New Griffin products introduced at CES are the iTrip AUX Bluetooth that adds Bluetooth to existing car stereos through the Aux cable outlet or adds dash-mounted control buttons and Lightning charger to the car using iTrip AUX AutoPilot.
The iTrip AUX Bluetooth enables Bluetooth connections to any AUX-equipped car stereo. Just, plug the iTrip AUX Bluetooth into outlet and then into the car’s AUX-in port with the included 2 foot AUX cable. Using advanced AAC and aptX audio codecs, iTrip AUX Bluetooth streams the clean, quality audio wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet, through the AUX-in port to the car stereo. Setup done by pairing their Bluetooth device once, and the device is automatically recognized each time the user enters the car.
It looks like this device as opposed the speeCup is for streaming audio only, not phone calls, when we are at CES we will check with a representative. This may solve one of the Apple Bluetooth Bungle problems, the inability to stream music via Bluetooth.
As another connection option, iTrip AUX AutoPilot features an all-in-one design that plugs into the car’s accessory outlet for fast 12 watt charging to iOS devices. As the iPhone or iPad charges, the direct connection through the device’s Lightning connector takes the high quality digital audio output from the user’s device, converts it into noise-free analog audio, and delivers it to the car stereo through its AUX-in port. And to help drivers stay safe, iTrip AUX AutoPilot features fingertip playback controls at the dashboard accessory plug, so they can keep their eyes on the road.
Either device will sell for $49.99. We assume that these devices are compatible with iOS 8-8.1.2 and iPhone 6/6+, we have contacted Griffin to confirm that the devices are compatible. When we are at CES we will check to see if the devices can actually solve the Apple Bluetooth Bungle with in-car infotainment systems. Apple is nominated for the Tech CARS Edsel Hugo Award for the biggest Snafu for iOS 8 and iPhone 6-6+ problems with Bluetooth connections and car systems. Vote now.