Saw this via the FLAC web page.


Volvo plus PhatNoise

Now it's nice to see a manufactuer adding a music system like this to the car, but why limit the display like that? I don't think they were the first to use the PhatNoise system, Audi did it first, IIRC. But this is a "new" development and I don't see how this is any better than an IPod.

ive never used a phatnoise.The specs dont look too bad, but the one line interface looks awful. The diagrams are nice though.

I can't believe phatnoise is still around even.

I saw that also. Pretty sad, but at least they are offering something.

I saw it while looking for a factory iPod adapter, which I found. A call to my local dealer revealed its purchase + install price: $375. I'll stick with iPod-to-go or the aftermarket Volvo iPod adapter ($180 + install).

Of course, this is a gift for my sister. *I* will stick with my empeg.

Ok, everyone repeat after me:

It's not the product, it's the marketing*.

Phatnoise worked to get into the Automotive OEM market and succeeded. SonicBlue did not. Who has the best product is moot. Phatnoise made a viable company out of the automotive product line and SonicBlue/Rio did not.

(* Note: Marketing a good product is easier)

I'm sorry for my snarkiness, it's just that the 'build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door' myth needs to be taken out back and beaten repeatedly on the head with a shovel.

I love my empeg dearly. Was it before its time? Perhaps, but (in my opinion) it never had a chance with the level of marketing support it received (Slashdot/Linux Journal articles don't count as marketing) from either Rio or SonicBlue.

-Zeke

...or DNNA, although that would not include the empeg at that point but would include a bunch of other nice items instead.

FWIW, that's been available for a few years.

True, but, at least in the US, I don't think you can buy a car without a factory stereo. It seems to me that they're selling it to you whether you want it or not, and already making their money off of it. At the same time, there's no benefit to them in providing an alternate interface, even if there's no penalty, either.

This just in from MacWorld: Chrysler becomes first US Automaker to provide iPod integration as a standard option.
It will be $175 at the dealer for all 2006 cars, with retrofit to most 2005 cars.

Of course these 12 foreign carmakers already do it.

It looks like, through inaction, all the other MP3-player manufacturers have let the iPod interface become the de facto standard interface.

And guess what, Apple ain't sharin' it with nobody nohow.

And we all know what wonderful products pseudo-monopolies will eventually deliver to us!

I guess in hindsight, a little CYA activity in some IEEE committee doesn't look like it would have been such a bad plan to all the companies on the losing side of this deal.

I estimate 10-20% of all Chryslers sold will be fitted with this.
And some of those people would have been happy with a cheaper Brand X player,
particularly after a few years when "iPod Brand" becomes less of a status symbol.

But now all the Brand X's have lost those sales.

Or, the pressure to continually release new products/versions is too great. Therefore, proper implementation of obvious functionality is sacrificed to the "Lion of the Dead" (insert Sluggy Freelance link which I am too tired to find because there's no easy way to find them). FITNR.