Driving can be fun, stressful, annoying, and a lot of other emotions. Luckily, radios and CD players have been stock in vehicles for years. But as mobile devices increased in popularity, vehicle manufacturers weren’t ready to outfit their products with the latest technology. If you’re stuck without Bluetooth or USB in your vehicle, then iTrip Aux or iTrip Bluetooth may be what you’re looking for. iTrip Aux has a built-in Lightning connector for modern Apple devices, and iTrip Bluetooth provides a wireless interface for all mobile devices that support Bluetooth. iTrip Aux and iTrip Bluetooth both forward the audio they receive to any 3.5mm input, allowing most older vehicles to be outfitted with new connectivity options.
Special thanks to Griffin for providing us with the iTrip Aux & iTrip Bluetooth to review.
Packaging & What’s In The Box
iTrip Aux and iTrip Bluetooth both come in Griffin’s orange and white packaging. Each has a picture of the device on the front with a window on the back so you won’t be fooled by any photoshopped pictures.
Upon opening iTrip Aux, you will find the device with a 40” (1m) Lightning cable, and a 40” (1m) 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male stereo cable to go from iTrip Aux to your car’s auxiliary port. And just like its big brother, iTrip Bluetooth will also have the same parts, the device and a 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male stereo cable.
iTrip Aux is a larger cigarette lighter device, but its size is warranted by its features. iTrip Aux can supply 12 watts of power through its built-in Lightning connector, that can easily charge an iPad or provide a substantially fast charge on an iPhone. There are three buttons on front of iTrip Aux that perform four features, play/pause, skip forward, skip backwards. Also for late night driving, iTrip Aux has an illuminated ring, making it a bit easier to locate the buttons.
iTrip Bluetooth is a bit simpler. It is a smaller device, has one blue LED on front, and one button. Its blue LED will flash if it is in discovery, solid if it is connected, or off if it is asleep. Right under iTrip Bluetooth’s one button is a 3.5mm output that will go to your car’s auxiliary port.
For a full unboxing and overview of both the Griffin iTrip Aux & iTrip Bluetooth be sure to check out our video below.