.
"This is a very exciting development for Mazda," Mazda Australia managing director, Mr Doug Dickson, said.
"Drivers can now listen to their iPod through the quality audio systems in Mazda vehicles. Not only does this technology provide better sound quality, it is also much safer as drivers do not have to look down at their iPod when changing the song."
The iPod connection adaptor will be on sale in Australia in early October and retail for $265 (excluding installation).
Product features of Mazda’s iPod connection adaptor accessory:
·Connected by a special adaptor to the car audio system, music can be played without compromising the iPod’s clear sound quality
· Owners can switch to the music menu, play songs at random and control the volume with the switches on the car’s original, factory-installed Mazda audio system
· If the steering wheel has audio control switches, the driver can control the volume and select tunes without taking his or her hands off the wheel
· Once connected, the iPod is stowed securely in the glove compartment where it is charged.
· Operation must be done through the audio system, not using the iPod. Track information, such as the artist or album name is not displayed on the audio system.
· The adapter is compatible with the iPod models with a Dock connector including the third-generation iPod or later, iPod mini and iPod nano. It is not compatible with iPod shuffle.
7-AUGUST-2006
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced today that it will introduce an iPod® connection adapter. This is the first of its kind for any volume-selling model and allows the driver to play their iPod through the car’s audio system.
To be launched in Japan on August 22, 2006, the company will put the device on sale as a vehicle accessory available from Mazda dealers in countries throughout the world.
Mazda is the first to offer iPod adapters across their entire future product range, including the new cross over SUV the CX-7 and their new pick-up truck the BT-50.
"This is a very exciting development for Mazda," Mazda Australia managing director, Mr Doug Dickson, said.
"Drivers can now listen to their iPod through the quality audio systems in Mazda vehicles. Not only does this technology provide better sound quality, it is also much safer as drivers do not have to look down at their iPod when changing the song."
The iPod connection adaptor will be on sale in Australia in early October and retail for $265 (excluding installation).
Product features of Mazda’s iPod connection adaptor accessory:
·Connected by a special adaptor to the car audio system, music can be played without compromising the iPod’s clear sound quality
· Owners can switch to the music menu, play songs at random and control the volume with the switches on the car’s original, factory-installed Mazda audio system
· If the steering wheel has audio control switches, the driver can control the volume and select tunes without taking his or her hands off the wheel
· Once connected, the iPod is stowed securely in the glove compartment where it is charged.
· Operation must be done through the audio system, not using the iPod. Track information, such as the artist or album name is not displayed on the audio system.
· The adapter is compatible with the iPod models with a Dock connector including the third-generation iPod or later, iPod mini and iPod nano. It is not compatible with iPod shuffle.
Gomez.
08-09-2006 | 08:13 AM
#2
Pining for the Fjords
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 688
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
That's great... But:
1- It still won't show track information on the audio system.
2- Since "the iPod is stowed securely in the glove compartment", you won't be able to use the iPod's display.
3- You can't use the iPod's controls when it's connected.
Still looks like my AudioLink was a good deal.
1- It still won't show track information on the audio system.
2- Since "the iPod is stowed securely in the glove compartment", you won't be able to use the iPod's display.
3- You can't use the iPod's controls when it's connected.
Still looks like my AudioLink was a good deal.
08-09-2006 | 08:46 AM
#5
New Member
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Originally Posted by Gomez
Not sure Taka. I doubt very much that the dealers would have the answer to that question at this early stage.
I doubt it. You'll need a headunit change, IMO.
I doubt it. You'll need a headunit change, IMO.
08-09-2006 | 08:53 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Shifty Bastard.
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From: Melbourne, Australia.
I say that because this'll have to be a plug-and-play thing for the dealers to install. Not sure if that sort of interface has been catered for in the early generation (current) headunits.
08-09-2006 | 05:31 PM
#7
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From: Sydney, Australia
i bet it's a rebadged audiolink unit. uses the same socket and has exactly the same functionality.
My audiolink usb unit works a treat. took me 10 min to install and WITHOUT having to unscrew/unmount anything major (only the glovebox)
My audiolink usb unit works a treat. took me 10 min to install and WITHOUT having to unscrew/unmount anything major (only the glovebox)
08-09-2006 | 07:09 PM
#9
Shootin' from the hip
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Sydney, Australia
I saw that this morning while checking out the Mazda 3 and thought of Timbo too. 
BTW, we've been using an adaptor that 'er indoors found. It plugs into the cigarette lighter socket and you tune into a radio station. You can then play your iPod through the car's system. No display, etc but you still get the music. You guys familiar with what I'm describing?
08-09-2006 | 07:14 PM
#11
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From: Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted by Gomez
Ah well then, seems like the current cars will be catered for, Taka.
Headunit firmware an issue with the Audiolink, Azza?
Headunit firmware an issue with the Audiolink, Azza?
Nope. My car was an AUG04 build. I can never get the firmware head unit button press thingy to work so don't know what version I have. For AUD175 including shipping from the US, I took a punt and hoped for the best. Just plugged in and worked as advertised. For some reason, the sound is better using the mp3 than on a normal audio cd.
I've noticed that a fellow on the ozmazda forums is now the aussie distributer and selling the newer versions for AUD$145 + $10 shipping. And no, I don't have anything to do with the product or sales or anything.
08-09-2006 | 08:24 PM
#12
Bold as love
Joined: May 2006
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My Audiolink took me through the night till 5.30am to install.
It's not as easy as people make it out.
You need to have the right tools, especially to get the 'bolt' out near the steering wheel panel and some screws are impossibly tight without WD-40 and the correct sized socket. (Unless you want to rip up the screw head)
Pulling off the panels and consoles from their clips is also a pain because you don't want to scratch the piano black finish or worse, snap it and finally, pulling out those damn climate control plugs and then squeezing your hand behind the radio to plug in the Audiolink is a pain.
Granted once its all done, its beautiful.
It's not as easy as people make it out.
You need to have the right tools, especially to get the 'bolt' out near the steering wheel panel and some screws are impossibly tight without WD-40 and the correct sized socket. (Unless you want to rip up the screw head)
Pulling off the panels and consoles from their clips is also a pain because you don't want to scratch the piano black finish or worse, snap it and finally, pulling out those damn climate control plugs and then squeezing your hand behind the radio to plug in the Audiolink is a pain.
Granted once its all done, its beautiful.
08-09-2006 | 09:58 PM
#13
Pining for the Fjords
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 688
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
All through the night?
It took me under two hours... With a screwdriver, a standard socket set, a towel (to protect the radio when I pulled it out), a Dremel tool (to cut the plastic in the cupholder) and an average command of common tools.
It took me under two hours... With a screwdriver, a standard socket set, a towel (to protect the radio when I pulled it out), a Dremel tool (to cut the plastic in the cupholder) and an average command of common tools.
08-09-2006 | 10:25 PM
#15
Shootin' from the hip
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From: Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted by Gomez
I think Tim had that at one stage, found problems with interference in certain locales, IIRC.
BTW, I should know this after all the whoring I've done, but what does 'IIRC' stand for again?
08-10-2006 | 12:05 AM
#16
•▫▪› is way, way way way way way way way way wayyy better than you ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ▪ ;)
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Sydney, Australia
Dave, I used the FM transmitters while waiting for a replacement PIE adapter and the AUXin Mod (much better than the pie in terms of installation).
Using the FM transmitters is a BIG loss in audio quality + the common interference you get when you're in an area where that frequency is used for something else.
Its definitely worth the money if you get the Auxmod by sylfex.
Using the FM transmitters is a BIG loss in audio quality + the common interference you get when you're in an area where that frequency is used for something else.
Its definitely worth the money if you get the Auxmod by sylfex.
08-10-2006 | 02:17 AM
#18
Shootin' from the hip
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From: Sydney, Australia
Thanks.
BTW, call me a philistine, but is it really such a hardship to use the 6-stacker? I have two CD wallets that hold about 20 CD's each that fit nicely into the door pockets. I just change 'em when I get bored.
<ducks from the stoning from the iPod fanatics>
BTW, call me a philistine, but is it really such a hardship to use the 6-stacker? I have two CD wallets that hold about 20 CD's each that fit nicely into the door pockets. I just change 'em when I get bored.
<ducks from the stoning from the iPod fanatics>
08-11-2006 | 12:59 AM
#21
Pining for the Fjords
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
Originally Posted by Revolver
BTW, call me a philistine, but is it really such a hardship to use the 6-stacker?
I also listen to a radio show that I download from a web service and listen to in the car... And it wouldn't ever fit on a CD (or four, for that matter), so the iPod is the only way to go.And remember... A 4gb iPod Nano, which can fit under your sunvisor, can hold every CD you have in your car and then at least 40 more, and you don't have to wait for the CD changer to cycle through your discs.
Just sayin'.
08-11-2006 | 03:06 AM
#22
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Sydney, Australia
Surprised nobody here is using the Dension IceLink...
Took the guy all of about 20 minutes to install the thing for me. It gives me the option of using factory controls or ipod controls, has awesome sound quality, allows a dash mount option or glove box storage and charges the ipod as well.
Seems far superior to whatever it is Mazda is offering, as the ipod controls are invaluable for finding things. Steering wheel is only used to skip tracks and change volume.
Took the guy all of about 20 minutes to install the thing for me. It gives me the option of using factory controls or ipod controls, has awesome sound quality, allows a dash mount option or glove box storage and charges the ipod as well.
Seems far superior to whatever it is Mazda is offering, as the ipod controls are invaluable for finding things. Steering wheel is only used to skip tracks and change volume.
08-11-2006 | 03:23 AM
#23
Shootin' from the hip
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted by DrDiaboloco
I'm not going to stone you, but I'll just say that I felt the same way as yourself... Until I got an iPod a year ago. I also listen to a radio show that I download from a web service and listen to in the car... And it wouldn't ever fit on a CD (or four, for that matter), so the iPod is the only way to go.
And remember... A 4gb iPod Nano, which can fit under your sunvisor, can hold every CD you have in your car and then at least 40 more, and you don't have to wait for the CD changer to cycle through your discs.
Just sayin'.
I also listen to a radio show that I download from a web service and listen to in the car... And it wouldn't ever fit on a CD (or four, for that matter), so the iPod is the only way to go.And remember... A 4gb iPod Nano, which can fit under your sunvisor, can hold every CD you have in your car and then at least 40 more, and you don't have to wait for the CD changer to cycle through your discs.
Just sayin'.
I guess my lack of iPod is where my non-techhead and only moderate music interests intersect.
08-11-2006 | 05:10 AM
#24
Respect my authoriti!
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Adelaide, Australia
Down with IPOD
I must be the only one who knows that these things are made in the equivalent of fashion sweatshops by people who earn less per hour perhaps day than what we pay for a coffee.
Does anyone have one that's not an IPOD? BTW I use CD's and like them, I change them each week and have a selection of smooth and soothing, angry, driving and classical that way I won't kill myself or someone else by driving angry.
There's always the ABC for backup! Now I dare ya call me a nana and see what happens and I'm 35!!
Does anyone have one that's not an IPOD? BTW I use CD's and like them, I change them each week and have a selection of smooth and soothing, angry, driving and classical that way I won't kill myself or someone else by driving angry.
There's always the ABC for backup! Now I dare ya call me a nana and see what happens and I'm 35!!
08-11-2006 | 10:58 AM
#25
Pining for the Fjords
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
Originally Posted by Rotor Convert
I must be the only one who knows that these things are made in the equivalent of fashion sweatshops by people who earn less per hour perhaps day than what we pay for a coffee.