Toyota "factory" ipod integration?

[foobarro]

I'm a proud new 2007 package 5 owner - now researching my various iPod integration options. So far, most of what I've seen out there (Dice, Vais) leaves a lot to be desired. The Valor iLink looks interesting, but I don't like the idea of a separate remote, and would rather use the steering wheel or touchscreen controls.

I thought I read somewhere online that from 2007 forward that Toyota was going to offer "factory" iPod integration. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, where can I find out more about it?

Thanks in advance...

[hilde]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(foobarro @ Jan 2 2007, 08:50 PM) [snapback]369892[/snapback]</div>

I'm a proud new 2007 package 5 owner - now researching my various iPod integration options. So far, most of what I've seen out there (Dice, Vais) leaves a lot to be desired. The Valor iLink looks interesting, but I don't like the idea of a separate remote, and would rather use the steering wheel or touchscreen controls.

I thought I read somewhere online that from 2007 forward that Toyota was going to offer "factory" iPod integration. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, where can I find out more about it?

Thanks in advance...
[/b]

All you need is a cable with two similar plugs that you plug into the ipod headphone and the other end goes into the aux plug on the passenger side inside the center console. You can get them in any length at Radio Shack or a computer store and it works seamlessly with the radio. Just press AUX when the radio is on and you are good to go.
hilde

[foobarro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hilde @ Jan 3 2007, 12:04 PM) [snapback]370130[/snapback]</div>

All you need is a cable with two similar plugs that you plug into the ipod headphone and the other end goes into the aux plug on the passenger side inside the center console. You can get them in any length at Radio Shack or a computer store and it works seamlessly with the radio. Just press AUX when the radio is on and you are good to go.
hilde
[/b]

Thanks for the reply, but I know that level of integration already.

I'm talking about being able to control all the functions of the iPod from the steering wheel/MFD. Dice and Vais have products that seem just OK, but I don't like their limitation of how to browse my collection; for example, I routinely like to look for tracks by artist first, then album; Vais forces me to create playlists for everything, and Dice only allows selection by song, playlist, album or chapter; not artist. Valor's (Coastal) iLink seems to have it right, in that I can browse by all the methods that I can on the iPod itself, but then it's got that separate remote that I don't really desire. And finally, none of them seem to have the ability to show the album art up on the screen, in addition to the song/artist/album info...

[Tideland Prius]

Toyota already offers iPod integration in Canada at a hefty Cdn$339

[foobarro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jan 4 2007, 01:08 AM) [snapback]370601[/snapback]</div>

Toyota already offers iPod integration in Canada at a hefty Cdn$339
[/b]

Thanks for that info - do you have any details on the functionality of what is installed?

[jbebel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(foobarro @ Jan 4 2007, 06:12 AM) [snapback]370675[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for that info - do you have any details on the functionality of what is installed?
[/b]

I see mention of it on this page:
http://www.wikihow.com/Hook-up-an-iPod-in-a-Prius
but no details. I'm curious as well, as I'd like to see the best ipod integration in my 2007 prius. If you find out any more about this outside of this thread, let me know.

[BobR]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(foobarro @ Jan 3 2007, 01:40 PM) [snapback]370192[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the reply, but I know that level of integration already.

I'm talking about being able to control all the functions of the iPod from the steering wheel/MFD. Dice and Vais have products that seem just OK, but I don't like their limitation of how to browse my collection; for example, I routinely like to look for tracks by artist first, then album; Vais forces me to create playlists for everything, and Dice only allows selection by song, playlist, album or chapter; not artist. Valor's (Coastal) iLink seems to have it right, in that I can browse by all the methods that I can on the iPod itself, but then it's got that separate remote that I don't really desire. And finally, none of them seem to have the ability to show the album art up on the screen, in addition to the song/artist/album info...
[/b]

All of these interfaces are limited by the radio and what it can understand. Until Toyota adds iPod support we are limited to having an iPod emulate a SAT, CD/MD changer or MP3 Disc.

[jbebel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ Jan 4 2007, 11:49 AM) [snapback]370877[/snapback]</div>

All of these interfaces are limited by the radio and what it can understand. Until Toyota adds iPod support we are limited to having an iPod emulate a SAT, CD/MD changer or MP3 Disc.
[/b]

True... but that's why we were interested in the possibility/rumor of TOYOTA offering ipod integration for the 2007 prius. They might do a better job of integration.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(foobarro @ Jan 4 2007, 06:12 AM) [snapback]370675[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for that info - do you have any details on the functionality of what is installed?
[/b]

Unfortunately I don't. The website doesn't give any explanation at all. I just assumed all iPod kits were similar. After reading your post, I guess not.

[jd.buchanan]

The funny thing is, my son just bought a 2006 Scion xB, and it has true iPod integration built in. There is an AUX input, AND an iPod input with a cable that came with the car. When he plugs in his iPod, the iPod screen says SCION on it, and the iPod controls are disabled. He can only control the device through the radio controls or the steering wheel controls. When he disconnects the iPod, the in dash audio screen displays "bye-bye, iPod". I was really jealous when I saw how well Toyota made this work on his $16,000 Scion, and they didn't offer the same thing on my Prius.