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.

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!

In todays environment where gadgets are considered so important, the easiest question to ask is can you live without an iPod kit, NOT if you can live with one!

iPod kits started out in 1999, Dension were the first to produce one and are still the market leaders. Back then, the kits were very basic – only allowing a simple audio connection. Dension developed them further, adding features as they went along. Before long, the kits charged all iPods on the market and then moved onto starting to look at being able to control the iPods from the radio.

Control of the iPod from the radio or steering controls was a tough one, Dension found that the easiest way of doing this was to let you use playlists and select them using the radio preset buttons (1-5). This evolved further, bit by bit, until we have what we consider to be a fully functioning kit now with the iPod being able to be FULLY controlled from the stereo. Gone are the days of playlists controls (although if you really want to browse your iPods playlists from the car you still can). The days of iPods being controlled via artists, albums, podcasts and pretty much every way possible, are now here.

Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t be without an iPod kit:

·         Have your entire music collection at your fingertips while driving.

·         No need to keep messing about flicking through CD’s while your eyes should be on the road!

·         Entertain passengers with their choice of music without bringing a bag full of CD’s.

·         Keep yourself relaxed on your long journeys listening to the music that you want to listen to.

·         Make use of “add-ons” like Bluetooth adapters so you can connect your phone to your car stereo and make and received hands free calls, Video Output adapters which will allow videos on the iPod to be played through the car stereo and cradles and new cables to allow for a personalised installation.

The Dension Gateway 100 is the little brother of the Dension Gateway 300.

In today’s customer case study update we will be telling you how easy it is to integrate an iPod into an Audi Vehicle. iPod Integration doesnt get easier than this.

John Cafferty purchased from us a while ago but it was a perfect example of how simple it is. No contact was made prior to the sale, John simply ordered from the website. He opted for the Dension Gateway 100 for Audi because he wanted an iPod cradle mounted on his dash.

John filled out a questionnaire after his purchase so we know what he was happy with. He was delighted with the amount of detail that the website went into which allowed him to make his decision on which iPod Car Kit he wanted to purchase. The order arrived at 1:30pm and was delivered at 10am the morning after. John had booked an installation with our recommended installers the day after it was delivered.

John sent us a letter a few days after that to let u know how happy he was with the service & that his iPod kit was working excellently. The installers arrived at his work place and installed the kit within 30 minutes. John was delighted that he had saved nearly £700 when comparing the kit to Audi’s own kit.

iPod Car Kit

Audi iPod Kit

Another happy customer! If you want your case study adding to our blog then please let us know.

We want to tell you about our customers more and more so we will be updating our blog at least weekly with one of our customers experiences. He had a choice of Dension or Dice In Car iPod kits.

Calvin Divilak from North London runs his own eCommerse website selling bathroom accessories. He contacted our sales team via our ticketing system requesting some advice on what kit would suit his needs best. His choice was between the BMW Dension Gateway and the BMW Dice Silverline iPod Car Kits.

Calvin wasn’t that confident with auto electrics but with the right guidance was sure he could do it. Before his purchase we sent him a direct link to the installation instructions of both kits. It seemed that Calvin thought he would struggle to remove the stereo in his car so he opted for the Dice Silverline kit for BMW as it simply plugs into the pre-wired lead in the boot. From here he would just have to route the 5m wire which comes with the kit through to where he wanted his iPod to live.

Calvin ordered at 2:30pm on Thursday and left a voicemail on our sales phone line at 7:30am on Friday to say that he received the item. We received another call at 9am to let us know he had installed it and to discuss the best way of operating the kit. Within 10 minutes he had the hang of it and was another happy customer.

Its time to tell you about another of our customers. Andy Crawford from Leeds contacted us around a month ago and was more than happy to share his story.

Andy purchased a new (09) VW Golf from his local VW dealership, he was told be the salesman that an iPod integration kit was included in the price of the vehicle. Andy was delighted as he was also looking at a Renault Megane which didn’t have the option for iPod Integration, hearing this news tipped the decision towards the VW. Andy drives alot for his job and can average 200 miles a day in some weeks. He ordered and eagerly waited for his new car to arrive.

3 weeks later he got the call to collect his car and swiftly popped down to the VW Dealer. He was delighted with the car in every aspect but within a few hours (after playing with all the gadgets and getting used to it) he got around to testing the iPod kit. To Andy’s disbelief the only visible iPod connection was just a 3.5mm jack in the glove box. He scoured the vehicle manual and couldn’t find any information so he called the dealer and was told that the 3.5mm jack was the iPod Integration kit that he was promised. Andy pointed out that 3.5mm jacks cannot integrate an iPod with a stereo, it can only provide a simple audio signal. He was after hoping that his iPod would stay charged and have the ability to be controlled from the car stereo.

After a 30 minute conversation the VW Dealer finally decided to offer an integrated iPod solution to Andy for free of charge. The car was booked in and the iPod kit was installed. It turns out that the kit they were installing was a very poor, very old version of a Dension In Car iPod kit (infact, one of the very first versions produced nearly 8 years ago). It wouldn’t charge his iPod, it would only map 5 playlists on the stereo (he couldn’t control it via albums, artists, tracks or any other means), he couldn’t revert the controls back to the iPod, the kit didn’t send track information (ID3 tagging) to the stereo. All in all, Andy wasn’t happy!

We received a call at 3:30pm on a Friday from Andy, our first contact with him. He asked what could be done and if any of the features he wanted were possible. We confirmed that ALL the features were possible & infact very simple. He could even install the kit himself easily. Andy ordered & we received a call on Monday morning from Andy. Andy received the kit on Saturday at 8am, had it installed by 9am and all the features he was after worked just as he had hoped.

Andy was just another happy customer of iPodCarKitDirect. If you want iPod integration or an In Car iPod then give us a call, see what see can do for you!

Since iPod Car Kit Direct introduced Dice to the UK last year Dice have come on leaps and bounds. We always knew they had huge potential!

They have just finished the last touches on their new look website which can be seen here;

http://diceelectronics.com/index.php/

Dice (Dice Silverline) are fastly becoming the worlds most prestigious iPod Car Kit manufacturers along the side of Dension (who make the Dension gateway 100, gateway 300, gateway 500 (which replace the Ice Link Plus a year or so ago)). If you want an in car iPod then this really is the way to go!

Check out the new Dice site and contact us if you need any information.