Chrysler to offer hard drive-base MyGIG head unit

Sure, there's a gazillion aftermarket offerings out there loaded with niceties such as iPod connectivity, Bluetooth capabilities, and even flash memory expansion, but Chrysler is hoping to lure in customers who'd rather have their dashboard already pimped out when it rolls off the showroom floor. Slated to hit Sebring models first -- with the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro to follow suit -- the MyGIG head unit rocks a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, voice-activated controls, 20GB hard drive, "3D-like" navigational maps, real-time traffic updates, and a USB 2.0 port supporting JPEG / MP3 transfers, while also controlling the (optional) U-Connect Bluetooth handsfree system. Opting to support all DAPs (rather than taking the iPod-only approach that many automakers have), it sports an aux input just in case ripping CDs directly on the HDD doesn't interest you. Another impressive feature is the unit's reported ability to play back DVDs via the built-in optical drive (while in park, obviously), or you can hookup the forthcoming Wii or PlayStation 3 to the dual video inputs fpr keeping you and your co-riders entertained should you hit a traffic jam (or LA stoplight). If you aren't much on custom installations, or just needed a good excuse to get in a new set of wheels, the MyGIG head unit will be a $1,700 option when it drops this fall.

[Via Gizmag]

[JonnieBC @ Jan 29th 2008 3:35PM]

I just bought a 2008 Dodge Nitro R/T and the My GiG is great. I have all the toys MP3's ipods, bluetooth phone everything, and I have also used all the aftermarket gear out there in my vehicles. I have to say that the My GiG is great. Thank fully the dealership messed up on my first truck and over charged me and they made it up to me by upgrading me to the R/T with all the options, 20's, Mygig, sunroof, the works. and I am happy with everything. I am so glad I have the Mygig now because everything connects to it great and I can burn my Cd's right to my harddrive so I can store more. The only problem I found was it shuts DVD's off when you shift gears but there is a way to bi-pass it. So if you can def. go with the option. You will find it very usefull.

[BLAKE @ Mar 4th 2008 10:12PM]

On my new Mygig system that has navigation when Im driving I cant use the speller thing to type in my destination or watch dvds can anybody help me with disengaging that?

[Arjan @ Mar 20th 2008 10:52AM]

JonnieBC,

Please advise me how to bypass it,i wanna play dvd while driving, ...

Thanks, A

[Rod @ Mar 31st 2008 6:47PM]

ok... I just bought a 08 Nitro R/T... dealer tried his best to unlock the (shut off DVD in gear)... what's the trick?

[Mike @ May 22nd 2008 4:53PM]

This is a new product that I found out about while reading in the "Dodge forums.com" website.

http://www.coastaletech.com/mygig.htm

[Mike @ May 20th 2008 9:14PM]

I need the bypass for Chysler Nav. If some has or knows how please hit me back. Thx

[jay @ Aug 4th 2008 1:37AM]

the bypass you requested is that for enabling entering addresses while on the move? and also watching dvd's on the move?
if so the website you quoted before
www.coastaltech.com has the mygig that you can install that will enable that to work.

[Lona @ May 22nd 2008 3:03PM]

I have a new Jeepr Wrangler 4 door and I have tried to download my i-pod music to the HDD and nothing happens...it tells me that there is no music to download....which isn't true. What am I doing wrong.....I need step by step instructions.
HELP
thanks

[jay @ Aug 4th 2008 1:33AM]

the problem you are having is itunes copyright infringements. we have dealt with this on a forum that im a member of.
no songs from itunes are able to be loaded onto the mygig, we have tried many ways even converting to different formats with no luck what so ever

[kevin @ Sep 15th 2008 3:12PM]

The Mygig system is alright BUT it needs to be able to read and play video files such as divx or avi. If it can read those off a portable usb drive and/or copy them to the hard drive that would be great! Let's hope there will be an update soon. I'd like to support American for a change!

[Cheri @ Sep 25th 2008 11:10AM]

Has anyone found a way to play the dvd player while driving? The website given above that I thought was given to help with that was no help..help!

[ck @ Sep 25th 2006 5:37AM]

Why does that interface look like it escaped from the 90s?

[Ed Balaban @ Sep 25th 2006 5:43AM]

Chrysler needs to work on getting more MPG's out their cars and not HDD dash units, we already have iPods!

[Pacey @ Sep 25th 2006 7:56AM]

For the past 6 months or so, I've had the luxury of working a promotion for DCX in their Headquarters. I've actually gotten into the cost vs benifit fight with a couple of designers for Chrysler, especially on interiors (personally hobby, both interiors and messing with engineers) Trying to explain to them that no matter what they do, the OWM's will never match the aftermarket suppliers when it comes to ease of use, style, etc. in the head unit area.

I didn't see it in the article, but it also looks like this unit does not have a touchscreen. It's the biggest complaint I've heard about factory installed navi units. The screens also have a tendency to wash out in direct light.

Just recently, Alpine had a showcase in the DCX HQ that I managed to get a peak of. Some nice stuff, but it looked to be a full two generations ahead of this offering. Not suprising, since Alpine has some pretty nice aftermarket navi units out already. I'd be interested in knowing who the supplier is on this particular unit, as well.

I love navi units, I think its nice that the auto companies are ofering them as an option, but there's no way I'd spend 1700 on a factory head unit, when I can get an aftermarket for the same price (or lower) that will actually do MORE and work better.

[G. Snyder @ Sep 25th 2006 8:42AM]

I am tired of people suggesting that aftermarket nav systems are better. Yes - price is a factor. The gap in in-dash units has narrowed considerably though. First of all, it is not as if Chrysler or Honda "makes" nav systems. It is the same companies you all have a woody over (Alpine makes Honda/Acura and the harware for BMW) and all the maps come from two different sources. At any given time, the features of a new system match, for the most part, those on aftermarket units (it is probably more true forthe Chrysler unit here than many others). Most importantly, though, are the features that aftermarket units cannot match because they are not part of the car natively. In dash OEM units are not really theft targets, are integrated into the car's systems, do not have cords spewing from them, and are not suctioned to the windshield.

[christopher @ Sep 25th 2006 9:15AM]

DVD playback only in "Park"? What if I have a manual trans? The DVD will only play if I shift to "neutral" at a stop sign? Retarded guess, Engadget.

-C

[aschmack @ Feb 14th 2007 7:01PM]

It's probably when the parking brake is engaged

[strider_mt2k @ Sep 25th 2006 9:19AM]

I don't think I'd want a Jeep with a HD based anything in it because of the environment the thing has to be able to endure.
(Unless they're setting the HD up like a Panasonic Toughbook, which I kinda doubt.)

I can't speak for anyone else, but when I get a Jeep, that sucker is gonna get used off-road!

[critter42 @ Sep 25th 2006 10:10AM]

Did anyone else get a chuckle that a Chrysler article had a Ford advertisement in the RSS feed? :)

[dutch @ Sep 25th 2006 12:07PM]

What the hell 20GB???? Also, why is there not a Wi-Fi option? This would make syncing it with your home music library awesomely easy.

[glacia00 @ Sep 25th 2006 12:35PM]

For all the complaining this is the first car company headed in the right direction. Real, actual, true integration. I'm shocked it's an American company and more shocked that it's Chrysler.

It's a little too expensive and a first gen but for an industry that is typically 10+ years behind the curve this is as close to the tech curve as the industry comes.

[submachine @ Sep 25th 2006 2:37PM]

For $1700 you can buy a laptop and enough software (GPS, Winamp) to do all that, and better, and portable.

[Mikey @ Sep 25th 2006 5:42PM]

This is weird. I just bought their 5.8" screen navi unit for my Dodge Charger and that one retails for $2275 (thank God for eBay...only spent $700 on it). Mine has a 6-disc in-dash changer, DVD navigation, and SIRIUS. I wonder how they got this one to be so much cheaper, especially with UConnect built in and a bigger screen. Hopefully it supports SIRIUS, too. If so, who wants to buy my 5.8"?

[keith waddington @ Sep 26th 2006 6:30AM]

Why "My" music??? What purpose does the word "my" serve? I think the interface was done by a semi-illiterate.

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[hobnob @ Sep 29th 2006 7:25AM]

Have a look at your site, what purpose does the "My" in "My Stuff" and "My Studio" if it's on YOUR page?

You sir, are a confused hypocrite.

[keith waddington @ Sep 29th 2006 7:59PM]

Mr Hobnob

beside being rude you are not thinking very carefully. I made the web site and I made the category of "music" which has two sub sections. The category is music so the subsection cannot be called music: this would be unclear as well as being redundant. This is a grammatical term. My post was all about grammar. It is not self-evident that a subsection on a web site would contain music composed and recorded by the site's owner. The 'my" in this instance is for the reader, not for me.

If I made an interface for you, the category would be music, not "my" music. It is not mine, it's yours, the user, and the user has no need for "my". It's redundant.

I hope you can understand now. But I'm not sure why you felt the need to try (erroneously) to show I was as illiterate as the person who made the interface for the above gadget; unless he is a close friend or family member and you took my comment personally. In which case no offence was intended.

keep smiling

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[Paul Cornn @ Nov 11th 2006 9:33AM]

I think the best way to answer the why "My Music" is with another question:
Why does Windows want to put all my stuff under my username in a folder called "My Documents". Chrysler is just mimicing the existing platforms.

[rob @ Jul 6th 2007 2:40PM]

Does anyone know if you can get the mygig as an aftermarket option for the Jeep Wrangerl? I heard not, but you can for the Dodge Nitro......Next question, the Dodge Nitros mygig is the same as the Wrangeler, can it be installed on the wrangerl??

[pampyinn @ Jul 30th 2007 12:22AM]

Yes, to both. I sell them

[Charlie (Orange County) @ Dec 17th 2007 4:32PM]

Hi everyone!
I just bought a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara (6 speed manual / 4x4) and it came with the Mygig system. I have two questions so I hope someone can help me. I downloaded an audio CD to the hard drive (Mygig) but now when I play it back the music I can hear these popping sounds along with the song. It sounds like if my speakers were blown out. Is anyone having this problem? My other question is has anyone had any problems viewing there DVD movies while having the jeep on neutral, in gear, or having the engine off or on? I can hear the audio from the movie but not the image (movie). “Weird!” Thank you