[mapezzul]

Motorola just announced the creation of a BT adapter for the iPod.... could this be the next step in iPod integration in the E90. I am not saying this specific model but could this a cure for BMW's issues with designing a new system for the newer models with MOST bus?

here is the link:
Motorola Music Duo for iPod

Best of Luck

[JSpira]

Funny, I remember someone making a similar post just like this somewhere...

Keep in mind, BMW supports Bluetooth 1.2 and 2.0 is required for stereo. In addition, the Bluetooth radio is part of the telematics unit and, while that unit is on the MOST bus, it´s not really designed for this type of deployment (unfortunately).

I think we´ll see something later this year, either from BMW or Dension(which is learning how hard it is to work with MOST).

[Brett]

Originally Posted by JSpira

Funny, I remember someone making a similar post just like this somewhere....

I foresee that within 2 years most high-end MP3 players will be bluetooth compatible out of the box. Already, most high-end cars have bluetooth (v1.2), and I suspect this connectivity option will drive them them to upgrade to the new more powerful bluetooth (v2.0 or later if available). Its exactly what happen with cell phones. They had bluetooth just briefly before it became an option in high-end vechicles.

Today, pretty much all MP3 players [including ipod] use the same basic drivers for data access, so it wouldn't require any designing them for any particular brand or model. All that would be required is coding playback support for the files (MP3, WMA-protected, and AAC are pretty much a sure thing, getting AAC-protected (iTunes Purchases) will be a bit tricker).

When this happens you will be able to not only play the music from the speakers, but actually control the system with the car (ie: change tracks and display info).

Watchout, Samsung is bringing out a new cellphone with 3 or 4gb hd for music playback, and I believe it has bluetooth v2.0. Its opening the door, and I am sure once the convience is realized it will only take a matter of time for it to happen.

-Brett

[cdheaven]

we did have a post like this before. it was a good one. i think like a bluetooth software engine got involved or SOMETHING so it made the post very interesting. i dont see apple adding bluetooth to their ipods for a while, they seem to wanna stick with a very simple device, but i dont expect other manufactures to start using bluetooth in the near future. and after that, the possibilites are endless. transfer actual files, or even music or even just the artist and song info through bluetooth would be amazing!

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by cdheaven

we did have a post like this before.

With my comment, I was teasing the OP because this is cross posted on B'fest as well.

[poldim]

Originally Posted by Brett

I foresee that within 2 years most high-end MP3 players will be bluetooth compatible out of the box. Already, most high-end cars have bluetooth (v1.2), and I suspect this connectivity option will drive them them to upgrade to the new more powerful bluetooth (v2.0 or later if available). Its exactly what happen with cell phones. They had bluetooth just briefly before it became an option in high-end vechicles.

Today, pretty much all MP3 players [including ipod] use the same basic drivers for data access, so it wouldn't require any designing them for any particular brand or model. All that would be required is coding playback support for the files (MP3, WMA-protected, and AAC are pretty much a sure thing, getting AAC-protected (iTunes Purchases) will be a bit tricker).

When this happens you will be able to not only play the music from the speakers, but actually control the system with the car (ie: change tracks and display info).

Watchout, Samsung is bringing out a new cellphone with 3 or 4gb hd for music playback, and I believe it has bluetooth v2.0. Its opening the door, and I am sure once the convience is realized it will only take a matter of time for it to happen.

-Brett

I have a Samsung celly that I've been using while in Europe. Its a great little thing with bluetooth and a built in player. I've taken about 50 songs, dropped them down to about 800 kb a piece, and listen to it while skiing right now. Only downside is the fact that there isnt any memory card slot or anything
only built in 80 mb or so for music.

With fwd, rev and pause/play buttons on the front of the phone its easy to use. The player is very convient too, you can skip through parts of the song just like on a pc at a very fast speed, unlike in our E90.

[LEDZEP]

I can only imagine the problems this would cause. I have a difficult enough time with the bluetooth for my phone.

[eleven24]

For what it's worth, about two months ago Apple Computer hired someone who specializes in portable wireless technology (i.e. Bluetooth) for their entertainment (i.e. iPod) division.

Each year at MacWorld, Apple CEO Steve Jobs usually unveils a jaw dropping product or two... or three. It is rumored that the latest incarnation of the iPod will include Bluetooth wireless technology built-in. Whether this announcement comes in a few weeks at MW, or later this summer is yet unknown.

Side Note: The other rumor is an Intel based Mac Mini TiVo type device which serves as a DVR and an iTunes music collection. Coupled with the new video iPod, you will be able to record a program from Cable/Satellite and drop it to your iPod. Should the iPod introduce Bluetooth, it would mean that to sync your iPod all you would have to do is be within the wireless range. No more docks, cradles, or cables.

Even more exciting is the announcement that you will be able to control your computer by THINKING what you want it to do. No more keyboard & mouse... okay, that was a stretch. Would be cool though, eh?

[bimmer4me]

Originally Posted by eleven24

Should the iPod introduce Bluetooth, it would mean that to sync your iPod all you would have to do is be within the wireless range. No more docks, cradles, or cables.

Well, no. Bluetooth bandwidth is relatively low, even Bluetooth 2.0, for syncing purposes. To sync music and videos over Bluetooth would take hours if not days. You could get rid of "docks, cradles, or cables", but you would have to get a generator to keep that poor Bluetooth device alive long enough to sync. I pretty sure Bluetooth would really only be useful for playing to wireless headphones and car integration.

[poldim]

Yes, it would.

I was wondering when they'd expand the video sector of their entertainment products.

[bimmer4me]

After further review, I stand corrected. The first sync of 20GB or 30GB would take a long time and may not be realsitic, but after that you could probably sync okay over Bluetooth 2.0. Bluetooth 2.0 has a transfer rate of about 2MB/sec (according to mobleinfo.com). That would mean 1GB would trasnfer around 8 1/2 minutes. Bluetooth 1.2 has a transfer rate of about 0.7MB/sec, which translates to about 25 minutes for the same 1GB of data. Most people sync a lot less than 1GB of data.

[eleven24]

Originally Posted by bimmer4me

After further review, I stand corrected. The first sync of 20GB or 30GB would take a long time and may not be realsitic, but after that you could probably sync okay over Bluetooth 2.0. Bluetooth 2.0 has a transfer rate of about 2MB/sec (according to mobleinfo.com). That would mean 1GB would trasnfer around 8 1/2 minutes. Bluetooth 1.2 has a transfer rate of about 0.7MB/sec, which translates to about 25 minutes for the same 1GB of data. Most people sync a lot less than 1GB of data.

I was going to reply to your original post, but after further review find it unnecessary.

I agree though - the first sync would be better off via cradle. If most iPod users are like me, they come home from work (or school) and put the iPod on their counter. It ususally sits there for a couple of hours, if not overnight. Since it's within range of my Mac, it could theoretically do a complete sync... providing I didn't want to use it ASAP.

Back to BMW though - it would've been nice if the iPod could be controlled via steering wheel or iDrive. Especially with that nice display.

[RichP]

eleven24,
Stop refreshing Macrumors every 15 Seconds!

[bimmer4me]

Originally Posted by eleven24

If most iPod users are like me, they come home from work (or school) and put the iPod on their counter.

If the iPod could sync over Bluetooth, you could then stick a Mac Mini in your garage (or close to it), remote desktop iTunes, and then your iPod sync's automatically everytime you park your car in the garage and your iPod never has to leave the car! Thats' cool!

Originally Posted by elevent24

it would've been nice if the iPod could be controlled via steering wheel or iDrive.

iPod control via steering wheel buttons and iDrive (when available) is the only REAL solution, IMO.

[poldim]

I kinda want an iPod, the big iPod craze didnt phase me. But I am now finding more uses for it, even if only a few times year, its nice to have it while skiing and doing other outdoorsey activities...