Apple’s wildly popular iPod player is getting snapped up consumers at a record pace. With that in mind, the world’s automakers are responding by offering iPod connectivity on additional models, so much so, that a technology research company says that more than fifty percent of all cars delivered 
in 2009 will have that feature.
“The automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies—or the lack of them—are influencing sales,” said Phil Magney, vice president of automotive research for iSuppli. “The charge toward greater technological integration has been led by car OEMs like Hyundai and Honda, which are making USB/iPod combination interfaces standard on many of their vehicles. It’s also been spurred by OEMs like Audi and Mercedes, which offer integrated Media Device Gateways that allow any device imaginable to integrate with a vehicle.”
Over the past several years, US consumers have been seeking and demanding greater connectivity, choosing cars that have USB interfaces and also opting for Bluetooth, which allows for wireless connectivity. By next year, 82% of all new cars will offer Bluetooth either as standard equipment or as an option.
Originally offered exclusively for luxury and premium brands, Bluetooth is not available across the entire spectrum of the automotive market. Many new implementations of Bluetooth also offer advanced voice recognition and support of streaming audio transfer.
“These days, nearly every mobile device offers some Bluetooth connectivity, whether it is simple Hands-Free Profile (HFP) or more advanced profiles like Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP),” said Mark Boyadjis, North American automotive analyst for iSuppli. “The influx of Bluetooth technology has blanketed the consumer electronics industry, and this is spilling over into cars.”
What example of comprehensive mobile technology is Ford’s Sync which was developed for the automaker by Microsoft Corporation.
Sync offers Bluetooth hands-free phone and also supports A2DP and AVRCP for streaming recorded or live audio content. Other OEMs like Honda and Mazda are also offering optional Bluetooth solutions with the A2DP profile in their newest models, like the 2009 Acura TSX and the 2009 Mazda 6. By the end of this year, Sync will further its functionality by adding 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report (VHR).
So, when you shop for a car next year, your chances of finding mobile connectivity for iPod, Bluetooth, and USB interfaces is quite good. Moreover, what was once an expensive option is now standard on many models or offered for a reasonable price as part of an upgrade package.
(Source: iSuppli Corporation)
