You would not imagine that places like a machine shop and a metal foundry would be affected by fashion trends but that is exactly what is happening too many of the alloy manufacturers today. The fairly recent boom in alloy wheel sales, no longer the domain of prestige car owners or the motor sport racers has meant a change in the way the wheel manufacturers have to go about their business. In some respects this is good news for the manufacturers as the increase in turnover and profits will show in the company accounts, but on the other hand the manufacturers now have to be more and more innovative with their designs and also trying to keep production costs down so that the company profits.
While the desire to have alloy wheels for the average car on the street has led to a big boom in sales and profits for the alloy wheel manufacturers, their marketing departments have to be constantly thinking one step ahead of the competition if they want to be a market leader, rather than a follower of fashion. They have to constantly keep abreast of the consumer’s tastes and try to come up with awe inspiring new designs, which the customers will want to buy for their cars. Once the designs have been approved as a part of the companies range, the manufacturing plants need to be highly flexible, and able to implement the new designs quickly and efficiently, or they risk lagging behind the competition in a highly competitive and constantly changing market.
A prime example of the competition between the manufactures is the Kei Racing and the www.alloywheels.co.uk/wheel_ranges/kato_Racing”>Kato racing ranges released this year, both have produced an attractive range of alloy wheels at competitive prices.
Different alloy wheels suit different vehicles in both image and compatibility, Alloy wheel Manufacturers often produce a range of mixed designs in there collection. Choose the best Alloys for your vehicle.
For the last few months here at iPod Car Kit Direct, we have been racking our brains to find even more added value for our loyal customers. What could we offer to make your visit better?
There were plenty of ideas flying around the iPod Car Kit Direct offices but one of the ones that seemed the most useful was to start reviewing products such as the Apple iPods, iPod Cases, iPod Car Kits, iPod Applications, iPod Games, iPod tips and tricks and more! This is hopefully a feature that we will be bringing more of over the next year or so.
So here is the first review and what a place to start our review crusade on the new Apple iPod Touch 2nd Generation (We have tested the 8GB version but all 3 models are the same other than the obvious storage size). The Apple iPod Touch 2G looks set to parade itself along high street shops in the knowledge that it is simply the best portable media device available. This is made possible by some very simple alterations at Apple HQ…
We received our sample unit and unpacked. The first thing that was noted was the pure quality of the packaging, now we know that packaging doesn’t really effect the product BUT it does help to create a sense of excitement and tension as you just cant wait to get the thing open! It was neatly packed by Apple in its own little postage packaging box made specifically for the Apple iPod Touch 2G, a nice added bonus! There it was, inside, all shiny and full of confidence, I couldn’t wait to turn it on and get it going!
Once open we noticed the subtle design change to the back of the iPod. It has a new wrap around chrome back which isnt flat like the last iPod Touch, it warps itself around the front of the iPod so its visable when your navigating. Turning it on was a dream come true, this is what its all about…
The iPod functions in the same way as the older iPod Touch with a few very subtle design changes in the graphic layout, very pleasing on the eye. It sounds just as good, looks better and has the added bonus of the following features:
Accelerometer Graphics and Gaming: With its groundbreaking technologies, iPod touch puts an amazing gaming experience in the palm of your hand. These groundbreaking technologies built into iPod touch 2G — such as the Multi-Touch display, accelerometer and 3D graphics — immerse you in the action.
Musical Genius: The new Genius feature turns iPod touch into a highly intelligent, personal DJ. With a few taps, it creates a playlist by finding songs in your library that go great together. This is done using song tempo, song genres, song beats and more! Such an intelligent feature!
Applications: Taking advantage of its hugely powerful gaming pedigree, you can now play games and use applications easier than ever!
In conclusion, BOY are we impressed with this kit! We just really dont want to send it back to Apple! Gutted!
10/10 - The best Portable Media solution just got better! We didnt even think it was possible!
We have been very excited recently while working very hard on the latest addition to our group of websites at In Car Network.
We were approched 6 months by some of the leaders in Car Alloys, asking us to get involved and use our expertise to get their names out and to make purchasing their items much easier. The result of this is AlloyAssault.
Alloy Assault has been designed with the customer in mind, everything has been made very simple to select the correct package for your needs and the vehicles needs. We now stock AEZ, Dotz, Dezent and BSA Ally Wheels.
As you would imagine from an In Car Network e-commerce site, the prices are on par and better than anywhere else you can purchase from, meaning that we are again, the cheapest online in another area!
Pop over and have a nosy around, if you have any ideas or want any help or info, pop us a call or email.
As Christmas is drawing near, in car network have decided to make it that little bit easier on your wallet when purchasing your iPod equipment. We have decided to create one special offer per month until Christmas.
October’s special offer is free delivery to all UK Mainland customers when ordering Dice RDS FM Modulators.
The Dice are one of the leading brands of iPod car kits. Based in the USA they produce integrated kits for a range on cars and a very competent RDS FM Modulator that is universal providing you have a European ISO Aerial, so basically you can connect it to 99.9% of European stereos both factory and aftermarket…
The iPod Car Kit connects directly into the Aerial on the back of the headunit that provides an excellent signal interface that also reduces the chance of interference from other FM broadcasting stations and devices that FM Transmitters can’t block out. The Dice RDS FM also charges your iPod when it’s playing and provides RDS Track information if the headunit is compatible.
The Dice kit is provided with a dock cable for easy access and can be mounted anywhere in the car with the use of brodit mounting brackets and passive cradles depending on your iPod.
To claim your free delivery on the Dice RDS FM
type OCT_DICE into the coupon section when ordering
The Launch of a new range of iPods always brings an air of excitement to all iPod fans. The New nano 4th 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 3rd Gen it now stands tall and thin resembling the first & second generation versions. Although styled on the first generation’s of the Nano the 4th 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 4th 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 4th 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 4th 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 4th 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.
You might be thinking what’s the difference? How do they work with my ipod? Which is the best? Well the answer is quite simple.
The FM Modulator and FM Transmitter both reproduce an input signal that can be turned into a playable audio signal that your stereo can decode. However this is done in differing ways.
The FM Transmitter decodes the data and transmits through the air in different radio frequencies. This is then picked up by your stereo (aerial) and played in the same way as you would listen to the radio. However this method can cause several major problems, as the transmission can be heard by anybody listening to that specific frequency. Which in its self is a major problem unless you are broadcasting personal information?
The problem occurs as this can be considered illegal broadcasting via pirate radio. Basically taking over the airwaves with an unauthorised signal, & potentially overhauling a legitimate broadcast on their frequency range. Which in turn leads us to the other problem with this system, If the frequency that you are trying to replace is VERY strong it will replace your transmission. Sometimes playing both signals, other times playing interference over the audio.
The FM Modulator works in a very similar way to the FM Transmitter, however it has one difference. The FM Modulator does not transmit any signal. The Modulator is hardwired to the back of the stereo via the Aerial socket, so rather than broadcasting the signal it’s sent down the wire. The interference is minimal and the sound quality is much greater (pretty much CD Quality). The only disadvantage of this system is that the unit has to be installed to the stereo.
