BMW has confirmed speculation and leaks that from 12 July it is to offer US drivers the ability to hook their iPods directly into in-car stereo systems.

The adaptor hooks the iPod into the hi-fi's CD changer input, rather like Denison's ICE>LINK does. If you already have a CD changer in your car, you'll need to unhook it first, BMW and Apple say.

BMW dealers will fit the adaptor from 12 July in any BMW 3 series auto sold from 2002 onwards, Z4 roadster, X3 and X5 SUV, and Mini Cooper, with other vehicles gaining compatibility in due course. The adaptor costs $149 - installation is extra.

Denison's ICE>LINK is compatible with factory-fit vehicles from Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Maserati, plus driver-installed hi-fi systems from Sony, Kenwood, Blaupunkt, Becker and Alpine. More details here. ®

Related stories

HMV iPods not compatible with store's music downloads
Apple opens iTunes in the UK, France and Germany
iRiver to ship third 'video iPod' in July
Sony to ship portable video, MP3 player next month
Personal video devices to challenge music players
Apple creates separate iPod business unit