The Launch of a new range of iPods always brings an air of excitement to all iPod fans. The New nano 4^th Gen dubbed “the thinnest iPod ever” has been the worst kept secret with in Apple’s recent history, images of the Nano were posted on and around many internet forums several days before the iPod was supposed to be released.

The new Nano has been totally redesigned from the previous shorter fatter shape of the Nano 3^rd Gen it now stands tall and thin resembling the first & second generation versions. Although styled on the first generation’s of the Nano the 4^th gen has been thoroughly modernised creating a much easier on the eye style. The Case is now curved oval shape, with the glass screen matching the aluminium housing.

The newest feature of the iPod Nano 4^th is the inclusion of the accelerometer, previously seen in the iPhone. This device allows you to shuffle tracks by simply shaking the iPod, the tracks will then automatically randomise. Another cool Nano feature is Cover Flow technology which allows you to browse album covers when the iPod is turned onto its side.

The good news for Dension owners is that the new iPod Nano 4^th gen and revised iPod Touch will work with the Dension Gateway systems if the newer firmware has been installed. Problems were caused earlier in the year when Apple changed the way the iPhone 3G charges to a newer 5V system, that the previous Gateway could not support. The Nano 4^th gen also has the 5v charging system so will work perfectly with the Dension Gateway. However due to the new shape of the Nano the Active cradle inserts may not accept the Nano 100% correctly so for the mean time its best to connect via the Dock Cable that will accept all iPods.

Dension has updated the firmware to allow the Dension gateway units to fully support the iPhone 3G. Previously the units accepted the iPhone and iPhone 3G and allowed the same functions through the gateway system but did not charge the iPod 3G, draining the battery whilst listening to the music, obviously causing an inconvenience to the user that needed sorting.

The problem was originally caused by Apple when they changed the way the iPhone 3G charged to allow better battery life, as there are so many more applications on the 3G than any other iPod’s (except the newest ones, available soon) The new firmware is also expected to support the new iPod Nano 4^th gen and future versions.

The new iPhone 3G has now got an insert to allow the phone to sit correctly into the active cradle, making it much more stable when docked.

Dension firmware can usually be requested from the dension support site and is downloaded onto the iPod then when the ipod is next connected into the gateway system the firmware will update.

The dension iPod car kits are now fully equipped to handle all of the new iPod’s and with the Dension Add-ons (CD Retention kits, Bluetooth adapter and AV Extender) soon to be released Dension have created a unique multimedia system that you are in total control off, giving you access to all of your music, providing a Bluetooth handsfree connection for your phone and an Audio Video connection to allow videos to be played on external screens. All this wasn’t previously possible with factory fitted headunits.

There are a variety of iPod car kits available on the market today, some good, some bad and some extremely poor. What are the best kits available and what features do they offer?

The Dension brand is a market leader when it comes to iPod Car interfaces. They have a range that has consistently out-performed its competitors for a while, and with the addition of continually updated downloadable firmware and additional devices that can improve the system, the Gateway range really is the best option when installing your iPod car solution.

Dension currently has three Gateway ranges: the Gateway 100, Gateway 300 and the Gateway 500, the Gateway 100 & 300 have the same compatibility and the gateway 500 is for fibre optic systems.

The Dension gateway 100 – Is the most popular Dension Kit by far. The Gateway 100 is an entry level kit that is compatible with most car manufactures (different units are required for each car manufacture). The gateway 100 is simply a iPod connection that allows the AAC file type to be converted to a readable signal that can be played through your stereo. It is a fully digital connection that is hardwired to the back of the headunit and replaces the CD Changer connection (the CD changer can be retained using the CD Retention kit).  The remaining kit is then routed to the front of the console and can either be installed with a Dock cable or an active cradle. The tracks can be controlled through the cars steering wheel controls.

The Dension Gateway 300 – Is virtually the same as the Gateway 100, however the 300 has additional USB functionality. This allows you access to an additional audio media source & potentially 1000’s of additional tracks. The USB function will only be compatible with Flash drives, so USB sticks that do not require any software to run (example when you connect to your pc, does it ask to install software?). The gateway 300 installs in exactly the same way as the gateway 100 and the additional USB Function can be found in the gateway menu.

The Dension Gateway 500 – Is more of a multimedia system, this enables a connection and control of media players (e.g. iPod), USB flash drives and other USB mass storage devices (e.g. Hard Drives) with FAT file system by emulating an external CD changer and connects directly to the car’s entertainment system . The Gateway 500 is only compatible with MOST or D2B Fibre optic systems

The beat 100 stereo is the latest to arrive from Beat (Connect 2, MES) car audio outfit. The unit is aimed towards the entry level car audio market, however this doesn’t mean that the unit provides a below par performance. In actual fact the unit works as well as any other entry level units whether it be sony, alpine or kenwood.

The Beat 100’s main function is still primarily based on the CD function, which can ply MP3. However the unit also supports USB via a flip down plug with access on the front of the headunit, this allows any USB Flash-drive to be connected, and you have access to 1000’s of your favourite tracks and control them via your headunit, cool ay..

The Unit its self is also pretty cool looking, taking advantage of the “OLD SKOOL” style that seems to be popular at the minute, Its Orange display & highlights on the features make the Beat 100 different to pretty much everything else on the market at the minute (certainly in this price bracket anyway….) With two raised dials to the left of the unit that control other features that the 100 offers the Stereo resembles many other stereos layouts but retains its own style….

The built in Amp (4 x 25w) will allow the novice to build a relatively good system around this unit, and utilise the USB functionality to store thousands of you favourite tracks to listen to. This is a must have stereo if you cant afford to run with the big boys….

Redesign your iPod with the latest range of iPod covers, The incredibly fashionable skins not only protect your iPod from all the nasty little scratches but add a unique style to the massively popular brand making your iPod individual to you.

The contour iPod cases are made from specially designed materials including shock absorbing rubber and crystal clear polycarbonate plastic’s that are capable of withstanding moderate damage protecting your iPod from all the nasty scratches that everyday life throws your way.

The contour iPod cases are not only designed with protection in mind but offer a fantastic range of styles suitable for all of the new iPods. The latest in designs incorporate women’s fashion much more than any previous designs, the impression Pink case comes in a floral design and the same design in white & pearl blue, red & white making the options for women much more extensive.

Contour offer a range of iPod accessories & cases accessories for all the new iPods including Nano cases, iPhone & iPhone 3g, ipod Touch and the iPod Classic. Each a hard case design protecting your pride and joy from daily ware and tear while keeping the stylish design the iPod is famous for.

Visit for the full range of contour iPod Cases

Fusion electronics are quickly becoming one of the most popular car audio brands around, Their reputation is built on the back of producing Good quality, Good looking and very cost effective products, directed specifically towards a younger generation. Fusion found a gap in the car audio market and discovered that many people in the modified car scene are equally concerned about how the product looks as well as how it performs.

This helped create a boom in professionally installed, fantastic looking “show car” installs, where installs were showed off for the image as well as sound quality, and this is still a growing market that many manufactures are looking to take advantage of.

For a full list of Fusions 2008 Reactor range

Fusion Reactor Sub enclosures & Bass packs,

Fusion Reactor Amplifiers

Fusion CA-CD500 iPod Ready Stereo

Good News, again,

The Dension BTA1500 Bluetooth adapter is available and ready to ship again, Dension earlier in the year removed the item from production as there was rumours that the units produced were faulty and not compatible with the gateway 500, (the only kit that the BTA1500 is compatible with)

Dension do not know where the rumours started but have thoroughly tested the BTA1500’s and have found no faults with any of the recalled units, and have started the production of the next batch already as the demand is so high.

iPodcarkitdirect should still have a small quantity remaining after all the pre-orders have been dispatched, and are expecting the next batch early next week.

Take a look at the Dension BTA1500 Bluetooth adapter

Take a look at the Dension compatible Bluetooth Adapters

Take a look at All Bluetooth adapters

The Audio Assault community area is now ready to use, It is packed with cool features, including Current news, Fastcar reviews, a popular forum, Loads of competitions, Members Pages & Personal Messaging and Members Cars.

The Popularity is increasing day by day, we already have hundreds of users, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular community areas around.

Come take a look around the AA Community, Its free and its packed with loads of useful information regarding Modified cars, after installations, Product Reviews & so much more.

Sign up today and stay a member for life.

As there is soon to be a new arrival to the iPod Car Kit Market, We thought we would help you make up your mind and choose which product is the best for you. The two best products available at the moment are the Dension Gateway range (in this case the Gateway 100) and the new comer to the market the Dice iPod Car Kit.

As both of the products offer the same function, at a glance it is difficult to distinguish them. However there are key differences that set them apart.

The Dension Gateway 100 iPod Car Kit Key features –

-Wide compatibility range

-Digital quality Audio (CD or Greater)

-Various Extensions (upgrades include, Bluetooth adapter, CD Retention and AV (video) extender)

-ID3 Tagging (Depends on the Head-unit)

The Dice iPod Car Kit Key Features –

-Browse music Via Song, Artist, Album or Play-list

-Easy Connection to head-unit or Pre-wired Lead

-Digital Quality Music (CD or Greater)

-ID3 Tagging (Depends on the Head-unit)

-NO Extensions available (at this point in time)

Summery

As a standalone unit the Dice iPod Car Kit is the better unit, its browsing ability and easy installation allows you to get more from you iPod, However the Dice is only currently available for BMW, Audi and VW. If you’re looking for more than an iPod car connection the Dension Gateway 100 is the one for you, the Gateway is available for the vast majority of cars and models and with the Bluetooth, AV extender and CD Retention Kit you can Create a multimedia centre in your car.

Overall we would recommend the Dice Kit as it offers much easier integration and is much more feature rich.

Taurus 123P Discontinued

Brandon has announced that the Taurus 123P has now been discontinued. The last remaining stock is available at In Car Network. However stock is selling fast so to avoid disappointment order last remaining No Drill parking sensor Now