The Drive + Play 2 comprises three components. A 3.5-inch full color screen replaces the black-on-gray display of the previous model, which is hooked up to a small digital-audio hub. All controls are made via a sleek wireless knob.
The Drive + Play 2's wireless control knob was designed around the theme of the iPod control wheel. Each of the four buttons around the rim correspond to the buttons on the iPod faceplate. The central dome can be pressed in to make a selection. The knob can be mounted anywhere in the cabin using double-sided tape.
The digital audio/expansion hub is the brains of the operation. It can be either powered by a cigarette lighter adapter, or hard-wired into the car's 12V circuit.
In addition to its port for connecting portable audio devices, the hub has a port for the Harman/ Net interface, which enables the connection of satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free calling modules.
The most advanced feature of the Drive + Play 2 is its Dynamic Channel creation feature, which enables drivers to create and refine unique playlists from their digital music libraries on the fly. To fine-tune their shuffled playlists, drivers can enter feedback on the current song according to their preferences.
Similar to newer iPods models, the Drive + Play 2 features an alphabet search function that enables users to quickly navigate their digital music libraries.
Where applicable, the Drive + Play 2 will display album art for tracks on a connected iPod. The device also can be used to play audio from Microsoft Zunes and generic USB mass-storage devices.
