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GM to offer USB ports for media devices in certain car models

31 August 2008 16:44 by Andre "DVDBack23" Yoskowitz | 6 comments

General Motors has announced that it will begin offering optional radios in its 2009 models that include USB ports that can be used for media devices such as the Apple iPod.

The radios will let users play music and charge their media devices without the need for special car adapters. The USB ports will be identical to those found on personal computers.

Currently three models have the radios but the company says at least 5 new models will be getting them for 2009. Those that currently offer them are the Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR and the Pontiac G5. The new models will be the Pontiac G6 and Solstice, the Saturn Sky and Aura, and the Chevrolet Malibu.

Making the offering even more interesting is that you can navigate the libraries of your media devices using the radio's controls and electronic displays making browsing much easier than using the actual device.

Rival car maker Ford has had USB ports in a few of its cars for over a year now, the product of a joint venture with Microsoft.

Permalink to this article | Topic: Gadgets

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Discuss this article!
jony218 (Senior Member) 31 August 2008 19:58
That sounds great especially for the "new generation" crowd that has problems setting the clock on there vcr. But when I buy my next car, I want the most MPG possible and a "fancypants" USB adapter on a monster SUV isn't going to do anything for me. [ + quote]
Pop_Smith (Senior Member) 1 September 2008 2:15
*Quote:* The USB ports will be identical to those found on personal computers. Interesting, this would mean that some sort of software takes over the iPod. I only say this because if it is indeed identical to a USB on your PC etc. the iPod automatically goes into "Hard Drive mode" because it is connected to a computer. Obviously, I am missing something here but the idea that the USB port is identical to a computer's port had that thought run through my head. [ + quote]
gallagher (Member) 1 September 2008 7:32
Microsoft already does this on select Ford models. You can even use verbal commands. http://www.syncmyride.com/ . [ + quote]
snowlock (Junior Member) 1 September 2008 13:18
*Originally posted by gallagher:* Microsoft already does this on select Ford models. You can even use verbal commands. http://www.syncmyride.com/ . i'm wondering if, when they say identical to a computer's, they really mean it. if it's anything like what i understand of ford/microsoft's "sync system," it may very well be so. what i gather is that their system "indexes" the files on the player, allowing you to play via voice command. you can't just plug any old player, eg. an ipod, into any usb port on any device and navigate its library. it doesn't quite work like a "mass storage compatible" hdd or flash drive. i've been told, however, that you can plug either into a sync system usb port and play from them. goodbye digital audio player, hello much cheaper mass storage device. i would assume these radios work on a very similar system, although i don't know about voice command. controlling playback with voice, however, would be totally extraneous for me. [ + quote]
2colors (Member) 2 September 2008 7:16
USB ports are the way to go. I've had new decks put in both cars. What a difference using flash drives instead of hauling CD albums around in the cars. We just took a trip 15 hours each way. All I brought with was a 16gb drive. Had music both ways playing jukebox style and never heard the same song twice. [ + quote]
bobiroc (Member) 2 September 2008 21:54
I just bought a 2008 HHR SS and it, unfortunately, does not have the USB ports. However, I did pay a visit to my chevy show room to take a look at the 2009 and the USB port is identical to a computer. You can plug in your iPod (not sure on other MP3 players and usb devices yet and the dealership does not know) and it has bluetooth which you can link to your phone and use voice commands. This basically what the Ford Sync is anyway. I did not ask if you could command your radio that way but I guess it is possible. I am kind of regretting getting the 2008 but since I know the owner of the dealership he said he will find out if it is self contained in the radio and what needs to be done to upgrade it. If it is just a radio swap he may be able to warranty a replacement with the new one. I have the iPod accessory cable but I would love to attach my phone so I can just call without a stupid headset. [ + quote]