09
Dec
2011
Category: Car Entertainment
09
Dec
2011
07
Oct
2011
05
May
2011
Electronista: Jaguar’s flagship sedan, the 2012 XJ, will come with a smartphone dock that will show the phone’s screen on the car’s built-in navigation screen, Pocket-Lint learned. Demonstrated at BlackBerry World in Orlando this week with a BlackBerry Torch, users will have the ability to control the phones with the car’s interface and not the phone’s. This includes contact info, music, GPS and more, but browsing the web will be locked out for safety reasons.
Multiple popular phones will be supported, which likely means iPhones and Android devices will be compatible.
The Jaguar engineer in charge of the project also suggested users could use the car’s Dual View screen to allow the driver and passenger to see different things, though multitasking would have to be supported by the phone itself. The Dual View feature allows passengers to view movies from a car’s entertainment system, while the driver can see the navigation screen or other images on the screen. Passengers may also be able to connect their own phone in addition or instead of the driver’s.
Whether the dock will be standard equipment or an option isn’t being revealed. What, if any other Jaguars will also get the dock remains to be seen.
21
Apr
2011
Engadget: Back in February, General Motors debuted its MyLink smartphone integration for the Chevy Volt and Equinox on the Engadget Show, letting drivers control their iOS, Android, and BlackBerry smartphone apps via voice or touchscreen. The company announced today that it will be offering the same technology — albeit rebranded as the tongue-twisting IntelliLink — on several 2012 Buick and GMC models, including the Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Verano, and the GMC Terrain. IntelliLink offers up a fairly similar feature set as its Chevy counterpart — connecting to iPhones and Android handsets via Bluetooth or USB, and leveraging Nuance voice recognition and Gracenote databases to control the likes of Pandora and Stitcher Radio. Autoblog reports that IntelliLink will hit the Buick Verano first, followed by the LaCrosse and Regal, though you might be more interested in the Terrain — owners will also be able to control their vehicle’s rear-view camera with IntelliLink, and who doesn’t like manipulating megapixels in the name of pedestrian safety?
19
Apr
2011
Akihabaranews: Kenwood’s new I-K900 is not your average 1Din Car audio System, indeed, instead of offering the usual FM/AM and CD Player Combo; Kenwood dedicated entirely its new player to both the iPod and iPhone. With just 512MB of internal memory allowing you to store some Audio files but also some video ones and some photos, all your contents will directly comes from either your iPod or iPhone. Once connected you will be able to control your phone or Dap audio library directly from the I-K900 User interface and control button as well as displaying all relevant information, including tack data, Cover… on its 3” Wide Display.
The I-K900 will be sold in Japan within this summer and sold at around 42,000 Yen.
22
Mar
2011
New Launches: German tuning company Brabus have decided to update its iBusiness multimedia system on all the Mercedes’ S-Class vehicles to version 2.0, following the launch of the iPad2. Available on any current S-Class model from the S350 to the S65, the iBusiness 2.0 system will see one or two iPad2 tablets in the rear compartment that are connected via Wifi to an internet-connected Mac mini placed in the trunk. The iPad 2 is used to control on-board entertainment system as well as the functions of the S-Class COMAND system including the radio, navigation and phone, all from the cushy comforts of the rear seat. The two iPad’s too, sit regally on custom-tailored version of the Brabus table set against the backrest of the front seats. The electrically-deployed and adjustable leather-covered tabletop also provides recesses for your iPad and Apple’s bluetooth keyboard. A 15.2-inch 16:9 TFT display can be found on the roof of the cabin that serves as an auxiliary monitor for the iPad, while screens have been placed on the back of the front seats too. You can also connect your digital camera to the Mac mini via their USB 2.0 ports, while music is provided by a 64 GB iPod touch.
The iPad 2 also allows for video conferencing capabilities, clearly converting your vehicle into a stunning and extremely efficient ‘on-the-go’ office!
07
Mar
2011
Electronista: Electronics maker Harman this week announced it will work with Mercedes-Benz to bring a flexible navigation system to the German vehicles. It will feel like a built-in, factory issued system as it will communicate with the car’s controls and display, but be removable and allow for software updates. Called Becker Map Pilot, the system will make its debut in the SLK and C-Class cars. Read more »
04
Mar
2011
Electronista: Saab has previewed its upcoming infotainment system, IQon, which is based on Google’s Android OS. Users will be able to access navigation utilities, multimedia content, web-based services, and a variety of other features. The interface is presented in an eight-inch touchscreen, while an integrated modem automatically connects to the Internet when the car is started.
Despite the primary features that will ship with IQon from the factory, the company is highlighting the system’s ‘open innovation’ strategy to woo third-party developers. PArticipants will have access to specific APIs for the vehicle, connecting to more than 500 signals measuring data such as vehicle speed, GPS location, driver workload, yaw rate, steering wheel angle, engine speed, torque, temperatures, barometric pressure, and the location of the sun.
The IQon system is currently being previewed in the Saab PhoeniX concept car, which is on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
04
Mar
2011
GPS Business News: A new report from market research firm In-Stat forecasts that over 35 million in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are expected to ship in 2015 as automakers are starting to capitalize on the demand for the same dynamic multimedia experience in the car that consumers have become accustomed to in the home.
“Along with a rich multimedia experience, today’s drivers and passengers are also demanding constant connectivity in the car,” said Stephanie Ethier, Senior Analyst at In-Stat.
“The majority of automakers are embracing this demand for connectivity and forming strategic partnerships with technology and software companies to offer solutions that will enable consumers to access digital content in and out of the automobile via both wired and wireless options.”
04
Feb
2011
Pioneer.eu: Pioneer introduces 5 new in-car multimedia stations designed to offer the widest multimedia possibilities. The top 4 models allow not just high-quality CD, DVD and video (DivX) playback, but connection to all portable sources, including iPod, iPhone, USB and SD (now with high capacity 32GB compatibility).
The AVH series consists of two single DIN models, AVH-6300BT and AVH-5300DVD (available in March), and three double DIN units, the AVH-P4300DVD, AVH-3300BT (available now) and AVH-2300DVD (also March). The AVH-6300BT, AVH-5300DVD and AVH-2300DVD feature a new tuner chipset, optimised for usage in cars with an active antenna.
All new models come equipped with clear graphical interfaces and large LCD touch screens to make communication and control simple while on the road. The compact 1-DIN AVH-6300BT and AVH-5300DVD units have a motorised display that folds out at the touch of a button, revealing a 7-inch touch screen that can easily be stowed away when not needed.
The same 7-inch (17,8 cm) touch screen can be found on the double DIN AVH-P4300DVD, whereas the AVH-3300BT and AVH-2300DVD feature a slightly smaller 5,8-inch (14,7 cm) touch screen. Customisable button illumination, personalised menus and a variety of background designs allow you to perfectly match your system to your car interior or mood.
With an integrated Parrot Bluetooth module, the AVH-6300BT and AVH-3300BT are hands-free communication capable. Bluetooth is also available on the AVH-P4300DVD with the addition of an optional Bluetooth adapter.
iPod/iPhone Direct Control lets you control your portable device directly from your AVH headunit: all the content stored on the digital media player becomes accessible via an intuitive user interface. With Quicklinks you can jump to your source menu or songs, artists and albums lists with one touch of the screen. Simply sliding a finger over the screen to browse through media lists or using ABC search to jump to the first letter of a song make it easy to navigate around the system.
The App Mode feature (which can only be accessed when the car is in park and the hand brake is fully engaged) lets you view a connected iPhone or iPod touch’s video content from Safari, YouTube and other select apps directly on the hi-res screen. Audio from these video sources and compatible apps can be heard through the vehicle’s speakers while driving.
Each unit features built-in connectivity to USB storage devices, SD memory cards, now both with high capacity 32GB compatibility (except for the AVH-2300DVD), and devices with mini-jack AV outputs for diverse media playback capabilities. Dual Zone technology in the top four models allows passengers to watch a DVD in the back of the car while the driver listens to music and navigation guidance in the front.
Audio output for the top 4 systems is enhanced by Pioneer’s MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplification, 4-Volt pre-amp outputs, High-Pass/Low-Pass crossovers for subwoofer integration and Pioneer’s Advanced Sound Retriever which restores the musical details lost in the creation of compressed music files.
With an 8-band Graphic Equaliser (GEQ) audio can be tuned to your personal taste, whereas an Auto Equaliser enables automatic tailoring of the sound to your car (optional microphone required). Additionally, the top 4 AVH series receivers feature Pioneer’s Sonic Center Control, which adjusts the timing of selected speakers to shift the sonic centre of the system to a specific area of the car.
The AVH-6300BT and AVH-5300DVD come with built-in anti-theft protection. Part of the face plate is detachable, leaving a blank panel in the dashboard which makes the unit useless to thieves.
All Pioneer’s 2011 AVH multimedia receivers are NavGate ready, allowing you to enhance your AV system with fast and precise navigation capabilities by connecting Pioneer’s AVIC-F220 NavGate upgrade unit.
27
Jan
2011
Pioneer.eu: Mid February, Pioneer introduces 2 digital media receivers, made to enjoy music and movies on the road without having to take CDs or DVDs into your car.
The MVH-7300 and MVH-8300BT are specifically designed for the sources which are used most – whether that’s iPod, iPhone, USB, SD or other portable video and music sources via Aux-in. Now, the MVH-7300 also supports DivX video playback from SD and USB.
Both are single DIN receivers that feature an elegant 3-inch full-colour TFT Display. To add a personal touch, the display’s background and screen colours can be changed. As well as providing great video playback quality, it gives full access to all the playlists, album art, videos and more on a connected iPod or iPhone.
App mode
A new App mode even enables listening to music or watching video and navi content from various iPhone and iPod touch Apps, including games, video, internet radio, musical instrument simulators etc., provided the App supports analogue audio or video output.
With SDHC compatibility (32GB), it’s easy to take your whole library of film and video entertainment along on a journey.
Pioneer’s highly regarded 7-way rotary commander enables straightforward navigation and control. It allows you to browse or search through lists and quickly jump to new functions using just one handy dial.
USB and SD card slot on front panel
Detailed video playback is complemented by excellent audio quality. Both units play MP3, WMA and iTunes AAC music files via USB and SD memory card.
For easy access, the USB port is located directly on the front panel and the SD memory card slot is positioned discreetly behind the partially detachable front panel.
Pioneer equipped the receivers with its Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) to enhance the listening experience, particularly for compressed digital formats. This patented technology helps to restore the musical details lost when compressed music files are created.
With the 8-band graphic equalizer you can adjust the sound of the system to suit your vehicle and preference, while dedicated hi-volt (4 V) pre-amp outputs for front, rear, and subwoofer allow for flexible system building.
For hands-free safety and convenience, the MVH-8300BT integrates a Parrot Bluetooth module, enabling you to hear the conversation through the vehicle’s speakers while your voice is broadcast through the included external microphone, which guarantees optimum speech quality.