According to Apple Insider, the upcoming iPhone 3.1 - tipped in the latest Apple firmware leak - will use the Broadcom BCM4329 wireless chip. That chip is known to support advanced power saving features, WiFi draft-n and FM receiving and transmitting, suggesting the new iPhone may be able to stream music to a car stereo.
The current iPhone 3G uses the Broadcom BCM4325, which has an FM receiver. However Apple have locked down its functionality; currently it will only receive short-range FM transmissions from the Nike+ exercise peripheral. Of course, there's no telling whether Apple will similarly lock down the FM capabilities of the iPhone 3.1; many third-party accessory manufacturers, who already offer a broad range of FM transmitters, will likely be hoping they do.
As for the WiFi n functionality, the newer Broadcom chip supports all manner of MIMO dual-antenna signal boosting and better reception. There's also a shared Bluetooth and WiFi receive signal path which should save power and space but not at the cost of signal strength.
[via 9to5 Mac]
Very good, all in one stuff…. thanks for the announce.
It will be nice to wirelessly stream music to the factory stereo in my car without having to buy an expensive third party peripheral that may or may not work.