Rick

Check this out.....
http://www.monstercable.com/press/pr..._11_icruze.asp

"Monster's iCruze is an interface that enables the connection of an iPod to a factory or aftermarket radio through either the car's existing CD changer or satellite radio port. An optional display is available if the existing head unit is limited and cannot display text. The iCruze display is a multi-line, 20-character backlit LCD display that reproduces the same information as that on the iPod, such as song title and song artist. Since the iCruze is a direct connect to the automobile's sound system via the CD changer or satellite radio port, sound quality is also incredibly clear.

The iPod and iPod mini can be hidden away and controlled by the CD player that it is connected to. Users can select the songs and playlists of their choice through either the steering wheel controls or the CD player's controls.

Monster's latest iPod accessory that allows consumers to play their entire music collection through their car audio systems. With a suggested retail price of $199.95, the iCruze is scheduled to be available to consumers this Fall."

I called, they said December 1 launch at retailers like BestBuy...they also said Apple Computer has demanded that this item take the place of the CD changer in the fiber optic loop (although he wasn't sure if it would disable it...or anything downstream like phone, Bose amp, teleaid etc).

Look what the press release pictures....

Capt Nemo o2

Thats awesome!!! Makes me wanna throw out my Nomad Zen and buy an iPod just because that could be done!!! I love it when you can intergrate stuff and make it all look OEM! Now just got to wait for the XM unit and I'm all set!

Rick

Don't toss out the Zen yet....they plan on rolling it out for other MP3 players too

Capt Nemo o2

Thanks for the heads up!!!

zishan03

would this work with Audio 10?

Rick

I'm not sure...and the two people I talked to at Monster couldn't tell me.....
I guess we'll have to wait and see......only 18 more days!!

naidd

BMW has iPod connectivity as a factory option. I hope this will be just as good.
And if it works fine with the 05 HK/COMAND, now that would be awesome.

CitronC230K_03

i read that Kenwoods MusicKeg, also known as PhatNoise for VW, is working on an adapter for Mercedes fiber optic CD changer input. Eventually it is supposed to be able to replace the factory CD changer, where you will be able to replace it with a Kenwood Music Keg. Buy whatever size hard drive for it to suit you need, 10GB, 20GB, 40GB, etc. load it up with MP3's from your computer and your set. my brother has one in his GTI. he bought it with the car, but still controls it like a CD changer. when you load the music from your computer onto it, the PhatNoise seperates it into genre, artist, album, etc. you can also make playlists that will act like CD tracks, so controlling isnt that hard really. if i hear or read anything more about it ill let you guys know.