Both my Belkin and Neo iPod car adapters started working (for some definition of “working”) with the iPhone 1.0.1 update. Thanks to commenter Allen Huffman for pointing out that change. Now the audio from the iPhone’s iPod mode is routed to the car stereo, as expected. But there are still problems:
- Everytime I plug in the iPhone (or start the car, if the iPhone was plugged in while the car was off) I get the warning about the accessory not being designed for the iPhone, and the suggestion to use Airplane mode. I have not had any problems saying no to Airplane mode, but having to answer the question each time is a drag.
- Sometimes, with the Belkin, I have to unplug it and plug it in again (and answer the Airplane mode question) before the audio is routed correctly.
- The iPhone is a great iPod if you have two hands and your eyes free, but it’s a step backwards if you’re trying to pause, play, or skip to the next track while keeping a hand on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- I’m used to leaving my iPod in the car, but I want to keep my iPhone with me. Running errands to a few stores involves a lot of shuffling the iPhone between my pocket and the adapter.
I’m grateful for this additional compatibility — I’ll take advantage of it on long drives, when there’s a passenger to control the iPhone. But otherwise I’ll stick to iPods for car use. At least until Apple comes out with an iPhone that that sends audio wirelessly from my pocket to the car stereo, and can be controlled (also wirelessly) with the steering wheel and dashboard audio controls….
Posted by Jim Matthews 