iPod Integration Coming in 2006 Cars

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

September 7, 2005, 2:40 PM

Apple announced on Wednesday that it had signed agreements with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to feature seamless iPod integration in factory car stereos in their 2006 models. According to Apple, 30 percent of cars sold next year will come pre-equipped with iPod support.

Honda and Acura's implementations will also be the first to feature text-to-speech or VoiceID capabilities, which can be used to search for music. "We're thrilled to team up with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to provide drivers with a seamless iPod experience," Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing, said. "Car companies are embracing the iPod."