iPod for Tech Package... is there hope?

[CXRabbit]

Today I went to my audio guy and we talked about them ripping out my whole system and putting the Alpine IVA-W200 or W205 in. He wants a few days to do some research and we'll talk again on Tuesday.

Meantime, someone over on Edmunds posted this:

Went to my dealer (Pinnacle Mazda in Renton, WA) this morning for the one week check-back and my salesman said a company finally figured out how to put the iPod connection in with the tech package - cost of $400. He is calling to get more info and to set up an appointment for me.
(http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0da31c/92)

!!!!!!!!

I asked him/her to provide more details and I might try calling Pinnacle myself... but anyone else heard anything???

 

[mixmasterlove]

Today I went to my audio guy and we talked about them ripping out my whole system and putting the Alpine IVA-W200 or W205 in. He wants a few days to do some research and we'll talk again on Tuesday.

Meantime, someone over on Edmunds posted this:

Went to my dealer (Pinnacle Mazda in Renton, WA) this morning for the one week check-back and my salesman said a company finally figured out how to put the iPod connection in with the tech package - cost of $400. He is calling to get more info and to set up an appointment for me.
(http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0da31c/92)

!!!!!!!!

I asked him/her to provide more details and I might try calling Pinnacle myself... but anyone else heard anything???

If you hear anything can you post it AND PM me. thanks

 

[CXRabbit]

Of course Mix... I know you've been waiting too... I'll let everyone know the minute I find out even one little thing! You let us know if you hear anything too

 

[Shaz]

Yeah, me too. It would be nice to have an iPod integration. Just today, I went for a long drive and I had the iPod hooked up via Monster FM Modulator...geez, interference here and there....but boy, oh boy, passing cars is a breeze, next to nothing.

 

[Shaz]

Does anyone think of contacting Apple instead? Maybe they can provide something or work up with Mazda to get the iPod integration just like what they did with BMW.

 

[mixmasterlove]

Of course Mix... I know you've been waiting too... I'll let everyone know the minute I find out even one little thing! You let us know if you hear anything too

Who knows, maybe it can work with the "MEDIA" button. LOLOLOLOL

 

[CXRabbit]

Does anyone think of contacting Apple instead? Maybe they can provide something or work up with Mazda to get the iPod integration just like what they did with BMW.

I thought about it.

Actually, years ago after purchasing a blue-and-white G3 I had some issues with an Apple Monitor... after not getting far with customer service (my 1-year warranty was up) and discovering it had been a wide-spread issue with this particular model, on a whim I wrote to Steve Jobs. Within 1 week his assistance actually called me and then sent me a credit to have the monitor repaired! I was amazed!

I did consider trying to dig up that e-mail address in my oil e-mail files for this occassion... but honestly, I don't know that it will do any good. This was a ball really in Mazda's court that they seriously dropped... and Apple isn't going to be able to figure out all the inner workings of a head unit they had no role in designing. HOPEFULLY, since they are supposedly already working with Mazda (and others) to develop iPod solutions, it's on their radar screen.

But I will still consider the possibility of writing them...

Who knows, maybe it can work with the "MEDIA" button. LOLOLOLOL

It's like the put the stupid thing there to taunt us! LOL

 

[Shaz]

Try either:
sjobs@apple.com
sjobs@mac.com

I doubt he will ever get to it unless your email address is a Fortune500 company, the White House, Woz, wifey and kids. But who knows...he might just ask a lead designer to have one made up...just for us LOL

 

[CXRabbit]

Well, like I said, he DID get back to me years ago - LOL - of course, that was before the iPod boom

Anyway, contacting Steve isn't my priority. Getting good iPod support in this car is, and it's really Mazda who screwed it up - at least up to this moment.

 

[CXRabbit]

Just so everyone knows...

I called Pinnacle Mazda in Washington myself and spoke to Neil (Parts Guy) -- He confirms with me that there is NO iPod accessory available for the CX-7 with Tech Package... and NO NEWS on anything coming, at least no that he knows of.

 

[azcat]

Just so everyone knows...

I called Pinnacle Mazda in Washington myself and spoke to Neil (Parts Guy) -- He confirms with me that there is NO iPod accessory available for the CX-7 with Tech Package... and NO NEWS on anything coming, at least no that he knows of.

In last week's AutoWeek, there was a "reader's report" story, and most of us (I was quoted) complained about the lack of iPod support. AW contacted Mazda, and Mazda responded that, in 2008, it would be there.

So, wait a few months, check eBay for those who simply must upgrade, and buy their '08 OEM stereo.

You heard it here first...

 

[meanstreak]

In last week's AutoWeek, there was a "reader's report" story, and most of us (I was quoted) complained about the lack of iPod support. AW contacted Mazda, and Mazda responded that, in 2008, it would be there.

So, wait a few months, check eBay for those who simply must upgrade, and buy their '08 OEM stereo.

You heard it here first...

Assuming it fits that sounds like too much of a hassle. I'd just live without it till trade-in time. For me the Sirrius and the CDs are good enough... though I must admit, I prefer the XM music lineup better. It sucks that Mazada doesn't offer models with XM and Sirrius. It would have cost me have as much to add an additional XM radio to my account.

BTW... I hope most of you know Sirrius offers 6 months free trial, though it's not heavily advertised and the dealers seem not to know. Makes you wonder how they sell cars.

 

[azcat]

Assuming it fits that sounds like too much of a hassle. I'd just live without it till trade-in time. For me the Sirrius and the CDs are good enough... though I must admit, I prefer the XM music lineup better. It sucks that Mazada doesn't offer models with XM and Sirrius. It would have cost me have as much to add an additional XM radio to my account.

BTW... I hope most of you know Sirrius offers 6 months free trial, though it's not heavily advertised and the dealers seem not to know. Makes you wonder how they sell cars.

You're absolutely correct--Sirius sucks (hence the XM tag line, "The suck stops here"). Regrettably, the various manufacturers sign up with one or the other provider, and Ford, sorry, Mazda, went with Sirius. Since the two are incompatible, and the FCC won't let them merge, we lose. I still haven't decided whether or not I'm going to sign on with Sirius after the six-month trial (my dealer knew about and set it up for me). (pissed)

 

[CXRabbit]

LOL I was quoted in the Autoweek article, so I know.

I'm not going to wait for the '08 OEM Radio... Not when it sucks the enjoyment out of the car for me to be missing some of the most basic features, even putting iPod aside. No guarantee ANY of those issues will be fixed for '08, and if the '08 solution is simply an aux port input with no charging or touch-screen interface, I'll just about scream after waiting it out.

I'm already pricing out custom solutions... and while I still may wait and see what Mazda offers in the next month or so, I can tell you I'm pretty close to pulling the whole Tech-Package radio/nav out. May sound drastic but good iPod support and good radio functions mean a lot to me.

I do enjoy the Sirius quite a bit (had it in my last car too)... but I enjoy it for the talk and news. The music is cool and all, but the compression sucks quality right out of it, and it's EASY to hear it - you don't have to be an audio-perfectionist... but considering I'm married to one, it makes it all the worse

 

[meanstreak]

You're absolutely correct--Sirius sucks (hence the XM tag line, "The suck stops here"). Regrettably, the various manufacturers sign up with one or the other provider, and Ford, sorry, Mazda, went with Sirius. Since the two are incompatible, and the FCC won't let them merge, we lose. I still haven't decided whether or not I'm going to sign on with Sirius after the six-month trial (my dealer knew about and set it up for me). (pissed)

With VW and some others cars you can get either XM or Sirrius, but you are subject to what is available on the lot. With Chevy, you can order what you want but who wants to wait that long for a car, so again, you are subject to whatever they decided to stock. Besides, I don't like the way some of the American vehicles drive or last.(encourage

 

[meanstreak]

LOL I was quoted in the Autoweek article, so I know.

I'm not going to wait for the '08 OEM Radio... Not when it sucks the enjoyment out of the car for me to be missing some of the most basic features, even putting iPod aside. No guarantee ANY of those issues will be fixed for '08, and if the '08 solution is simply an aux port input with no charging or touch-screen interface, I'll just about scream after waiting it out.

I'm already pricing out custom solutions... and while I still may wait and see what Mazda offers in the next month or so, I can tell you I'm pretty close to pulling the whole Tech-Package radio/nav out. May sound drastic but good iPod support and good radio functions mean a lot to me.

I do enjoy the Sirius quite a bit (had it in my last car too)... but I enjoy it for the talk and news. The music is cool and all, but the compression sucks quality right out of it, and it's EASY to hear it - you don't have to be an audio-perfectionist... but considering I'm married to one, it makes it all the worse

That is pretty drastic, but maybe you can sell it. I don't have an IPOD at the moment, though I have been thinking about. Guess I better avoid it so I won't be missing anything.

 

[azcat]

I'm already pricing out custom solutions... and while I still may wait and see what Mazda offers in the next month or so, I can tell you I'm pretty close to pulling the whole Tech-Package radio/nav out. May sound drastic but good iPod support and good radio functions mean a lot to me.

I do enjoy the Sirius quite a bit (had it in my last car too)... but I enjoy it for the talk and news. The music is cool and all, but the compression sucks quality right out of it, and it's EASY to hear it - you don't have to be an audio-perfectionist... but considering I'm married to one, it makes it all the worse

Geez, that's an expensive solution. Just out of curiosity, where's the rear-view camera mounted? That's the one thing I really wish I had out of the Tech Package. I'm installing a trailer hitch when the weather improves, and will occasionally drag around a grossly overloaded trailer; that camera would make the hook-up a lot easier.

I've lost a lot of my hearing (yeah, I'm an old fart; what's yer point?), so audio quality isn't a critical as it used to be. For me, the lyrics are important, and XM's programming is just far, far better than Sirius'. I have XM in the Miata and at work, and just don't even listen to the music on Sirius anymore.

 

[CXRabbit]

AZ,

Yeah, it may turn out a bit pricey but I'll talk to the audio guy tomorrow and we'll see what he says.

Rear-camera with the tech package is mounted next to the handle that opens the hatch -- to the left of it -- under the lip there. You can also get license-plate mounted ones, or they can mount it inside your hatch aimed out the window. Really, it's up to you.

I haven't heard XM's audio quality myself, so I can't compare it to Sirius. As for as music selection I like the Sirius and I'm sure I'd like XM too... but like I said I got the Sirius more for the talk and News -- call me a geek, but having CNN in my car was a huge plus for me! LOL -- That's another reason the whole iPod thing irks me... the idea that I might have to give up Satellite radio just to be able to hook up my iPod is annoying.

I will say, I do like the navigation system BUT the aftermarket ones are definitely miles ahead (which I did know before buying the car)... and living in New York, live traffic reporting is just a cool feature to have.

What I'll have to decide is if all of this is worth wasting the money I paid for the Tech Package.

 

[azcat]

AZ,
...

I will say, I do like the navigation system BUT the aftermarket ones are definitely miles ahead (which I did know before buying the car)... and living in New York, live traffic reporting is just a cool feature to have.

Camera--hmm. Thanks for the info. I wonder if the wiring is there for us non-nav package mortals?

I have a Garmin StreePilot 2720 (preceeded by a StreetPilot Mark 0 Rev 0) that I move from the Miata to the -7, and it's great, and that's why I didn't go with the Tech Package. No sense paying $1400+ for the same thing. And, living in, well, a place where three cars at the light is considered "heavy traffic" (no, I really don't miss Phoenix), I don't need traffic updates. I listen to NPR, CNN, and (oh, God!) Fox News, and really wish I could hook into my music on my iPod. Robert Earl, Ray Wyle, Pat, Cory--Texas music rules!

 

[CXRabbit]

No no! You must give up Fox News!

I doubt the wiring is there for the camera -- the car comes from Japan either with the Tech Package or without... it's not dealer-added, so that makes me think it's a significant install process. I doubt highly they take the time to put the wiring in for the camera but not the camera itself. But really, running the wire is the easy part for any good installer.

It is a great feature though... I considered it a must-have with this car. If I DO go and put the Alpine in I'll be sure the reverse camera can also be viewed when the car is in drive, if possible (on the tech package you can only see that view when the car is in reverse). I saw in Japan they can get side-view mirror cameras too... with the blind spots on this car I'd LOVE that.

I live in NY... on Long Island... home of the traffic jam. LOL