USB port add on- Do I need it or just use cable?

It allows you to control your ipod from the car's steering wheel or other audio controls, instead of having to fumble with your ipod while you are driving. It's up to you whether that convenience is worth the cost. The install probably involves taking pieces of the dash apart, so you can get at the back of the stereo, and other fun stuff like that. Most people will just let the dealer do it.

 

Per Prius Team, the USB / iPod adapter won't be available until September.

I did notice on Toyota.com today that there is an iPod adapter as an accessory, which presumably allows you to control the iPod using the nav screen and steering wheel controls, which is much more convenient and safer than an aux input.

Personally, I'm waiting for the USB / iPod adapter in September, since it will be more versatile.

 

yep, gold. I snuck in on the priority program, so no worries for me. As noted by Stream, the ipod accessory currently shown is not the USB interface. They both do sort of the same thing, but I agree with Stream that I'll wait for the USB version. I'm pretty sure it will have much better functionality. As Stream says, it will also be more versatile, since it will work with devices other than just the ipod/iphone.

 

Will you be able to control your iPod with Voice Command ala Ford Sync "Play Michael Bolton", or is it just going to be a rudimentary control where you still have to scroll through thousands upon thousands of songs in your iPod via knob or steering whee touch pad?

Any guess is appreaciated.

 

I don't have an iPod, but my wife does. Will she be able to play the iPod through the JPL system through the AUX port? What cable does she need? I don't need any special controls since she'll be a passenger, not a driver.

Thanks,

Rich N.

 

All you need is a male-male mini phono plug cable.

Tom

 

Just to be clear, the accessory iPod adapter will only be available on Prius II (base audio system). The September USB/iPod adapter will only be on Navigation systems. The non-Navi JBL audio will not have a USB/iPod adapter.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

 

Surely 3.5mm 'phone' plugs? 'Phono' normally refers to RCA connectors.