[badfish]

I was reading through the press releases for Kenwood to see what they unveiled at CES and thought this would be a real cool device for our cars.

Basically, it's a box that is less intrusive than the other portal devices. It sends audio into the AUX input that we all have and comes with some kind of 5 line display device. It gives you Ipod, Zune, USB mass storage, satellite, and HD radio control.

The thing I really wish it had is navigation control with the Garmin units and an interface to their screens.

KENWOOD ANNOUNCES ANOTHER UNIQUE FACTORY RADIO AUDIO INTEGRATION SOLUTION


Long Beach, CA, (January 8, 2009) - Kenwood USA Corporation, bolstering its leadership position in the area of factory radio connectivity, announces its latest product innovation in the CarPortal™ family of factory radio integration solutions. The KOS-A300 ($320 suggested retail price) provides an elegant and seamless method of integrating multiple audio sources such as the Microsoft Zune, iPod, iPhone, satellite radio, HD Radio and mass storage devices to just about any factory radio system (optional iPod, HD Radio and satellite radio accessories are required). The KOS-A300 is the first product manufactured by Kenwood that features Microsoft Zune connectivity. Besides offering command and control of the Zune, the KOS-A300 will also charge the Zune while connected to the USB port of the KOS-A300. The KOS-A300 is the perfect solution for leased vehicles where replacing the factory radio system is prohibited or unwanted.

A vast majority of factory radio systems contain an auxiliary input (typically a 3.5mm stereo mini input), and the KOS-A300 uses this input as the gateway for all audio content to be piped through the factory radio. A small blackbox easily installs under the front seat or in the vehicle dashboard. All additional media devices are connected to this blackbox, and are operated by a unique multi-function, wired remote controller that is installed on the vehicle’s center console. Designed for intuitive operation of the system while keeping one’s eyes on the road, the controller gives the user complete control of source switching and music file selection. A small and easy to install five-line LCD text display provides full visibility of artist, song title, album title, music genre and much more. Both the controller and the display have variable color illumination, allowing the user to match them to the vehicle’s interior lighting color for a customized look.

If the factory radio is not equipped with Bluetooth technology, the user can add this function to the KOS-A300 through the optional KCA-BT200 ($180 suggested retail price). The user can then enjoy the convenience and safety of hands-free phone operation via Bluetooth, view complete telephone numbers and phone book entries on the LCD text display and locate specific phone numbers easily and quickly by using the multi-function wired remote controller.

The KOS-A300 has been recognized for its forward thinking engineering, and is receiving the prestigious Innovations Award at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show.

Model Sugg. Retail Price Availability
KOS-A300 $320.00 March, 2009

[badfish]

I found a picture of it. Wonder how well that controller would fit where the I-drive knob would be?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by badfish

I found a picture of it. Wonder how well that controller would fit where the I-drive knob would be?

If you do not have iDrive then there is a OEM trim (item 16 below) for the iDrive controller that replaces the current cubbyhole in your shifter trim that could be easily modified to accept this Kenwood knob, IMO:

[Shazmonkee]

Very interesting. Display looks a little bland, but I'd like to see some sort of video tour of this device. Subscribed.

[badfish]

Originally Posted by Technic

If you do not have iDrive then there is a OEM trim (item 16 below) for the iDrive controller that replaces the current cubbyhole in your shifter trim that could be easily modified to accept this Kenwood knob, IMO:

Good info. My M3 came with a little pocket that looks to be a lot like the shape of the controller. I wonder if Kenwood may have strongly considered making this product fit well with the BMW. There are a number of aftermarket products that fit well with certain manufacturers. ie. Eclipse aftermarket stereos plug directly into Toyotas with no harness needed. Compared to the picture below it looks a little less oval but it's hard to tell for sure.

I think this is a very nice product for those that didn't buy the Ipod, Bluetooth, USB, HD Radio or Satellite. The display IS bland but certainly having those extra lines is better than the OEM stereo. Looks like it can easily fit somewhere around the area of the ashtry or even above the vents. I have a Zune and this is the only aftermarket product I know that can control one.

[rave426]

Anybody looked into this more?

[badfish]

There is still very little info out. I search for it all the time. You should be able to easily find it for under $300 and Kenwood usually puts out good stuff.

[badfish]

It's on the Kenwood site now.



Should be coming soon.

[Tegs4tugs]

Any word if this is out yet?

[VP Electricity]

Dealers I know say not arrived as yet...

[VP Electricity]

Just arrived this week, saw one today, snapped some pics I will post tonight. I also took it out to my E91, but since i have Nav and iDrive there was limited checking I could do.

Notes:

1) Display drops into ashtray BEAUTIFULLY. Routing cable is gonna be a little work, and there needs to be a fitted wedge to mount the display, but for non-smokers, there is no question - the ashtray is where this goes. Looks great.

2) The display is 10-color selectable AND reversable. I did not fire this up (yet) but I have a hard time thinking that it wouldn't match BMW amber.

3) The controller looks pretty good - need to play with a non-i car to see where exactly it goes. Great feel to the motion and clicking. The brain is kinda big, probably fit behind glovebox or if not, behind knee bolster.

4) The Bluetooth and HD Radio optional modules also arrived. If you got all three, mounting would be a PITA. Gonna need to play around with mounting.

5) SMS will come thru on display with supported phones.

6) No iPod cable in box - separate purchase.

Gonna do an install in an E90 next week with BT, HD Radio, iPod, and , should have DIY instructions done and kits with mounting parts available in 2 weeks, anyone interested in an install in PDX, drop me a line.

[VP Electricity]

Just got a confirmation that we will do the install late next week.

Suggested Retail Pricing

A300 Controller (w/o iPod cable) $269

iPod cable $25

HD radio tuner $125 (needs some kind of antenna connection or a dedicated hideaway antenna, which is how I will do it).

BT HF module: $150, includes microphone.

Not sure of the SRP on the Sirius box. Probably uses the SCC1 which is always OOS.

Anyone have a price on the aux-jack plug-in Technic is mentioning?

[badfish]

Here it is on eBay $179. Real tempted to buy one... I might just pick one up today, 10% cashback via live.com brings the price down to about $162.

[jgeorge58]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

Just got a confirmation that we will do the install late next week.
...
BT HF module: $150, includes microphone.
...

Any idea if the BT HF module supports A2DP and/or AVRCP for Bluetooth music streaming?

[VP Electricity]

Customer with non-iDrive E90 was called out of town unexpectedly - install delayed. Apologies.

[rubber_ducky]

subscribed.

I have 6FL but not idrive. The 2 line display using a flash drive in the USB port is a pain in the @ss.

[jgeorge58]

Any updates on this install?

[rubber_ducky]

Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
Tock...

[pdude]

This looks really good.
Any updates on the install...

[NS.328xi]

any update?

[scooby9]

Any updates on the install? I'm really contemplating this product...

[big pimp]

+1