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iO PLAY - an in-car iPhone solution?
- Thread starter thworple
- Start date
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problems nothing but problems
I hate to be the only one giving negative feedback here but I have had a less than sterling experience with an io play device, first some good thngs before i start the details.
Dont waiste your money buying this from carphone wharehouse for 199, i got mine from Nexxia including the suggested SOT lead for about 90 quid delivered, i also managed to get the charge and play streaming adapter for iphone for about 35 quid, making this solution seem like a bargain. I can also vouch for the great service and assistance that has been delivered by Nexxia in trying to get my problems sorted.
right now down to my point, I drive a 2002 audi A4, the ones that have a 10 speaker sound system, not the Bose system mind you the regular one, front speakers are fed from the head unit and the rear speakers are fed from the amp in the boot, and this is where my problems begin. After doing some research i found out that in order to operate in this system I would need a SOT cable, even thought the car uses ISO fittings, the SOT cable recommended was the SOT IO2S cable for 2 speaker systems and rear amplified Audi's.
first of all I had anightmare getting this thng to work at all, no power to the io play device, went through 2 x kits sent by nexxia and an additional replacemnt cable sent by Armour auto (the manufacturers) and still had no luck, further calls to Nexxia revealed that there were some wiing changes required to the SOT cable in order to make this work with a Audi, although I am no proffesional audio installer I am fairly handy and technical, so under guidance from Nexxia, the necessary changes were made (ignition switched power into loom, and moved some wires about). These changes got the device working finally I was ready to enjoy streamed music from my iphone and handsfree operation for my iphone and my blackberry, or so i thought.
Although I have not exhausted testing of this system so far this is what I have found;
With the iphone streaming music the sound is great, except it comes out only throught the front speakers in the car and all the while the rear speakers are still playing the radio!!!, turing off the io play kit to stop the streaming audio results in the radio continuing only throught the rear speakers, in fact the only way I nfound to get radio back to ALL the speakers is to disconnect the bluetooth dongle from the iphone, examining the cableing I cant see how this could function in any other way, based on this I have a waring and a request to all;
first the request, if you know any way to fix these issues in an Audi A4 2002 with Symphony head unit and rear amplified speakers, please please tell me, as if this works as it should then this will trully be a kick a** system.
next the warning, if you have a headunit / amp / speaker combination remotely similar to mine I strongly suggest you investigate exactly how the system is meant to work before making the purchase, I am dreading the response i suspect i will receive from the manufacturer about this being how it is designed to function.
Apologies for the long post but hopefuly either someone will help me or I will save someone some money, either way will be usefull.
I hate to be the only one giving negative feedback here but I have had a less than sterling experience with an io play device, first some good thngs before i start the details.
Dont waiste your money buying this from carphone wharehouse for 199, i got mine from Nexxia including the suggested SOT lead for about 90 quid delivered, i also managed to get the charge and play streaming adapter for iphone for about 35 quid, making this solution seem like a bargain. I can also vouch for the great service and assistance that has been delivered by Nexxia in trying to get my problems sorted.
right now down to my point, I drive a 2002 audi A4, the ones that have a 10 speaker sound system, not the Bose system mind you the regular one, front speakers are fed from the head unit and the rear speakers are fed from the amp in the boot, and this is where my problems begin. After doing some research i found out that in order to operate in this system I would need a SOT cable, even thought the car uses ISO fittings, the SOT cable recommended was the SOT IO2S cable for 2 speaker systems and rear amplified Audi's.
first of all I had anightmare getting this thng to work at all, no power to the io play device, went through 2 x kits sent by nexxia and an additional replacemnt cable sent by Armour auto (the manufacturers) and still had no luck, further calls to Nexxia revealed that there were some wiing changes required to the SOT cable in order to make this work with a Audi, although I am no proffesional audio installer I am fairly handy and technical, so under guidance from Nexxia, the necessary changes were made (ignition switched power into loom, and moved some wires about). These changes got the device working finally I was ready to enjoy streamed music from my iphone and handsfree operation for my iphone and my blackberry, or so i thought.
Although I have not exhausted testing of this system so far this is what I have found;
With the iphone streaming music the sound is great, except it comes out only throught the front speakers in the car and all the while the rear speakers are still playing the radio!!!, turing off the io play kit to stop the streaming audio results in the radio continuing only throught the rear speakers, in fact the only way I nfound to get radio back to ALL the speakers is to disconnect the bluetooth dongle from the iphone, examining the cableing I cant see how this could function in any other way, based on this I have a waring and a request to all;
first the request, if you know any way to fix these issues in an Audi A4 2002 with Symphony head unit and rear amplified speakers, please please tell me, as if this works as it should then this will trully be a kick a** system.
next the warning, if you have a headunit / amp / speaker combination remotely similar to mine I strongly suggest you investigate exactly how the system is meant to work before making the purchase, I am dreading the response i suspect i will receive from the manufacturer about this being how it is designed to function.
Apologies for the long post but hopefuly either someone will help me or I will save someone some money, either way will be usefull.
IO Play - my experience
Hi, to add my two pence into this, I'm posting my experience with the IO play + iPhone 3G
I had the IO Play system fitted into my '07 Skoda Fabia vRS yesterday. The fitting was brilliant, and the system looks great in the car.
Connecting the iPhone for handsfree use took a couple of minutes and was no difficulty at all.
The system will recognise a phone for handsfree calling, and a second device for streaming music together and allow them to be connected simultaneously. The same applies for the iPhone 3G. You can connect for phone functions without any adaptor etc. However, for streaming music, it is necessary to plug in the IO play iPod adaptor.
Pairing is done automatically, so streaming wasn't a problem either.....
BUT...there is a known issue with the IO Play streaming music from the iPhone 3G. There is some sort of conflict between the phone antenna and the bluetooth streaming which means that your music is interrupted for up to 10 seconds every few minutes. Apparently, if you use airplane mode, this problem goes away, but obviously defeats the handsfree side of things!
Very irritating, and not really useable.
For me, its not a major issue as I"m quite happy using my iphone for handsfree only and streaming music from an iPod nano, but for others, this may be a bit of a deal breaker...and is only something you may find out when all is fitted and its too late.
So, be warned, this device does not work well with the iPhone 3G (for now) - apparently the manufacturers are working on it...
When connected to any other type of iPod, this system is great. The handsfree calling is amazing and the music sounds great. I can fully recommend this kit despite the iPhone 3G problems.
Hi, to add my two pence into this, I'm posting my experience with the IO play + iPhone 3G
I had the IO Play system fitted into my '07 Skoda Fabia vRS yesterday. The fitting was brilliant, and the system looks great in the car.
Connecting the iPhone for handsfree use took a couple of minutes and was no difficulty at all.
The system will recognise a phone for handsfree calling, and a second device for streaming music together and allow them to be connected simultaneously. The same applies for the iPhone 3G. You can connect for phone functions without any adaptor etc. However, for streaming music, it is necessary to plug in the IO play iPod adaptor.
Pairing is done automatically, so streaming wasn't a problem either.....
BUT...there is a known issue with the IO Play streaming music from the iPhone 3G. There is some sort of conflict between the phone antenna and the bluetooth streaming which means that your music is interrupted for up to 10 seconds every few minutes. Apparently, if you use airplane mode, this problem goes away, but obviously defeats the handsfree side of things!
Very irritating, and not really useable.
For me, its not a major issue as I"m quite happy using my iphone for handsfree only and streaming music from an iPod nano, but for others, this may be a bit of a deal breaker...and is only something you may find out when all is fitted and its too late.
So, be warned, this device does not work well with the iPhone 3G (for now) - apparently the manufacturers are working on it...
When connected to any other type of iPod, this system is great. The handsfree calling is amazing and the music sounds great. I can fully recommend this kit despite the iPhone 3G problems.
As far as I know at the moment no - but I believe the manufacturer are in talks with someone the other side of the Pond
Great post dazzpj: So far I can only say a new SOT lead with be available early 2009 to rectify these issues with half amped systems. I will post back anything else I find out with regards this
Jimmyb79: Are you using the original IO play dongle for streaming? If so an upgrade to the new charging dongle should help with your problem - that is until Apple release a fimware update to sort it
Hope this helps
Ben.
This is a PIECE OF JUNK!!!! And as you can see, everyone who's posting that it's great are just alias accounts that someone is making to spam the forum. STAY AWAY from this!!
Hi slffl
Firstly I would like to thank you for your kind words.
We are the manufacturer of iO Play and we regard customer service very highly in our business. I am very sorry to here you have a problem with iO Play. Please can you send your problems and issue to our technical department and we will endeavour to do our best to sort things out.
Please can you contact the technical support department on the following email address. support@my-io.com
please state the following in your email.
Best Regards
iO
Firstly I would like to thank you for your kind words.
We are the manufacturer of iO Play and we regard customer service very highly in our business. I am very sorry to here you have a problem with iO Play. Please can you send your problems and issue to our technical department and we will endeavour to do our best to sort things out.
Please can you contact the technical support department on the following email address. support@my-io.com
please state the following in your email.
- contact details
- problem details
- vehicle it is installed into
Best Regards
iO
Help - I'm getting iO Play for Christmas
I have read all the other threads on here which have been really useful. I still want one of these but am getting all sorts of mixed messages from different suppliers/fitters. Taking the advice from others on here I have decided to buy from Nexxia. But before I go ahead can someone please help.
I was; and still am .. I think, going to buy and get it fitted by a friend of mine who knows what he's doing with these things. But, this morning I rang a local Car Audio company to ask his advice; price etc etc and whether compatible with my car. He came back and asked me did I realise that this system would only work through 2 of the speakers in my car and not the whole system; which for me defeats the object.
So I'm looking for some advice really and whether that will actually be the case. I have an '05 Seat Ibiza Sport.
I have an iPod Nano for my music and will also want to use the handsfree with my Nokia 6500 slide phone.
Again, looking at the advice which has been given to others I guess the bluetooth adaptor I need to purchase is the one which charges my iPod at the same time.
Any advice or additions to my shopping list much appreciated!
Thanks Jan
I have read all the other threads on here which have been really useful. I still want one of these but am getting all sorts of mixed messages from different suppliers/fitters. Taking the advice from others on here I have decided to buy from Nexxia. But before I go ahead can someone please help.
I was; and still am .. I think, going to buy and get it fitted by a friend of mine who knows what he's doing with these things. But, this morning I rang a local Car Audio company to ask his advice; price etc etc and whether compatible with my car. He came back and asked me did I realise that this system would only work through 2 of the speakers in my car and not the whole system; which for me defeats the object.
So I'm looking for some advice really and whether that will actually be the case. I have an '05 Seat Ibiza Sport.
I have an iPod Nano for my music and will also want to use the handsfree with my Nokia 6500 slide phone.
Again, looking at the advice which has been given to others I guess the bluetooth adaptor I need to purchase is the one which charges my iPod at the same time.
Any advice or additions to my shopping list much appreciated!
Thanks Jan
iO Play
Hi Jan
The iO Play will play through however many speakers you have in your Ibiza. If your Seat ibiza only has 2 speakers that is how many iO Play will play through. If it has 4 it will play through all 4.
Your Seat Ibiza Sport 05 doesnt need an additional connectivity lead (SOT lead) because this car has an ISO connector in the back of the radio.
To play your iPod Nano into the iO Play system you will need an iPod Bluetooth adaptor. If you want to have the ability to charge the iPod whilst streaming music the iO-BTAPODC part number is the one for you (iPod Charge & Play Bluetooth Adaptor). If Nexxia dont sell this adaptor they can be purchased from the iO website.
Many thanks
iO Play
Hi Jan
The iO Play will play through however many speakers you have in your Ibiza. If your Seat ibiza only has 2 speakers that is how many iO Play will play through. If it has 4 it will play through all 4.
Your Seat Ibiza Sport 05 doesnt need an additional connectivity lead (SOT lead) because this car has an ISO connector in the back of the radio.
To play your iPod Nano into the iO Play system you will need an iPod Bluetooth adaptor. If you want to have the ability to charge the iPod whilst streaming music the iO-BTAPODC part number is the one for you (iPod Charge & Play Bluetooth Adaptor). If Nexxia dont sell this adaptor they can be purchased from the iO website.
Many thanks
iO Play
Question to ioplay
Hi ioplay
Great to see you're active here answering questions about your product.
I am interested in getting an ioplay but with the mix of good and bad comments I thought the best way to know if this will work for me is to ask you directly.
I have a 2006 Mazda 6 with a Bose 7 speaker stereo system. Can you please confirm if the ioplay will work through all 7 speakers (4 in the front, 2 in the back and a subwoofer in the boot)?
Also, I want to use my iPhone 3G for music and handsfree calls, have the problems with the skipping audio been fixed?
If so, do I need to be looking for certain serial numbers to make sure I'm not getting an older system that still has the problems?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Links
Hi ioplay
Great to see you're active here answering questions about your product.
I am interested in getting an ioplay but with the mix of good and bad comments I thought the best way to know if this will work for me is to ask you directly.
I have a 2006 Mazda 6 with a Bose 7 speaker stereo system. Can you please confirm if the ioplay will work through all 7 speakers (4 in the front, 2 in the back and a subwoofer in the boot)?
Also, I want to use my iPhone 3G for music and handsfree calls, have the problems with the skipping audio been fixed?
If so, do I need to be looking for certain serial numbers to make sure I'm not getting an older system that still has the problems?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Links
IOPlay and the iPhone
Let's start with some facts: I bought an IOPlay in the US through Expansys, gave it to my shop and it didn't work. I had an awful time dealing with Expansys and then a brilliant time with Nathan and his guys over at IOPlay.
Now to address some of your questions. I have the IO installed and have the BT dongle - first gen, no charging - as well. And all I can say is that it's fantastic. It's the best solution out there, it is so simple, so easy and so smooth.
Using your phone hands free doesn't require the dongle, and the moment you get in your car and make a call, the screen shows you all three options with IO Play as the default. Crystal clear sound, easy use, might take a moment to figure out how the two volume controls interact and how the IO should be set as a default, but once that's done, smooth sailing.
But the real goodie is the dongle. Just pop it into your phone - I have both, a first gen and second gen - a window will come up saying that this accessory wasn't made to work with your phone and whether you want to turn it to airplane mode - just say no. Don't turn your cell signal off. I have yet - after 6 months of daily usage - to experience interference. Just say no, choose your music and hit play. Done. Takes 3 seconds and you are ready to go. When a call comes in, the IO chimes, you can accept the call by pressing the button and end it as easily, cue music...
Again, play with the two volume controls so you can find the perfect setting and you'll love your IO.
Here's what's sad: For some reason, only the 'iPod' of your iPhone is supported. Pandora or Last FM isn't working. Which I don't understand, but I'm sure there's a good technical explanation for it and I'm sure Nathan and his team are working on it already.
For all of you stateside, in order to make your experience a perfect one, go to a car stereo shop and ask them what type of harness you'll need for your car, your stereo and your speakers. Ask them to be as specific as possible, and send that info to IOPlay, I needed a different harness and the guys at IO were so kind and sent it to me after I received my unit from Expansys, but make sure to ask them first. It makes it a whole lot easier.
Oh, and a word of advice to slffl - dude, there's a reason Apple only allows people who own an app to rate and post comments in the app store, you're not invited to this party here...
Keep up the good work guys!
Let's start with some facts: I bought an IOPlay in the US through Expansys, gave it to my shop and it didn't work. I had an awful time dealing with Expansys and then a brilliant time with Nathan and his guys over at IOPlay.
Now to address some of your questions. I have the IO installed and have the BT dongle - first gen, no charging - as well. And all I can say is that it's fantastic. It's the best solution out there, it is so simple, so easy and so smooth.
Using your phone hands free doesn't require the dongle, and the moment you get in your car and make a call, the screen shows you all three options with IO Play as the default. Crystal clear sound, easy use, might take a moment to figure out how the two volume controls interact and how the IO should be set as a default, but once that's done, smooth sailing.
But the real goodie is the dongle. Just pop it into your phone - I have both, a first gen and second gen - a window will come up saying that this accessory wasn't made to work with your phone and whether you want to turn it to airplane mode - just say no. Don't turn your cell signal off. I have yet - after 6 months of daily usage - to experience interference. Just say no, choose your music and hit play. Done. Takes 3 seconds and you are ready to go. When a call comes in, the IO chimes, you can accept the call by pressing the button and end it as easily, cue music...
Again, play with the two volume controls so you can find the perfect setting and you'll love your IO.
Here's what's sad: For some reason, only the 'iPod' of your iPhone is supported. Pandora or Last FM isn't working. Which I don't understand, but I'm sure there's a good technical explanation for it and I'm sure Nathan and his team are working on it already.
For all of you stateside, in order to make your experience a perfect one, go to a car stereo shop and ask them what type of harness you'll need for your car, your stereo and your speakers. Ask them to be as specific as possible, and send that info to IOPlay, I needed a different harness and the guys at IO were so kind and sent it to me after I received my unit from Expansys, but make sure to ask them first. It makes it a whole lot easier.
Oh, and a word of advice to slffl - dude, there's a reason Apple only allows people who own an app to rate and post comments in the app store, you're not invited to this party here...
Keep up the good work guys!
Hi Links
Unfortuantly the system in your Mazda is one of the very few cars we do not have a SOT leead for. We are developing a SOT lead for this system as we speak but it will take a few months to be put into production.
iO Play
Hi IO Play and every one else
I currently have an IO play device in my BMW Mini Cooper 06 and have to say it works great. Comes through the 4 speakers in from and 2 in back. Ive had this since just after the london motor show.
My only issue that it doesnt come through the sub in the boot and i have to turn the car stereo off otherwise i have radio coming through on that.
Is there any way i can get the sub to be included with the io play so it plays what it should and not the radio when io play is activated?
Thanks
Andy
I currently have an IO play device in my BMW Mini Cooper 06 and have to say it works great. Comes through the 4 speakers in from and 2 in back. Ive had this since just after the london motor show.
My only issue that it doesnt come through the sub in the boot and i have to turn the car stereo off otherwise i have radio coming through on that.
Is there any way i can get the sub to be included with the io play so it plays what it should and not the radio when io play is activated?
Thanks
Andy
Hi IO Play and every one else
I currently have an IO play device in my BMW Mini Cooper 06 and have to say it works great. Comes through the 4 speakers in from and 2 in back. Ive had this since just after the london motor show.
My only issue that it doesnt come through the sub in the boot and i have to turn the car stereo off otherwise i have radio coming through on that.
Is there any way i can get the sub to be included with the io play so it plays what it should and not the radio when io play is activated?
Thanks
Andy
Hello Andy
With this particular system the iO Play cannot play through the centre sub. However, The sub can be muted when iO Play is acivated (i.e. in use). It seems that the installer who installed the iO Play hasnt connected the Brown "mute" fly lead cable (on the iO Play loom) to the "Mute" on the Mini Cooper Quad Lock connector. I would get in contact with the installer and ask him to connect this up for you.
Then you will not have to turn off the radio.
hope this helps
Yes iO Play can be installed into your Merc C Class. The only Merc C-Class system that cannot be installed into at present is the BOSE upgraded system. All others can be.
You may require an additional connectivity lead (SOT Lead). This will depend on what audio system you have in your C-Class (e.g AUDIO 10, AUDIO 20 or Gateway Command, etc)
However, we will be developing this BOSE connectivity lead in the near future.
Many thanks
This looks pretty much like I need for my car.
Two questions:
1. Will it fit in my AUDI A3 2004 model with the AUDI Concert system and sub in the trunk?
2. As I understand it will not be possible to charge the Iphone when the BT module is plugged into the Iphone. Any plans to make a BT module which can charge the phone at the same time, getting power from the car?
3. Is it possible to use another microphone with the kit than the one provided?
Two questions:
1. Will it fit in my AUDI A3 2004 model with the AUDI Concert system and sub in the trunk?
2. As I understand it will not be possible to charge the Iphone when the BT module is plugged into the Iphone. Any plans to make a BT module which can charge the phone at the same time, getting power from the car?
3. Is it possible to use another microphone with the kit than the one provided?
Honda S2000?
Hi iOPlay,
First of all, I think it speaks volumes about your customer service that you are prepared to speak with potential buyers and answer questions on an external forum about your products. Excellent stuff, keep it up!
Now on to my query, I just fired off an email to your support staff but just in case it doesnt get there and so I can maybe get a second opinion on the answers, i'll post my questions here too. Of course, if other users want to have a shot at answering my riddles, feel free!
1. First of all, my vehicle. I own a 2005 Honda S2000. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the layout of the car but I can't for the life of me find anywhere where the iOplay could be mounted.
The entire dash in the car is curved (you can view a picture of the dash over on What Car). The only option I could think of is a bracket of some kind attached to the centre console. Have you had any experience fitting the iOPlay to an S2000 or a similar configuration?
2. A similar problem is that the S2000 does not have a glove-box. Where would the iOPlay controller device be fitted (assuming it has one)?
3. The car is a soft-top, will I be able to mount the microphone in a suitable place?
Thats all I need to know about my vehicle set-up, I just have one more question on the way I plan to use the device.
4. I have an iPhone 3G and an iPod Touch. I prefer to use my iPhone for phone calls and my iPod Touch for music due to having a bit more storage room on the iPod.
Can I have both of these devices connected simultaneously (assuming I have the iPod Bluetooth Adapter for the iOPlay)? It sounds like the answer to my question is yes according to another member's earlier post but can you confirm this?
Hi iOPlay,
First of all, I think it speaks volumes about your customer service that you are prepared to speak with potential buyers and answer questions on an external forum about your products. Excellent stuff, keep it up!
Now on to my query, I just fired off an email to your support staff but just in case it doesnt get there and so I can maybe get a second opinion on the answers, i'll post my questions here too. Of course, if other users want to have a shot at answering my riddles, feel free!
1. First of all, my vehicle. I own a 2005 Honda S2000. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the layout of the car but I can't for the life of me find anywhere where the iOplay could be mounted.
The entire dash in the car is curved (you can view a picture of the dash over on What Car). The only option I could think of is a bracket of some kind attached to the centre console. Have you had any experience fitting the iOPlay to an S2000 or a similar configuration?
2. A similar problem is that the S2000 does not have a glove-box. Where would the iOPlay controller device be fitted (assuming it has one)?
3. The car is a soft-top, will I be able to mount the microphone in a suitable place?
Thats all I need to know about my vehicle set-up, I just have one more question on the way I plan to use the device.
4. I have an iPhone 3G and an iPod Touch. I prefer to use my iPhone for phone calls and my iPod Touch for music due to having a bit more storage room on the iPod.
Can I have both of these devices connected simultaneously (assuming I have the iPod Bluetooth Adapter for the iOPlay)? It sounds like the answer to my question is yes according to another member's earlier post but can you confirm this?
BMW idrive
IO,
Hey I just learned of your product and wanna buy one. Only problem is that I have a 6 series BMW and don't know if the IO play will work with the idrive? I know that the idrives in Europe and the idrives in America are different set-up and capabilities. Can you let me know if this will work. Thanks!
IO,
Hey I just learned of your product and wanna buy one. Only problem is that I have a 6 series BMW and don't know if the IO play will work with the idrive? I know that the idrives in Europe and the idrives in America are different set-up and capabilities. Can you let me know if this will work. Thanks!
