Acura and Honda Unveil iPod Music Link Accessories

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 7 -- In a continuing expansion of audio capabilities in the automotive market, Acura today unveiled the Acura Music Link iPod(R) adaptor, which allows seamless integration between iPod and Acura audio systems. The new accessory developed by Acura enables drivers to listen to their iPod in digital sound directly through the audio system in the 2006 Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans and MDX SUV.

In a related announcement, Honda disclosed their version of the music link. Honda Music Link enables consumers with iPods to select their music by artist, album, genre and play list through the Honda Civic's standard controls on the audio system head unit. The Honda product was developed by Honda engineers.

The two companies’ Music Link products allow drivers to select their music by artist, album, genre and play list through the standard controls on the audio system head unit. Additionally, the Music Link adaptors will be the first to include text-to-speech capabilities or VoiceID, when searching through the iPod music library with the audio system controls.

Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPod product marketing commented that "car companies are embracing the iPod, and over 30% of the cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod integration."

The Music Link adaptors provide high quality sound while simultaneously charging the iPod battery. The adaptors will be available starting in mid-December.