Keyspan intros iPod Sync Cable for Ford Sync media system

Ford's Sync infotainment platform may not be helping/distracting all that many drivers just yet, but Keyspan isn't ignoring those early adopters out there, with it now introducing what may well be the first accessory for the platform. That distinction, as you might expect, goes to the company's new iPod Sync cable, which'll work with everything from the first generation iPod mini to the recently-released iPod touch. In addition to displaying iPod content on the Sync's screen, the cable will also let you control the iPod from the Sync media system, and it'll even charge the iPod while it's connected (although only when the vehicle is running). You will have to fork over a somewhat hefty $50 for that convenience, however, which Keyspan will gladly take from you right now.

[peregrin @ Jul 15th 2008 3:40PM]

Is this cable still available? We just leased a new (built July 2008) Taurus with Sync, and I'm trying to use my husband's old iPod mini with it. Like mrg and impromptu, I can get it to *sort of* work with a regular USB cable, but I'd like to be able to sync it properly (which apparently can only be done with the Keyspan cable). Unfortunately, none of the links which the Keyspan website provides for where to buy this cable actually HAVE the cable. I can't find it on eBay, either. Is Keyspan still making/selling them, or do I have to ask for an iTouch for my birthday? ;)

[michael @ Oct 25th 2008 4:42PM]

I have a G3 ipod with the red light up buttons over the click wheel like Lukas. Will this product work. My sync will not work with the USB cable I currently have.

[Ellianth @ Oct 9th 2007 8:57PM]

i think something is wrong with me. I think that cable looks really nice.. but it's just a cable. Help.. please

[mattsx @ Oct 9th 2007 9:00PM]

Nice accessory. But the fact that the interface is USB + Audio Miniplug seems kinda dumb.

[KeyspanDude @ Oct 10th 2007 12:14AM]

mattsx,

The audio connector is _necessary_ for 4G iPods, minis, and 4G iPods with color display. The nice thing about the cable is that our dock connector separates the USB connector (for data and charging) and audio connector. This way, you only need one connection to the bottom of the iPod.

[mattsx @ Oct 10th 2007 1:40AM]

Isn't the problem with Ford's implementation? I have an Acura integrated solution that doesn't have USB + Minijack, it also charges and sounds just fine... My comment is about Ford's design, not Keyspan's

[Mike Botros @ Oct 10th 2007 9:23AM]

It's not Ford's design it's the iPod's compatibility. According to Sync's website most iPod will connect just via USB. The only one they have listed is the iPod Mini with firmware 1.4.1 that connections via USB+AUX. Sync supports USB direct connections. It's about what the players can support.

[john @ Oct 9th 2007 9:06PM]

No one uses ipods anymore. This product is doomed.

[Rususeruru @ Oct 9th 2007 9:17PM]

Is it just me or is the USB end short several connections?

[Jason @ Oct 9th 2007 9:49PM]

Hence the audio plug as well

[Keyspan Dude @ Oct 9th 2007 11:53PM]

Hi Rususeruru,

The picture isn't clear but there's 4 pins in the USB cable.

The USB part of the cable is used to control and charge the iPod via Sync system. The stereo connector is just audio.

Generally speaking, you only need two pins to charge USB devices - the other 2 pins need to be there if you need to send/receive data (which is what our cable does).

[Ashraf @ Oct 9th 2007 10:37PM]

first of all.

why would keyspan (part of national grid), a GAS/ELECTRIC company introduce someting like this?

[Keyspan Dude @ Oct 10th 2007 12:03AM]

Hi Ashraf,

We're a different Keyspan =) You're thinking of Keyspan Energy (which is a utility company). Some boring history here...We were Keyspan before Brooklyn Union Gas became Keyspan Energy.

Keyspan, makers of the iPod Sync Cable, makes all kinds of USB devices. We make USB to serial adapters, USB Servers, TuneView products (LCD remotes for iPod and iTunes). Click on the 'keyspan' tag in this story and you'll see other 'Keyspan' stories that Engadget has posted. You can also visit our webpage by going to www.keyspan.com

[Spike @ Oct 9th 2007 10:42PM]

Well Scions come stock with a really good iPod interface, but they charge like $14K for those things! Steep!

I wonder how much a Ford costs (never really thought about buying one, so I don't know), and how much they'll charge for the Sync if the cable's $50. Not to mention how many unwanted options you'll pay for in order to get the package that includes one of these...

[Dave @ Oct 9th 2007 11:24PM]

The Ford Sync is only a $395 option...not bad really...only downside is you have to buy a Ford...yuck!

[KeyspanDude @ Oct 10th 2007 12:14AM]

Dave - The cable works with any SYNC enabled car. Sync is available on Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.

Spike - The head unit is very unique. You may want to check out videos at the SyncMyRide website.

Regarding the cable...Our cable allows you to connect iPods (4G iPods, minis, 4G iPods w/ color display) AND latest the iPods to the Sync system. If you have a newer iPod, you can use your iPods cable to connect to the Sync system. Our cable just makes it so you can use your both the new iPods and the iPods with one cable.

[Spike @ Oct 9th 2007 11:31PM]

Holy cow! Do you have any idea how nice a of real, aftermarket head unit you could buy for $395?!?!?!? ...And it would come with an iPod cable.

[Fletcher Kasmer @ Oct 10th 2007 12:41AM]

i think its really interesting that keyspan would comment on their product in the reader comment section. it's something i've never seen a company do before and i'm not sure why they would be clarifying product specs and such in this venue. also, i agree, $50? that is a lot of money for a cord of any sort (as i wait for my apple av cord to ship....damn)

[Keyspan Dude @ Oct 10th 2007 1:28AM]

Hi Fletcher Kasmer,

I'm a tech guy. I'm not a marketing or sales guy. I just post when there's questions or something that I feel needs to be clarified. Hopefully my posts are to the point and helpful. I'm happy to not post if it's not wanted or if it seen as spam. Hopefully, it saves someone a click and maybe adds to the story. That being said, these aren't 'official' posts - I do this in my free time (sad but true). I figured it would be disingenuous if I posted a bunch of comments and failed to mention that I worked for Keyspan.

Regarding the price... this is one of the topics I don't typically respond to since this is a subjective issue. I will tell you that the cable has Keyspan developed hardware in the cable itself. This is allows you connect and control certain iPods to the Sync system. Other iPods don't need our cable on Sync system.

Hope this helps!

[Lukas @ Oct 10th 2007 2:24AM]

It won't be doing any charging of my 3G iPod with that USB connection. Damn apple for ditching firewire on the newer pods.

[manfesto @ Oct 10th 2007 2:57AM]

Um, it should. My 3G iPod charges and syncs over USB (I lost my firewire cable and Apple stopped selling them, so I bought a generic USB one).

[Lukas @ Oct 10th 2007 3:06AM]

hmm mine never has, any USB connection, even from computer is data only, no charge. This is a 20 gig 3rd gen with the red light up touch controls.

[Lukas @ Oct 10th 2007 3:29AM]

i think you're thinking of the wrong model, this chart seems to back me up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod#Models

[Jose @ Oct 10th 2007 5:49AM]

Hi Keyspan Dude,

I wonder if your cable will work with other systems. I have a Mercedes Benz with an AUX input. The way I connect my iPod is with a cable that runs from the iPod's headphones jack to the AUX jack in the car. This, of course, doesn't allow me to control the iPod from the steering wheel controls.

Since your cable has the 30 pin connector AND the AUX jack, do you know if your cable would do the trick? If it does, $50 is a BARGAIN compaired to other solutions out there.

[lewispindy @ Oct 10th 2007 5:54AM]

Hello Mr Keyspan,

Quick question, will this cable provide charging and line out if just plugged into a normal, non-Ford USB port?

Ta,

Lewis

[Dick @ Oct 10th 2007 6:23AM]

As a response to lewispindy and Jose, $50 is a massive premium for a cable doing what you want. Check out this linky, near the bottom of the page.

http://www.radtech.us/Products/CablesiPod.aspx

[lewispindy @ Oct 10th 2007 7:00AM]

I have a CD player, so the cassette adapter is no use to me. Also, I don't want a load of wires draped all over my car, so the various cigarette light power supplies and other cables would annoy me.

With this cable I can plug my iPod into rear AUX in on my head unit, then hard wire a 12v to USB converter into the ignition circuit and have one nice, neat dock connector cable coming from somewhere in the dash into the bottom of my Touch.

[Mike Botros @ Oct 10th 2007 9:31AM]

I would like to clarify that Ford Sync does support connection, charge and playback, just via USB for players that support it. This product is just for older iPods that don't support it, and even works with the new ones. But most likely you won't need it for newer iPods; you would just need the USB cable that comes with the iPod.

[bacha @ Oct 12th 2007 1:00PM]

If you have a factory aux port and want to charge your ipod and also use the bottom port of your ipod as an audio port, you can use this

http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=8524

[eric @ Oct 14th 2007 10:16AM]

Don't know if this would work or not but I'll try it out next time i do a interface install.

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/Accessories/KCA-iP200

[mrg @ Nov 7th 2007 8:52PM]

Keyspan Dude: Just took delivery of my new '08 Taurus X with Sync. I tried to use my 4th Gen iPod w/color screen without out using the Keyspan cable, just the standard iPod USB cable. Found that the iPod sort of works, although I do not have access to my iPod playlists, nor do I have access to music I've purchased from iTunes. I'm assuming that the purpose of the Keyspan cable is get around this incompatibility -- I would be able to listen to my iTunes-purchased music (AAC format w/DRM) and have access to my iPod playlists. Is my assumption correct? I just want to confirm that Keyspan cable will meet my expectations and be an improvement over the connection I have now. Thanks.

[kpiy @ Nov 10th 2007 10:19PM]

I agree with MRG. It sort of works. I would also like to learn if the keyspan cable will allow the playlist compatibility as well as the AAC songs.

[impromptu @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:41AM]

Same problem as mrg for me but i have an ipod mini. Would love to hear from you Keyspan Dude.