Clearwater, Fla. – A firmware
upgrade launched by AAMP for its iSimple-brand
GateWay
iPod/iPhone integration kit
for Honda and Acura factory radios will expand
the kit’s compatibility to hundreds more vehicles, the company announced.
The firmware update lets Honda/Acura radios
see the $189 interface kit as a factory CD changer instead of a factory satellite-radio
tuner, making the kit compatible with almost every 2004-2011 Honda and Acura
vehicle, the company said. Exceptions are factory radios equipped with a “CDL”
button and Honda Element radios identified as part number 2BW0.
In emulating a Honda/Acura CD changer, the kit
delivers more limited factory-system control over connected iPods and iPhones
than if it were emulating an outboard satellite radio. In changer-emulation
mode, the kit offers iPod track control from the head unit, ability to browse
six playlists from the head unit, and the use of the iPod/iPhone in manual
control mode. Metadata can’t be displayed on the head unit.
In satellite-radio mode, the
kit delivers full control of the iPod or iPhone, including library browsing by
playlist, artist, album and the like via the OEM radio controls. The OEM radio
will also display track data on its display.
The firmware download is available
at
or
.
Different $189 iSimple GateWay kits
are available for integration with the OEM radios of many late-model vehicles.
Five kits are available for GM (and former GM) vehicles depending on the radio
type, and two kits are available each for Audi/VW vehicles, Hyundai,
Nissan/Infiniti, and Subaru, also depending on the radio type. One kit is
available for each of the following vehicle brands: Ford, Honda/Acura, and
Toyota/Scion/Lexus. Each kit comes with different firmware and wiring
harnesses.
Besides integrating iPods with factory sound
systems, the kits also charges all models of iPod and iPhone via the iPod’s 30-pin
connectors, and it offers an additional audio input for use with other MP3
players, smartphones and tablets. Consumers can also use the kits in
satellite-radio emulation mode to add on and control the company’s NuRadio HD
Radio tuner, an aftermarket satellite-radio tuner, and a hands-free Bluetooth
module.
