iPod Car Kits started in 1999 with Dension, they were the original manufacturers of the first iPod Car Kit. Back then, kids were very basic. The first kit started with just one audio source (similar to an iPod aux input to the stereo), but before long Dension wanted to improve the kit and then came a feature that is still considered one of the most important; Charging iPod while connected. Apple has worked hard to maintain this feature lately when they changed charging from 12v to 5v, but Dension has bounced back with an update to the hardware inside their units.
In 2003, Dension realized that there was a huge market for iPod kits and wanted to make the kit even better. Along came two more important changes. The first was the introduction of a cradle, cleverly designed on a “one size fits all” basis where you simply add an insert/sleeve that makes it fit your iPod. The second introduction was the ability to be able to control the iPod from the car stereo. In its early stages, this was set up around playlist control. You would assign your playlists to buttons 1-5 on your car stereo and when you wanted to change playlists you would simply press button 3, for example. Within 6 months this progressed and I could also skip tracks forward and backward as well as rewind and fast forward.
In 2006, Dension further pushed the “control” feature and introduced two other features. The first, this time, is a mode that allows you to switch control back to the iPod so it doesn’t lock the iPod when it’s docked. This was great for people who couldn’t get along with playlist mode. The second enhancement was one of the biggest so far, Artist, Album, Podcast, Track Control; Now, instead of just being able to control your iPod using playlists, you can now change the mode and browse by artists, albums, or whatever you like!
Dension moved quickly with more products arriving quickly. 2007 saw the debut of the first iPod kit that had an optional “plug-in” to allow bluetooth connections through the iPod kit and your car stereo and steering controls. This meant that using your phone in your car now made no sense. Then came the AV Extender, a smart device that let you play iPod videos on your car screen (or on an external screen if necessary). This sold out 3 times in its first 2 months.
Dension remains the market leader and constantly produces new products. Their lineup now includes Dension Gateway 100, Gateway 300, Gateway 500 MOST, Gateway 500 D2B, AVR, BTA1500 and much more!
