Filed under: Accessories, iPhone
Complete guide to iPhone car integration now online
Jeremy Horwitz at iLounge has written a comprehensive guide for integrating the iPhone with you car, from a budget-friendly rig to the ultimate set-up. The problem, of course, is that there's no single device, cable or solution that will manage calls, music, and charge your iPhone's battery simultaneously. I'm using a set-up similar to Jeremy's budget solution -- a cheap mount holds the iPhone in place, an audio cable connects it to my stereo's audio in port and a Belkin charger keeps the battery going.
Of course, I've still got to pick the thing up and disconnect the audio cable to place or receive a call (still legal where I live). I know that a Bluetooth headset would eliminate that issue, but I don't want to have to buy one more thing to accessorize my iPhone.
Jeremy's "Optimal Solution" eliminates a lot of the stuff with a Contour Design / Bluetrek SurfaceSound Compact, which is a nifty hands-free solution for mobile phones (though quite pricey). If price is not a concern, check it out. As for the rest of us, have you got your iPhone set up in your car? Share your solutions below.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
ryan said 3:03PM on 1-29-2008
I have an Alpine deck in my car with a "Full Speed Ipod" cable that controls music, charges my phone, and when someone calls it pauses the music and uses the speakers for speakerphone
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Nicholas Segura said 5:03PM on 1-29-2008
What model is your Alpine stereo. I want one too!
adrenalin said 3:23PM on 1-29-2008
Same here but for some reason when someone calls the music still plays.
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GM said 3:30PM on 1-29-2008
The Kensington FM Trans/Charger is the only FM transmitter I have found that works with my iPhone. (that doesnt break the bank)
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Larry said 3:32PM on 1-29-2008
Dice iPod / BMW integration for audio and track/playlist controls as well as power/charging. ($149)
Scosche bluetooth headset/speakerphone from Wal-mart ($29).
Sound quality is stellar. Songname, artist, album display on BMW dash unit and there are selection modes for track, playlist, artist selection by using the "disc number" and track forward/back buttons on the head unit. All I need now is a mounting bracket.
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Michael said 3:48PM on 1-29-2008
I listen to XM or CDs in my car, so I really only want to be able to use the phone part of my iPhone.
For this, I have it paired via bluetooth to my Garmin nuvi 600i. It makes and receives calls, even displays text messages through Garmin.
And, if I look up a restaurant or hotel on the Garmin, I can just touch it's listed phone number to dial through the iPhone.
Of course, I am hoping that version 2 iPhone will mount up on my windshield and rerplace the Garmin altogether. :)
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MfS said 3:54PM on 1-29-2008
I have the small budget solution going:
--Griffin PowerJolt (used previously to charge a 30GB iPod + Video; $15 from Amazon about 2 years ago)
--V-Moda Vibe Duo for iPhone (clipped to my shirt, as I used my iPhone for music/podcasts all day anyway; Christmas gift =$0)
--iPhone padded car mount/vent holder purchased from HDAccessory.com for like $10 bucks
--Pioneer AUX audio in box & cable, purchased 3 years ago for my U2 mono iPod to use in my car...about $45 bucks back then
--1/8" stereo headphone to RCA cable from Wal-Mart for less than $5 bucks
--iPod Shuffle headphone "extension," off of eBay for $7
I set the iPhone vent holder in a vent; leave V-Modas plugged in if am on the phone, or plug in headphone extension & 1/8" cord direct in to AUX on my car's head unit; and Griffin PowerJolt for charging. Works great.
And, I get to keep my iPhone in my Contour ShowCase at the same time.
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ocellnuri said 4:07PM on 1-29-2008
I use the Belkin Auto Kit. With firmware 1.0.2 audio worked, but the phone didn't charge. It looks like with 1.1.1 the phone now charges too. Audio goes into my Pioneer's AUX input. I love my setup, but I have to unplug the dock cable to answer a call. I would LOVE the exact same setup, with a microphone integrated into the dock plug.
I wrote about it a couple months ago here: http://www.ocell.net/blog/2007/11/wish-iphone-car-setup.html
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punkassjim said 4:17PM on 1-29-2008
I saw the iLounge post yesterday, and it made me laugh. I mean, I understand if you're gonna make a guide you've got to consider the low end too, but tape adapters and FM transmitters (IMHO) are just junk. FM adapters especially suck in moderate metro areas.
The problem is, at the top end of the scale, there should really be solution package that gives us what we REALLY want: one dock connector, no clutter, no fuss. Sure, most people wouldn't be able to install it themselves, but that's kinda what stereo shops are for.
The "optimal solution" in this article even seems a little "less than optimal." For my money, if I've got to get a bluetooth adapter, I'd really rather get something that's portable and usable under any circumstances. Even if I don't use it in the office or at home, I'd kinda like the option. Buying a bluetooth headset makes so much more sense than a car-only kit, but I guess that's just me.
But yeah, the biggest thing for me is just having one unobtrusive cable, either in the glove box, or leading out to a dash-mounted Panavise bracket.
My recommendation for anyone who needs a full-on solution is to contact the folks at http://www.enfig.com. Excellent customer service, and very good selection of direct-line-in adapters.
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djfred said 4:18PM on 1-29-2008
I keep waiting for that perfect single device but that Contour SurfaceSound Compact combined with the upcoming Kensington LiquidAUX for iPhone car kit with remote sounds like it might come pretty close to fitting the bill.
Of course it'll set you back $165 and you'll need a couple of stiff shots just to be able to prounounce the names.
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jeepnautique said 4:27PM on 1-29-2008
i also use the belkin car adapter for my truck and a stereo mini cable from the adapter straight into my factory stereo. I have never had to unplug the dock connector to receive a call.
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Byran said 4:35PM on 1-29-2008
FTA: "...no single device, cable or solution that will manage calls, music, and charge your iPhone's battery simultaneously". That depends on your car, and how much you choose to spend. In my Lexus, I purchased a SoundLinq from VaisTech that is an intermediary between my factory sound system and my iPod/iPhone.
Here's the setup: The Bluetooth in my car is a factory installed option. The VaisTech product uses the 30 pin dock connector to connect my iPhone/iPod to the radio, charge the device, and allow me to see my music on the car's display, and also allows me to control it via the display or steering wheel. As Jobs-O would say, Boom! I have calls, music, and battery charging with one small cable.
One of the nice things about the solution, is that it also does the iPhone music fading out thing when a call comes in, and pauses the music for you.
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joey said 4:37PM on 1-29-2008
I agree that it would be best if there is just a one product solution. I, like others here, built a cheap fix for my car. A iPod FM transmitter that plugs into the 12v outlet of the car and a cheap BT receiver. I just opened up the FM transmitter found the line out cables and soldered my own 3.5mm connector to that. Used a Y cable to connect both that and the BT receiver to the aux in behind the dash. Rewired the mic and answer switch on the BT receiver. Place the mic in a pin size hole in the A pillar and the answer switch on the dash.
The iPhone uses the audio out for music and is paired the to the BT reciever as a headset at the same time.
I play my music. Call comes in I press the answer button. Music mutes the A pillar mic picks up my voice my car stereo acts as a speaker phone (no feedback) I hang up with the button and music fades back in.
Total cost (all parts) $25 dollars. But I do wish for a more elegant solution that displays music/caller info on the radio itself.
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Nicholas Segura said 4:39PM on 1-29-2008
What model is the Alpine?
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The Chad said 4:46PM on 1-29-2008
I have a belkin acrylic case with detachable belt clip on my iPhone. I wiretied the clip to my dash vent, which allows the phone to rotate if I want video.
for music, belkin tape adapter hooked to a 1gb shuffle that fits in the tape deck.
I don't like the idea of having to fumble with the phone or lose music should someone call me, so I use a separate ipod. I am getting sick of the shuffle, though, because while I typically listen to a random mix, sometimes I want a specific song/album. Also, random mixes sometimes get really random and I want to know what I'm listening too. Off to ebay for a cheap last gen ipod!
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aromatorio said 4:47PM on 1-29-2008
My roommate just got the Pioneer AVIC-D3X kit from Crutchfield and installed it himself in his 07 Scion tC. [http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=182350&i=130AVICD3X&tp=144]
I'm not sure if this setup pauses the stereo when a call comes into his iPhone, but it definitely combines iPod + phone. It has builtin satNav, but I'm doubtful that it could call a restaurant you lookup (as #5 said) - that is an exceedingly useful feature.
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aromatorio said 4:49PM on 1-29-2008
i should also mention that the Pioneer setup costs a cool grand and is an entire package, not something you could really integrate into an existing car stereo.
The Chad said 4:52PM on 1-29-2008
addendum: I don't want a connection to the stereo that makes me use the stereo controls. (most) people love ipods for the ease of use. Most people hate car stereos for the incredible pain in the ass they can be to control. I want a digital connection to the stereo that charges the ipod, yet lets the ipod do the controlling. Why is that so hard?
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aromatorio said 5:34PM on 1-29-2008
Because you shouldn't be fumbling with an iPod while driving. Ideally, one shouldn't be messing with a stereo too much either, but whatever.
I would disagree with you. After using the scion iPod option, I would never think of going back to a system where I have to use the iPod itself. It it so tiny compared to the nice big letters on the head unit. Plus, the head unit does a good job of emulating the iPod controls, using a "click wheel" essentially, to scroll through. Also, I want my iPod to be relatively hidden, like in the glovebox, or in the case of the scion, the bottom of the center console.
I suppose this is different than you (and maybe many others) view this - I haven't used the iPod that's in my car for years. It is basically a hard drive that I can periodically fill with music. I have an old 4gig mini for the car, and an 8gig nano for actual use as an Ipod. I would be content using a cheap hard-drive (or as someone else mentioned, an older ipod, maybe with a busted screen).
Skullinator said 1:48PM on 1-30-2008
"The" Chad? As in.. THE Chad.. I think we worked together at R155