News
Hebe Styling announces iDrive auto iPod solution
By LC Angell
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Thursday, January 20, 2005
News Category: iPod Accessories
UK-based Hebe Styling has announced the release of the iDrive, a new in-car stereo solution for the iPod and iPod mini. The cradle-based system acts as a direct link between an iPod and your car’s sound system and also charges your player at the same time. The iDrive uses an FM modulator that is fitted directly onto the back of your head unit “without compromising the quality of radio-signal reception,” according to Hebe. This direct connection means “no loss of sound quality and no stray transmissions that could be picked up by other aerials.” The iDrive cradles are trimmed with blue neon and come with inserts that allow you to use either the standard iPod (all generations) or iPod mini. The iDrive is priced at £95.
Related Stories
- DigiTech intros iStomp stompbox for iOS
- Hex debuts Vision Classic Leather Watch Bands for iPod nano 6G
- Flos D’E-Light features iPhone/iPad dock, Starck design
- iBattz rolls out Mojo Removable Power Card
- Gear4 to launch Renew SleepClock for iOS
- Matias unveils three new keyboards for PC/Mac/iOS
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- iLounge Weekly coming early Monday, giveaway reminder
- iBackFlip launches Somersault case for iPad
- Motorola loses third patent case against Apple in Germany
- Apple rushing to pick demo apps for next iPad launch
- Apple airs new Siri-focused iPhone 4S ads
- Periscope Audio Lab releases SpaceSampler
- Evernote Hello improves contact entry features
- eMailGanizer Pro adds Universal Inbox, Smart Folders
- Scosche rolls out bassDock for iPad
- German court rejects Apple bid to ban Galaxy 10.1N
Recent Reviews
- Cygnett Apollo for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! ID for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! With Stand for iPhone 4/4S
- Solid Line Products RightShift 2 Removable Keyboard Case for iPad 2
- Spigen SGP Kuel F60Q Battery Pack
- Just Mobile Highway + Highway Pro for iPod, iPhone + iPad
- Speck CandyShell and CandyShell Satin for iPhone 4/4S
- Jensen JiPS-310i Docking Speaker for iPod, iPhone & iPad
- FrappeDesign Smart Sleeve for iPad 2
Recent Articles
- iOS Gems: Adventures of Tintin, Reckless Racing 2 + Scramble With Friends
- Ask iLounge 2-3-12
- Making The Case For - And Against - An Apple iTV Television
- Instant Expert: iTunes U for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iBooks 2.0
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: Honorable Mentions
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: iPod, iPhone, iPad + Mac
- iOS Gems: Bug Princess, Dora Hops Into Phonics, It’s A Small World, Sleepy Jack + X Is For X-Ray
- The Complete Guide to Managing iTunes Videos
- Editorial: As CES Grows, Will Microsoft’s Loss Be Apple’s Gain?
1
So far the ice>link Plus still looks like the best option - having a FM transmitter / receiver in the mix is already a downside.
iDrive - mmm .... surely BMW has registered that trademark?
Posted by themusicman in South Africa on January 20, 2005 at 10:41 PM (PDT)
2
I emailed Hebe Styling asking for some clarification to a number of questions, here’s some of what they said.
The FM modulator connects between the vehicles aerial and radio. It disconnects the aerial and feeds the signal directly into the radio.
While listening to the iPod the using the FM Modulator the vehicles aerial is disconnected and it will not be possible to listen to the radio as well. There is a sound detection built into the FM Modulator which allows it to connect the aerial back to the radio when the iPod is not being used, but disconnected when it is.
It is necessary to tune the FM Modulator into the radio and then program it into a selected station. There are various different frequencies that can be selected upon installation.
The FM Modulator differs from the iTrip because the connection to the radio is direct and does not rely on a radio transmission. This means that there will be no loss in signal. The FM Modulator requires connection into the vehicles electrical system. This allows the ipod to be charged as well.
Regarding the ‘dash-slot’ brackets - This is the mounting bracket that the idrive is attached to. Rather then drilling any holes in your dash, this slim line bracket can slide into the dash during installation and therefore causes no damage to your car. Another benefit is that when you change cars, your idrive can too. This ‘dash slot’ system will work with any car.
Your iPod or iPod mini would have to be removed from any ‘skin’ or protective casing. This is due to the fact that the inserts that come with the idrive need to be a snug fit so that the ipod does not move around or wobble when in the idrive. When you buy an iDrive it comes complete with a range of different, easy to change inserts which will fit with whatever model of ipod you have.
We will shortly be posting technical data on the iDrive on the website.
Posted by me101 on January 21, 2005 at 9:06 AM (PDT)
3
i want this… and I want it to rock. I can’t wait to see the ipodlounge review on this one, so I can make a decision of whether or not to buy one!
Posted by petro on January 22, 2005 at 2:01 AM (PDT)
4
I have one of these and it is awesome!
It works fine in my BMW and it looks the part!
Posted by mick kingsley on July 23, 2005 at 3:39 PM (PDT)