United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/to...d-iphones.aspx

>>United Airlines is trying to win back some goodwill after deciding to charge passengers $15 for checking a bag (and $25 for the second one). Today, the airline said it's the first U.S. carrier to connect Apple iPods and iPhones to its in-flight entertainment system. You can charge them at your seat and watch videos stored on them on the seat-back televisions.<<

I guess we connect too?

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

If you make a iPod dock connection to connect, there is no reason why not. Audio and power is easy enough. Video may be tricky.

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

Depends on the connector. Is it an Apple Dock connector or a USB Connector that you plug the iPod/iPhone's Cable into.

It would truly suck if the used an AppleDock connector. Talk about Isolating consumers. Not to mention more expensive than just adding a USB port to the armrest.

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

im sure its gonna be a ipod dock connector.

The only way to do this is using the proprietary dock connector, just like hundreds of home entertainment systems and portable stereo's do. Apple has enough market share so they don't care if they lock people with other devices out...

I believe the only true way to support all the devices is to run thin clients with USB support. This will come eventually, because I personally know people who are trying to get this tech on United aircraft.

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

Well, from an iPod point of view, it would be pretty useless adding just a USB connection, as then all you could do is charge it, but the OP said you could watch video on the seatbacks. The only way you could do that on an iPod is either a 3 pin 3.5mm lead, or the dock connector. the 3.5mm lead doesn't give you power, so I assume they are talking about the dock connector.

It isn't isolating consumers, it is just a marketing decision. It doesn't take anything away from people without an iPod (as it was never there), and I guess they are hoping that it would sway people to use their airline rather than another one, in that they can bring their own video.

The thing I do wonder, if they are allowing people to bring their own videos, how do they regulate what people are watching?
Can't see it going well when someone brings some hardcore porn on their player when the family on the next seats are on their way to disneyland!

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

Not exactly true. My pioneer radio has a iPod connector cable or a standard USB Female cable (ie Plug in the iPod Sync Cable). Plug an iPod into either one of the cables and the radio reads the iPod just fine. Plug non-ipods into the USB and it will read them, but not use the iPod like menu functions, or read the tags correctly.

My point is: it doesn't take a dock connector to do it, just a USB port and the owner needs his/her iPod cable, assuming the software in the airplane is designed to read iPods correctly.

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

Really, United Airlines? This is what is going to save your rear from bankruptcy court?

So let me get this straight - I can fly Southwest or some other carrier cheaper, but I get to dock my iPod on your planes... hmm, yeah, I'll take that overpriced ticket! Feel free to lose my luggage while you're at it, and get me to my destination 1 hour and 45 minutes late...

Doomed, doomed I tell ya!

Aunt Sue ain't gonna fall for this one, no siree.

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

Maybe some other airlines will follow suit. Its a step in the right direction, although with the wrong device, I guess.


bun

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

Yes, you are right, I wasn't thinking of that high tech. I assumed it would just be providing power and taking video/audio from the machine, rather than having a whole computer behind it.

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

I think that a 4-pole 1/8" jack would be the way to go; I realize not all devices use the same assignments, but that can be dealt with, and have one 1/8" jack. The power issue is a bit more complicated, but a USB port would do; much as I dislike the hijacking of a data standard (with power negotiation specified!) as a raw power jack, it's a fact of life. Then you don't have idiots like me who don't use iPods griping about it.

Re: United connects to iPods and iPhones
 

The iPod dock feature is only available in business and first class on selected flights. Unless you feel like paying double or triple for your flight, you won't need to worry about it. Use the money to buy several spare N800s instead.