A short time ago, I checked out the new V-6 Honda Accord Coupe. Sitting in the driver seat, I was impressed by the new, sophisticated upgrades at my disposal: hands-free Bluetooth, XM Radio, a 270-watt audio system, the 18 standard safety innovations are enough to make any occupant feel safe and secure.. While I enjoyed the sportier look of the coupe model and the power of the 271 hp, 3.5 L, iVTEC engine, I immediately felt that something was missing-an iPhone/iPod connection/auxiliary jack.
Yes, I know it sounds picky but when 51 million people have an iPhone and another 260 million other people own an iPod it would be in the best interest of Honda to make an iPhone/iPod connection the standard or at least an aux. jack. 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!" All valid arguments, but with digital media now the norm, Accord owners should be allowed to carry and connect their personalized music library to Honda's 270-watt stereo system. While XM Radio is remarkable, it simply cannot imitate a custom-made digital collection. Sure an MP3 CD can be customized to hold 120-150 songs depending on the bit rate, but when iPhone/iPod can hold thousands of titles there is no comparison.
Of course, third-party iPhone/iPod systems can be purchased but this requires that the dashboard and stereo system to be altered. 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. However, even the "high quality" transmitters like Belkin and Griffin, deliver sound quality similar to that of a Walkman CD player without "shock technology". Every rough road, dip or even touching the transmitter causes my music to skip. What was more annoying was the muted, often distorted sound of my music. The FM transmitters managed to transform my 256kpbs ACC files into second-rate playback sound quality that resembled ringtones on my phone, despite the Honda Accord's sophisticated stereo system. -rendering this technology inadequate.
The lack of iPhone/iPod connectivity can be a letdown but it may not be enough to prevent someone from buying a new Honda Accord Coupe. If Accord owners want to listen to music through the stereo system they will enjoy several optional features, but none of which offer direct access and selection of titles, artist, or playlist from the Accord's stereo controls; features already implemented by all iPhone/iPod ready cars. Maybe Honda will catch up with iPhone/iPod technology in their 2011 and 2012 models still to be released, but for now new Accord owners will have to make do with the factory equipment provided.
0 comments:
Post a Comment