This is the first part of a review series about the Soundgate Zune integration solutions due to the modular nature of the product.

Ever since I had my Creative Zen Vision:M tethered to my Civic’s aftermarket radio, I’ve dreamed of a direct connection, like the one seen on some BMW and Scion vehicles. An iPod can plug directly into the stereo system and charge while providing digital audio and remote controls via the steering wheel or head unit; except designed for alternative players. I have always admired Apple products but there is usually something about them keeping me away, and the iPhone and iPod exude this condescending vibe at a level of eleven. After Microsoft stabbed Plays-for-sure in the back and my Urge account was sold to Real/Rhapsody, I have been using a Zune 80.

I saw Jason Dunn’s piece from CES

where he interviewed a Stillwater Designs (the parent company for Kicker and Soundgate) employee, Joe Hobart. They mentioned my exact usage scenario, I listen to my music most in my car and I do not charge it there, arriving with a drained player and on long trips due to my listening style, a dead player. They were describing a device that hooked directly to the factory radio and the Zune; the interviewee mentioned both Honda and Toyota, radios I work with everyday. He described how I would be able to listen to my Zune through my factory radio and use my steering wheel controls and head-unit’s buttons to control my Zune but also Voice Command (He didn’t say voice command but that is an OEM control for me and I later confirmed this).

Cingular's 8525 Smart Phone Review.

As reviewed on The New York Times here