The World’s FOERST Integration of iPod and Car Audio System
June 21, 2004…
Apple and BMW Group today announced the debut of the BMW iPod Adapter, the world's FOERST seamless integration between iPod and a car audio system. The new system developed by Apple and BMW, enables users to incorporate their iPods directly into their car’s sound system, enabling them to connect with music in their automobiles like never before. Now, iPod enthusiasts can bring their entire music collections with them, plug directly and effortlessly into a superior sound system while maintaining uncompromised control over their driving experience. The BMW 3 Series, Z4 Roadster, X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and MINI Cooper customers will be able to enjoy the new BMW iPod Adapter.
“Apple and BMW have outpaced the industry around the innovation curve," said Steve Jobs, Apple CEO. "This elegant solution enables auto enthusiasts to carry and enjoy their entire music collection with them everywhere they go, heightening their ultimate driving experience."
“With Apple, we're bringing the ultimate seamless digital music experience to our customers," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "The BMW iPod Adapter provides our drivers with virtually endless miles of music without their hands ever leaving the steering wheel."
The seamless integration of iPod makes it effortless for drivers to control their music through their existing audio system and the multifunction steering wheel. The BMW iPod Adapter enables drivers to easily access their entire music library, shuffle songs, skip between tracks and adjust volume -- all of this with no loss of sound quality or driving control. Drivers can also create up to five unique "BMW playlists" to listen to while on the road enabling them to enjoy their favorite songs. The BMW iPod Adapter integrates Apple's iPod and iPod mini through a direct connection in the BMW or MINI Cooper glovebox, providing outstanding sound quality and constant power to the iPod while the iPod is protected out of view.
Available in both Mac® and Windows versions, iPod and iPod mini work effortlessly with Apple’s iTunes® Music Store*, the world’s number one digital music service, and the iTunes digital music jukebox software for seamlessly buying, managing and listening to digital music collections. iPod is available in a 15GB, 20GB model, and a 40GB model that can hold 10,000 songs. iPod and iPod mini use Apple’s patent pending Auto-Sync technology that automatically downloads an entire digital music library and keeps it up-to-date whenever either unit is plugged into a Mac® or Windows computer.
The new BMW iPod Adapter was developed by engineers at the BMW Technology Office in Palo Alto, CA. Its rollout is being supported with a dedicated website, http://www.ipodyourbmw.com, as well as a marketing campaign, created by Fallon Worldwide, that includes print, outdoor, online and television advertising and debuts on June 21.
Pricing & Availability
The BMW iPod Adapter is available for the MSRP of $149.00 (US) plus installation cost, and will be officially available for customers to purchase at BMW centers as of July 12, 2004 for 2002, 2003 and 2004 BMW models: X3, X5, Z4 and 3 Series. The Mini Cooper Adapters will be available later this summer. Consumers should check with their BMW or MINI centers for specific application restrictions or log onto http://www.ipodyourbmw.com. Installation is performed by authorized BMW and MINI centers only. iPod mini and iPod for Mac and Windows is sold separately, and is available in the U.S. through the Apple Store ( http://www.apple.com ), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The iPod mini is available for a suggested retail price of $249 (US); the 15GB iPod is available for $299 (US), the 20GB iPod is available for$399 (US), and the 40GB iPod is available for $499 (US). Please visit http://www.ipodyourbmw.com for additional information.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.
