USB / iPod Adapter?

[stream]

The recent review on Gearlog says a USB / iPod adapter will be a dealer installed option, available at a later date--but only for the base sound system. Anybody have other/better information?

Car Review: 2010 Toyota Prius Tops 50 mpg (Easily) - Gearlog

The real head-shaker is the lack of a meaningful iPod connection. Every Prius gets a line-in jack in the console and a second 12-volt adapter (photo). Later (no date set) Toyota will add a dealer-install option that gives you a USB jack for iPods and other music-containing devices; you can control the player from your Prius radio or steering wheel controls. That's for the Prius base audio system. Only. If you have a Prius with the JBL premium audio system or the navigation system, you're S.O.L. The best Toyota can point to is that if you get premium audio plus navigation plus Bluetooth, you can stream Bluetooth audio from some devices with rudimentary dashboard control (start, stop, volume).

[damack1]

I'm very curious about this as well. I'm not currently a Prius owner, but I'm seriously considering the 2010. In this day and time, the lack of an iPod connector seems like something out of the stone age. I recently installed an aftermarket radio on my current car that allows me to control my iPod Touch from the radio. Going backwards seems... backwards.

I've seen references to a kit by DICE Electronics that provides iPod integration. Anyone know anything about it, particularly if it's likely to work on the new 2010?

Thanks.

[ggood]

Also being discussed in another thread. Moderators may want to merge threads.

[stream]

Originally Posted by ggood

Also being discussed in another thread. Moderators may want to merge threads.

I tried a search before posting the question, but no luck--do you have a link?

[cwerdna]

Originally Posted by stream

I tried a search before posting the question, but no luck--do you have a link?

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hy...pg-easily.html

[MUPAUL]

I would keep this labeled as a seperate thread and topic, as it will most likely be an issue for a lot of us. Anyway, I have a basic question. I use an iphone 3G, so I assume that I can plug it into the "in line jack" and use the AUX button and control my ipod (in my phone) from my phone? But in order to control the ipod from my stereo, I will need the USB adaptor? Is this correct?

Kind of strange, I was thinking package III, but if the USB adaptor allows me to control my ipod from my stereo and if the USB is only available with package II, I will have to consider package II, which will probably save me some money anyway. Maybe the bluetooth stereo will be available with the JBL upgrade? I can live without Bluetooth for my phone.

Can someone with more knowledge let me know how this all works with the ipod? Also, is there a big difference from the base stereo with four speakers to the ugraded JBL stereo with additional speakers? I will probably go with the base if I can get the USB on the base and control my ipod from the stereo.

[ggood]

Originally Posted by MUPAUL

I use an iphone 3G, so I assume that I can plug it into the "in line jack" and use the AUX button and control my ipod (in my phone) from my phone? But in order to control the ipod from my stereo, I will need the USB adaptor? Is this correct?

Yes. However, when the new iphone 3.0 operating system comes out, your iphone will be able to do wireless audio stereo streaming to the car stereo, with some limited ability to control the iphone's ipod features from the car's controls. Without the 3.0 op sys, you would need a bluetooth addon dongle. As indicated in the other thread, there may still be another wired option, even if the USB version is not available.

[Danny]

What the Gearlog review doesn't say is exactly what the USB connectivity will entail. Just passing audio? The ability to skip tracks, stop, and start? Text display on the tiny basic audio display? No one knows. Plus, it'll probably be a several hundred dollar option.

On the after-market front, I'm keeping in touch with DICE and VAIS to find out when their solutions might be available. Basically, as soon as you see that their systems are working with the Venza, then they are most likely going to work with the 2010 Prius. I'll be getting some units to test with as soon as I receive my 2010 Prius.

[MUPAUL]

DICE and VAIS. What do these companies typically provide and at what cost? I know exact information isn't available, but based upon the past, what do you think we can we expect?
I am amazed that USB ports that function through the stereo aren't basic or cheap add ons. I know the Insight EX has the USB port.
This will be interesting to get info on.
Thanks.

[Danny]

The DICE unit is currently available through the PriusChat Shop for $143.95. The VAIS units are more expensive (don't have numbers off the top of my head).

Both prices could change once the 2010 is out, but I doubt it will be much.