encore888

Is there going to be a jack for simple plug-in, or do we need an expensive adapter kit? Will it accommodate different iPod versions and capacities?

xsfo

So far only an aux-in jack has been announced. But that in itself is a big deal. I think the IS is the first Lexus with that feature stock. Before you had to use either a cassette adapter or FM modulator or if you're really lucky an aftermarket solution to connect an iPod.

An aftermarket iPod controller solution for the new IS won't be available until some time after its released.

Xanadu350

Yes, it will be IPOD compatible. If you heard or watched the NY auto show video, that guy who introduced the 06 IS premier even said the word IPOD in his speech about the new IS.

So it is a given, and not just iPod but I would imagine any MP3 portable player such as Creative Zen will also work (which is what I have & think it beats iPods)

encore888

I watched the IS 350 rollout which is exactly why I'm wondering about the iPod thing...don't want to have to buy the $400 connectivity kit that ipodlounge.com was talking about.

Weren't VW Beetles supposed to have connectivity? Anyhow, BMW offers it on the 3-series for $150 dealer installation.

xsfo

It depends what you mean by iPod connectivity.

If you mean aux-in, in other words an audio jack so that you can play the output of your iPod or any other mp3 player through the car sound system, then yes the 2nd gen IS will have that feature standard from what I see.

If you mean that you want to control the iPod through the steering wheel controls and hear the audio through the sound system then no the 2nd gen IS will not have that feature standard. It might be possible with some later aftermarket interface.

Edit: Whoops that VW kit was an iPod holder that sat in a cup holder and a cassette adapter. The cassette adapter is a lousy way to connect an iPod to a stereo.

The BMW connectivity feature allowed some control of the iPod in addition to playing the audio through the sound system.
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encore888

I wonder where that jack is placed on the new IS...

xsfo

The aux-in jack will most likely be in the glovebox.

LexFather

I want to say you can get plug in I-pod ability with some new 3 cars(E46).

encore888

If the ipod can go in the glovebox and a simple connecting cord is needed...excellent! I hope the cord won't be too expensive, prolly not.

TheRupp

More than likely it'll just be a dual-male end mini jack (headphone) cord that you need. I can't see needing an RCA cable for it (the red & the white ones you see on the back of tv's, etc), although you can get a minijack --> RCA for about $10, when a minijack cord will run you about $5.

ny888

I hope the aux in jack is not in the glovebox because if the ipod is not fully integrated with steering wheel controls then it's going to be difficult to change songs if the ipod is sitting in the glovebox.

If there's no integration I would prefer the jack be somewhere in the center console.

Otherwise I would have to create my playlists before I start driving.

xsfo

I knew I saw info about the aux-in jack somewhere before. The 2006 IS 250/350 Official Thread includes text from the Geneva show press release. Says: The system also includes an auxiliary socket (installed in the console box) to enable a portable audio player to be plugged directly into the system.

So the aux-in jack will be in the console box. I think that means one of the storage areas in the center console or arm rest and not the glovebox as I had guessed earlier. Good news for ny888 it seems.

encore888

Closer to the driver...even better!!! And still room for the passenger to help out too..

Now can someone pinpoint where on the pictures in this thread?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=157581

ny888

Good news indeed.

I don't think it's in those pics. The jack is probably hidden until you open the center console.