A short time ago, I test drove a new V-6 Honda Accord Coupe. The new, standard tech upgrades at my disposal: hands-free Bluetooth, XM Radio, a 270-watt audio system, were amazing and enough safety features (18 to be exact) to make any passenger feel protected and safe. While I enjoyed the power of Honda's 271 hp, 3.5 L, iVTEC engine, and the sportier look of the coupe model, I immediately felt that something was missing-an iPhone/iPod connection/auxiliary jack.
Yes, I know it sounds picky but it would be in the best interest of Honda to make an iPhone/iPod connection the standard or at least add an aux. jack considering that 51 million people have an iPhone and another 260 million other people have an iPod. The iPhone 3GS, Apple's current iPhone model, can play music over a Bluetooth connection, but the Hands Free Link system in the Accord does not play music over Bluetooth. The system only allows phone features to be used. One may contend, "well, just use a CD or the radio, or even, the XM Radio, a standard feature in the Accord!" However, with digital media now the norm it should be possible for Accord owners to carry and connect their complete music library to Honda's 270-watt stereo system.
While XM Radio is terrific, it simply cannot compete with a custom-made digital library. Sure an MP3 CD can be customized to hold 120-150 songs depending on the bit rate, but this is no comparison to the thousands of titles that can be stored on the iPhone or iPod.
Of course, Accord owners can buy a third party iPhone/iPod system for the Accord, but the stereo system and dashboard will need to be re-configured . The iPod car kit system needs to be run through the stereo and a dashboard mounted LCD screen must be attached. The end result detracts from the original beauty of the Accord panel display and worst of all, lessons the value of the Accord. iPhone/iPod to FM transmitters can be purchased by Accord owners. The transmitter plays music through an vacant radio station and connects to the bottom of an iPhone or iPod. Although after testing several "top end" transmitters like Belkin and Griffin, it felt as if I were listening to a walkman CD player without "shock technology". Every rough road, pothole or even touching the transmitter causes my music to stop. The muffled, often distorted sound of my music was even more annoying.Despite the Accord's phenomenal stereo system, the FM transmitters managed to transform my 256kpbs ACC files into mediocre playback sound quality that resembled ringtones on my phone-rendering this technology inadequate.
The lack of iPhone/iPod connectivity can be a letdown but it may not be enough to prevent a customer from buying a new Honda Accord Coupe. If Accord owners choose to listen to music through the stereo system they will have several options, but features available in iPhone/iPod compatible automobiles such as, direct access and selection of songs, artists and custom playlists are not accessible. Honda will most likely catch up with iPhone/iPod technology as they release new 2011 and 2010 models in the future, but for now new Accord owners will have to make do with the factory equipment provided.
Yes, I know it sounds picky but it would be in the best interest of Honda to make an iPhone/iPod connection the standard or at least add an aux. jack considering that 51 million people have an iPhone and another 260 million other people have an iPod. The iPhone 3GS, Apple's current iPhone model, can play music over a Bluetooth connection, but the Hands Free Link system in the Accord does not play music over Bluetooth. The system only allows phone features to be used. One may contend, "well, just use a CD or the radio, or even, the XM Radio, a standard feature in the Accord!" However, with digital media now the norm it should be possible for Accord owners to carry and connect their complete music library to Honda's 270-watt stereo system.
While XM Radio is terrific, it simply cannot compete with a custom-made digital library. Sure an MP3 CD can be customized to hold 120-150 songs depending on the bit rate, but this is no comparison to the thousands of titles that can be stored on the iPhone or iPod.
Of course, Accord owners can buy a third party iPhone/iPod system for the Accord, but the stereo system and dashboard will need to be re-configured . The iPod car kit system needs to be run through the stereo and a dashboard mounted LCD screen must be attached. The end result detracts from the original beauty of the Accord panel display and worst of all, lessons the value of the Accord. iPhone/iPod to FM transmitters can be purchased by Accord owners. The transmitter plays music through an vacant radio station and connects to the bottom of an iPhone or iPod. Although after testing several "top end" transmitters like Belkin and Griffin, it felt as if I were listening to a walkman CD player without "shock technology". Every rough road, pothole or even touching the transmitter causes my music to stop. The muffled, often distorted sound of my music was even more annoying.Despite the Accord's phenomenal stereo system, the FM transmitters managed to transform my 256kpbs ACC files into mediocre playback sound quality that resembled ringtones on my phone-rendering this technology inadequate.
The lack of iPhone/iPod connectivity can be a letdown but it may not be enough to prevent a customer from buying a new Honda Accord Coupe. If Accord owners choose to listen to music through the stereo system they will have several options, but features available in iPhone/iPod compatible automobiles such as, direct access and selection of songs, artists and custom playlists are not accessible. Honda will most likely catch up with iPhone/iPod technology as they release new 2011 and 2010 models in the future, but for now new Accord owners will have to make do with the factory equipment provided.
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Written by Windy Reigns: San Bernardino County Dodge Dealer, Kansas City Infiniti Dealers
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