Sony Caters to iPod with Tune Tray Car Stereos

You know the iPod has hit critical mainstream when Sony integrates complete player compatibility into its vehicular head units. Sony recently introduced two new stereo head units, the DSX-S300BT and DSX-S200X, with built-in trays designed to fit iPods or other USB-attached media players. Rather than integrating a CD slot or external dock, the faceplate of each stereo flips down and ejects what Sony refers to as the "TuneTray" compartment capable of holding an iPod.

Once the user connects the device to the stereo via the short adapter cable (which supports iPod directly), the entire compartment shifts back insode the unit, completely protected and conealed. The faceplate then flips back up and the head unit provides standard stereo functionality. The faceplate also offers an external USB connector for simultaneously attaching a second device, with support for both WMA and MP3.

The DSX-S300BT features built-in Bluetooth components for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. Users can also use the company's SensMe technology to automatically build playlists, including local content and radio stations, based on an analysis of the media player library.

The DSX-S200X also provides the SensMe system and Advanced Sound Engine processing designed specifically for the listening environment inside a vehicle. The S200X lacks the Bluetooth functionality of its S300BT counterpart.

The DSX-S300BT and DSX-S200X will be available in September for $280 and $200, respectively. These two join the existing DSX-S100, which incidentally sells for around $150.