AfterDawn: News

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

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.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 31 Aug 2008 16:44

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• 10 comments

• jony218

  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.

  31.8.2008 19:58 #1

• Pop_Smith

  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.

  1.9.2008 02:15 #2

• gallagher

  Microsoft already does this on select Ford models. You can even use verbal commands. http://www.syncmyride.com/ .

  1.9.2008 07:32 #3

• snowlock

  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.

  1.9.2008 13:18 #4

• 2colors

  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.

  2.9.2008 07:16 #5

• bobiroc

  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.

  2.9.2008 21:54 #6

• GaryCee

  Originally posted by jony218: 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. Or perhaps the old timers that never learned the differences between "There", THEIR" and perhaps "They're" . After all, they would probably rate the same level regarding their automotive knowledge. Who would expect them to be aware that GM is a world leader in Hybrid technology, builds more fuel efficient vehicles than Ford and in fact, the COBALT range is toe to toe with the imports in it's class. In fact, the Cobalt actually manages to outperform and out mile most if not all of them.
  
  Parrots, simple, mindless PARROTS. Only able to repeat what they hear (Here? to them ??). Even lies and distortions.

  1.2.2010 19:20 #7

• robokahn

  Originally posted by GaryCee: Originally posted by jony218: 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. Or perhaps the old timers that never learned the differences between "There", THEIR" and perhaps "They're" . After all, they would probably rate the same level regarding their automotive knowledge. Who would expect them to be aware that GM is a world leader in Hybrid technology, builds more fuel efficient vehicles than Ford and in fact, the COBALT range is toe to toe with the imports in it's class. In fact, the Cobalt actually manages to outperform and out mile most if not all of them.
  
  Parrots, simple, mindless PARROTS. Only able to repeat what they hear (Here? to them ??). Even lies and distortions. Thanks for expressing that so well. I'd like to add a rant about the constant use of "myself".

  17.3.2010 16:18 #8

• GaryCee

  Originally posted by jony218: 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.
  Chalk it up to inexperience ?
  Do your (not you're)homework. The USB adaptor is on many of GM cars that are in fact class leaders in THEIR (not "there") respective classes. Perhaps , being a "junior" you may have to settle for a fancypants tricycle and an iPOD ? The tricycle will get you there (not THEIR or THEY'RE) with minimum fuel and probably without a runaway throttle situation. Best of luck !
  
  No doubt a product of the public school system. A perfect supportive example for home schooling !
  

  Give up the Kool-Aid

  17.3.2010 16:54 #9

• nuckers (unverified)

  Too bad this doesn't work with the iphone though, it will only work with an ipod, why? i have no idea, kind of frustrating

  11.7.2010 01:21 #10