The Gateway Lite is the latest in a long line of Dension iPod car Adapters. With each predecessor showing an increase in usability and functionality. Dension Gateway Lites predecessor the Gateway 100 was the most successful iPod kit in history. Offering a more advance track browsing system than any other kit on the market. However the complex nature of the 100 was ultimately its own downfall.

The 100 iPod kit offered track selection from the steering wheel controls / Stereo or the iPod, in which either artist, album or playlist could be selected. However the complexity of the gateway 100 system was not well suited to the majority of vehicles stereos, which cannot provide text support. This meant users would have to remember which combination of functions would enable iPod or stereo mode, and allow selections of tracks depending on browsing type, something that frustrated a lot of users.

The problem isn’t necessarily with the Dension unit, as the system works perfectly with text compatible radios. The problems occur when no text is available, and unfortunately most factory radios are not capable of displaying text rendering the gateway 100 kits difficult to use.

Dension have realised this problem and have improved the browsing system used in the new Gateway Lite. Dension designed the Gateway Lite specifically for none text compatible radios, and by doing so improved the browsing functionality by simplifying the track selection process.
Rather than the complex deep structured system in the Gateway 100, the lite is controlled via the iPod click wheel to browse through the iPod folders. Once the source is selected, tracks can be flicked through using the steering wheel controls for ease of use.

However the improved browsing functionality isn’t the only addition to the gateway lite, Dension have added a USB input into the system as standard. Enabling an additional 8 to 16Gb of music to be browsed through. Browsing through the USB drive is as simple as the iPod, CD button 6 selects the USB and 1-5 select Playlist, albums or artists.

In short Dension have yet again improved upon previous kits. Increasing the usability, simplifying the operations and adding additional source selections, you might think all these benefits come at a cost. You’d be wrong. The gateway lite is actually cheaper that the Gateway 100 and Gateway 300. The only downfall is that it doesn’t provide any text compatibility, however the this will never be available for those vehicles without CAN Bus systems.

Dension have announced the latest product in a long line of iPod car kit adapters. The Dension Lite is the newest kit that will be replacing the Gateway 100 and Gateway 300 for vehicles with CAN systems.

Dension have simplified the Lite kit, which some people may find a bit odd? A new kit with fewer navigation options than its predecessor. However due to the majority of vehicles stereo’s unable to support text display the previous Dension kits were often difficult to navigate and use. Resulting in users becoming a little frustrated in the products. Due to the complex menu structure the gateway 100 and 300 were only really suitable when text display is present.

The Dension Gateway Lite Negates the need for Text to be displayed on the stereo by utilising a much simpler operating method. Once the device is connected press the CD button on your vehicles stereo and you will start to receive audio from the iPod. The iPods click wheel controls the music selection while the steering wheel controls allows the user to skip forward and backward through tracks, providing a far superior system over the gateway 100 and 300.

Updating the controls isn’t all that Dension have modified on the Gateway Lite, It comes as standard with USB integration. So you can connect up to 8Gb of additional music to browse through. The method of navigation for the USB is different as there is no click wheel to operate from. However the operations are still simple. Just press CD button 6 to select the USB, and buttons 1-5 to select which albums / Playlists are played.

The Dension Gateway Lite is great value for money, as its much cheaper than its real equivalent the Dension gateway 300. In fact its nearly half price if you only require USB connectivity.

Dension Will be discontinuing the non Text compatible Gateway 100 and 300 units soon and rolling out the Newer Lite Kits is already underway.

Visit iPod Car Kit Direct for more information on the Gateway Lite iPod car adapters functions and compatibility.

As you would imagine iPod Car Kit Direct are rushed off our feet at the moment with the Royal Mail strikes and Christmas coming up. Dension have decided to throw a spanner into the works (but boy do we love the pressure!) with the release of a whole bunch of new products and have taken a bold step and discontinued the Gateway 100 & Gateway 300 for certain vehicles (The vehicles that cant see the text info (ID3 Tags) that the Dension kits send). It is important to note that the Dension Gateway 100 & 300 is NOT discontinued completely & is still the current model for vehicles that DO display text information (ID3 Tags).

Densions new kits are as follows:

Dension Gateway Lite (Replacement for Gateway 100 & 300 for certain vehicles) – GWL1 XXX (Replace X with vehicle specific codes)

• Available for Audi, Skoda, VW, Alfa, Renault, BMW, Seat (and more coming soon)
• Comes as standard with a USB connection (only previously available on the more expensive Gateway 300)
• Retails at a cheaper price than the Gateway 100 so you get extra features for cheaper!
• Still charges the iPod when you add a Dock Cable or an Active Cradle onto your kit
• Control the iPod/USB from the stereo/steering controls or the iPod itself
• Easy user interface as aposed to the old Gateway 100 and the Gateway 300 which was very complicated to use when your vehicle doesnt show text info
• Still uses the CD Changer port so you still get CD Quality audio
• Can be used as a USB car kit if you dont have an iPod, just simply purchase it without the Dock Cable or Active Cradle
• Works as an iPhone car kit and fully supports 5v charging

Dension Ice Link One (EXACTLY the same product as before but CHEAPER) – ILFICR91

• Hard Wires into the back of the stereo
• Charges the iPod
• CD Quality Audio
• Comes as standard with a Cradle
• Current Price £89.97, New Price £69.97
• Works as an iPhone car kit and fully supports 5v charging

Dension Gateway 500 Lite (Replacement for the Gateway 500 for certain vehicles) – GWL1MO1, GWL1DB1

• Works in exactly the same way as the Gateway 500
• Designed to work with vehicles that cant display track information, makes iPod/USB operation easier
• Cheaper option to the Gateway 500
• Retail price of £230
• Works as an iPhone car kit and fully supports 5v charging

We will be updating our blog daily with more detailed descriptions and information on vehicle specific kits

There are a lot of different mp3 players on the market today, but Apple are the leaders of the market with the numerous variations of the iPod. Initially the iPod was successful due to its styling and functions, however the current rise of popularity is also down to other factors including additional accessories and add-ons to the ipod to make it more functional and or usable.

The iPod’s primary use is for music play back, Although current iPod and iPhones are capable of so much more. Accessories that increase the functionality of the iPod are now seen as a business in there own right. A perfect example of an iPod accessory is the iPod car adaptor. Its primary function is to allow you to listen to your music while in your car. This has obvious advantages over other forms of entertainment systems in your vehicle, first and foremost you can listen to the music you love rather than what happens to be on the radio at the time, secondly the quality is far superior to the radio as they provide a digital connections into the cars entertainment systems. There are many other advantages depending on which kit you choose to purchase. However these advantages largely depend on your vehicle.

Other iPod car accessories can be found in a lot of local or online stores and include simple charging cables from the cigarette lighter, Ideal for when your iPod loses battery charge, FM transmitters, a more basic version of the Digital iPod car kit. The quality can be poor on Transmitters so its important to choose a good brand and if you live in a built up area its likely you wont receive a good reception. Ipod cases aren’t specific to car accessories however they can and will stop your iPod from being damaged while left in your vehicle.

Ipod car accessories can provide a useful extension to your iPods functions, Its likely that you love to listen to music. Driving is the perfect opportunity to cycle through track’s you haven’t heard for a while. The iPod car adaptor is the perfect means of doing so.

Apple are doing well from the MP3 Market (which of course they pretty much generated), iPod’s are more popular than ever, the iPhone is now open to several mobile phone networks and iTunes are still the number one music download site. Apple seem to have created a gold mine (I’m sure they worked hard for). However its not just Apple that are benefiting from the popularity of the iPod. There are now many large brands that have built their reputation on the back of the sucess of the iPod and iPhone. Usually revolving around iPod accessories.

The modern iPod is a thing of beauty, its stylish looks are appealing to the eye and its functions are second to none. Its natural that most people want to protect its stunning image and increase its functionality. Listed below are 5 must have iPod accessories that really improve the function / styling / quality of use of the iPod.

1) iPod Protective Skins and Cases – Were first introduced to protect the iPod and touch screen from scratches & damage while left pockets, handbags or vehicle gloveboxes or any other environment where damage can occur. However iPod case production has now moved into an additional areas offering bespoke and original design arkwork, its easy to personalise your iPod and style it to how you desire. If you want your iPod to stand out from the crowd this is an excellent way of doing so.

2) Apps – There are far too many apps to mention here, and new and improved versions are being created every day. So what are Apps useful for? Well depending on what functions you’re after, you can probably get an app for it. A good example of an app i love to use is wikipanion. Its basically a mobile version of the wikipedia website. If you need any information on anything, load the app and search for what you need and you have everything you need to know about it. Browse the apps store on your iPod, you will definitely find something you’ll like. 

3) iPod Car Kit – I particularly like this invention because it increases the usability of your iPod. Like its predecessors the iPod was designed to make your music mobile so you can listen to it where ever you go, One of the only exceptions of doing this is while your driving. The iPod car kit extends the usability of your iPod while driving, which most people over the age of 17 do a lot of. There are a lot different kits available, each offering different functions and features. Listening to the music, podcasts & audio books you love on a long drive makes the time go much quicker.

4) iPod Dock Station – Your iPod is basically a mobile Juke box. It carries around all of your favourite music all of the time, New iPods can hold some of your favourite videos or films too. Take advantage of your iPod’s storage capasity load all of your music, and with the spare space upload music videos, films and favourite TV programs. Use a docking station at home and play your music and videos through the stereo or TV.

5) iPod sport Kits – A Great invention for the keep fit fanatic, most people who regularly run listen to music (usually via an iPod). Apple and Nike offer an iPod sports package that allows you to listen to your music & keep track of your training secessions. The Sports pack records the pace, time and distance you have covered during the work out and added to your nikeplus account, allowing you improve your performance each time you exercise.

Any of these 5 ipod accessories will improve your user experience, obviously they will not appeal to everybody. My personal favourite is the iPod car kit as i spend a lot of time on the road.

Dice Electronics don’t quite have a history comparable to Dension but they certainly dont’t have a history to hide away from.
Dice Electronics have been around for years speciailising in OEM vehicle integration. They have realised that vehicle technology is improving faster and faster, therefore, their business plan was set to develop the very best car integration products for products such as iPods.
Dice have been in the UK for a few years now after being introduced to the market here by iPodCarKitDirect.co.uk. When we first tested the products we knew that they were the only products that had the "claim" to be as good as Dension which actually were!
We receive iPod Car Kits and iPod related products to test literally every week, the majority of them are very poor. Some of the products we receive are simply average but priced to sell in a market that has an outstanding product range like Dension for similar prices. When we received our sample copies of the Dice Electronics products we were shocked. It was the first time in 7 years that a company had made an iPod kit that could compete with Dension (and was cheaper!).

The first Dice kit was their most basic kit. It was simply named "Dice iPod Car Kit". It provided control of the iPod from the stereo via playlist and artist/a;bum browser. The only downfall of this kit was that text couldnt be seen on many stereo’s. This made the control kind of hard for some people using the kit.
Dice then pushed forwards and released their second tier of kit. They called it the "Silverline". It was designed to work better with vehicles which could display text and track information. Models included kits for Honda, Toyota & BMW.
The next and latest thing on Dice’s product list is the Dice Silverline Pro kit. It works in the same way as the Silverline model but you can change the mode of operation from the iPod to the car stereo at the flick of a button. This makes it ideal for people who like to control the iPod still while connected into the car.

Dice are planning more new iPod integration products soon so watch this space!

Many of our customers believe that iPod integration into a Renault is impossible without using horrible FM Transmitters. This is a hugely common misconception. Customers often simply assume that due to the Renault’s stereos being so limited that it would be impossible, in-fact, this is the reason it is possible. The simplicity of the stereo makes it easier to code the iPods software signal into audio that the Renault can read.

The Renault Dension Gateway 100 & Dension Gateway 300 are among our bestsellers. Cracking pieces of kit with good integration into Renault cars.

Mandy Longgrass, a customer who lives as close as possible to us (the same road in-fact!), contacted us a few months ago. Unbelievably,  Mandy told us that she had spent in excess of £350 on FM transmitters. We explained that this was over double of the cost that a Dension Gateway 100 could have been purchased AND fitted.

Mandy spends around 20 hours a week driving to and from clients as part of her job. Having her iPod in her car is the only thing that keeps her sane sat at 70 on the M1! She was delighted when we showed her a demo vehicle and let her plug her iPod in.

We booked Mandy in for installation that afternoon and by 3pm she was happily driving off down the road with her music on full volume!

If, like Mandy, you have a Renault and want an iPod Car Kit then give us a call!