Mazda becomes an iPod accessory

Mazda becomes an iPod accessory

European branch of the Japanese Mazda Motor Co. has recently pledged to retrofit all new Mazda cars with Apple iPod compatibility systems. Even besides the stunning success of Apple’s portable media platform that gave a second chance to the struggling computer manufacturer and also allowed numerous brands in different industries to get their own share of the pie, the widespread adoption of USB connectivity seems to be an early sign of inevitable demise of the good old CD.

I don’t really know why there is still such a great number of vehicles on the market equipped with proprietary 2DIN audio systems that lack a standard USB port.

Given the fact that most of this “proprietary” head units sport very unusual shapes and, in some cases, are deeply integrated into the car’s electronics, replacing them with more modern mp3-capable solutions becomes a real pain in the ass.

So, praise Mazda Motor Europe for fitting all of their new models with an iPod adapter. Life has just got easier. At least, for some of us.

The systems consist of a deeply hidden adaptor and a jack installed in the glove compartment. So, if you feel like listening to some music, you only need to get an iPod and plug it into the jack via a dock connector.

Basically, the system lets killing two birds with just one stone: the iPod is hidden from thieves and is controlled via the vehicle’s preinstalled audio system controls either on the center stack or the steering wheel.

Presently, the adaptor comes with the latest Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe and is also available in Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6 restyled models without HDD-based audio systems, as well as the 3rd-generation Mazda MX5 roadster.

Photos: Mazda, Apple

See also: Mitsubishi iCar kei-car gets iPod-ready