Originally Posted by Mark56

OK, I got the module installed today by the dealer and must say it is pretty cool. I am still getting acquainted with how it works. Basically, it duplicates the menu structure of the Ipod in the car:

The DISC button switches between music menus (Playlist, Artist, Album, Genre, etc.).

The FOLDER button switches between lists within the category selected above (shows playlists, albums, artists, etc.).

The TUNE-FILE ****, or alternatively the SEEK/TRACK button, or up/down button on the steering wheel switches tracks.

The DISP button changes what is shown on the multi-function display on the dash, such as the name of the playlist, artist, album, etc. depending on what mode you are in.

On the left side (Info) display, pressing the INFO button on the wheel will bring up a screen that says Ipod, then the mode (playlist, album, etc.) followed by the name of the album, artist, and song. This is what is shown in the picture in the brochure. My car has Tech/Nav but I think this screen looks the same on non-Tech package cars too.

Pressing the SCAN button will play the first ten seconds of each song in the list you have selected, a nice feature.

The only thing that is a little annoying is that the INFO display takes a couple seconds to catch up and display the song info when you change tracks, but this is minor.

You can also do shuffle and repeat play. Overall, I think even though this is pricey it probably outperforms the aftermarket competitors out there, from what I've seen.

I will try to take a few pics and provide a few more details this weekend.

Originally Posted by xmetalmetx

I'm interested in getting this integration kit installed in my 2010 Mazda 3. However, I've read conflicting information from reviews and from an email sent to me by a dealership technician, that you cannot select shuffle or browse Artists -> Albums to select a specific album using the stereo controls.

I just wanted to confirm that that is NOT the case, and you are indeed saying that through the car stereo, I could browse to a specific artist and select a specific album to be played in its proper track order? Or I could select shuffle and shuffle all songs as I could using the iPod?

The tech is trying to tell me that I'd have to set shuffle, or select an album, prior to plugging my iPod in. I already have that functionality using the aux port and a plug in adapter. If I can't select shuffle using the stereo controls or navigate to specific albums, it seems like a waste of money to me.

Originally Posted by librahi

i wonder the same as you. i think that they all have the package that has the screen to show the lists, etc. (see the pictures). i have the 2010 itouring model and don't have that screen. i can't seem to get an answer that makes me want to spend $475 on it.

Originally Posted by xmetalmetx

I'm interested in getting this integration kit installed in my 2010 Mazda 3. However, I've read conflicting information from reviews and from an email sent to me by a dealership technician, that you cannot select shuffle or browse Artists -> Albums to select a specific album using the stereo controls.

I just wanted to confirm that that is NOT the case, and you are indeed saying that through the car stereo, I could browse to a specific artist and select a specific album to be played in its proper track order? Or I could select shuffle and shuffle all songs as I could using the iPod?

The tech is trying to tell me that I'd have to set shuffle, or select an album, prior to plugging my iPod in. I already have that functionality using the aux port and a plug in adapter. If I can't select shuffle using the stereo controls or navigate to specific albums, it seems like a waste of money to me.

Originally Posted by Mark56

It sounds like what the dealer tech is describing is the limited functionality of the Ipod using the AUX cable input through the headphone jack, not the module. You're right, it would make no sense to spend the $$$ for limited functionality.

I just went out and tested. I hit the Category button until it said Albums, then the Folder button to scroll between albums. Once you have the album (or Playlist or Artist or Genre selected), you use the file **** (or up/down button on the steering wheel) to scroll among the songs.

For Shuffle (random play), it seems like it really works only in Song mode. I went to song mode, hit RDM (same button as station 3 preset) and RDM appeared on the two line display. It started playing a song, if I hit the up/down button on the wheel, it went to a different album/song. So this to me is a true random/shuffle play. If you are in Album or Artist mode and hit RDM, it seems like it just plays the songs within the album you select randomly, not jump among all your albums randomly, if that makes sense.

I would certainly be willing to scan a copy of the user guide that came with it, if I could figure a way to post it here and not break any copyright laws, it is only a few pages.

It also does not appear to me that you need the left hand "info" screen to get all the features, it pretty much displays what is on the two line display, just prettier.