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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.

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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.”
 

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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.

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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.

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Gizmag: From keeping the kids amused to giving you something to do while stuck in a snow drift, in-car video entertainment systems are becoming an increasingly important component of the modern automobile. For videophiles who demand the very best in onscreen visuals, news that the Audiovox Corporation is set to release the industry’s first automotive Blu-ray Disc player will no doubt be very welcome indeed. The compact device can be connected to any in-vehicle monitor, comes with an infrared remote and also has wireless streaming capabilities.

As you might expect, in addition to allowing users to choose from the 1,600 or so Blu-ray titles currently available, the player can also read from DVD and CD disc format. The unit can be horizontally or vertically mounted under the seat or hidden away inside a storage compartment and connected to any in-vehicle monitor from the unit’s HDMI, composite or component output ports.

It’s powered from a 2-pin, 12-volt connector to the vehicle’s accessory power source and the disc slot is illuminated by a blue accent light. There’s an infrared remote control with an extension included, for when the device is hidden away. The player is also Wi-Fi capable to cater for wireless media streaming.

The AVDBR1 Blu-ray player carries a suggested retail price of US$349.99, with a Q2 availability window. Product details will appear on the company’s mobile product site nearer to release time.

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In the midst of a hall packed with countless car audio and multimedia devices were the latest offerings to come from major brands such as Pioneer, Kenwood and Sony. While some brands appear to have followed more of an evolutionary path than revolutionary, others, like Sony, have revealed new head units with substantially more technology than was available just last year.

Sony teams up with TomTom
Sony’s flagship navigation unit for 2011 comes in the form of the XNV-770BT, which is an all-new device that features fully integrated TomTom-based navigation and maps and a removable cartridge. This is an example of a revolutionary product for Sony, as there was no product in 2010 that shared the XNV’s approach to navigation.

This unit is also motorized for flip-out action, but still takes up a full two-din space and features a seven-inch WVGA touch screen. As expected, this model also features iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as four-volt pre-outs and a built-in amp.

The XNV-770BT retails for $1,299.95 and is available now.

Pioneer goes bananas for Apple
While Sony decided to team up with TomTom for its latest navigation head unit, Pioneer decided to turn its flagship navigation units into extensions of the iPhone – essentially creating user-friendly docking stations that can make use of the many apps already developed for the mobile phone.

While iPhone’s navigation feature might function well for a walk downtown, or in the hands of a passenger relaying the information, Pioneer decided to integrate the iPhone into its AVIC-Z130BT and AVIC-X930BTin-dash navigation models so that the driver could utilize smartphone connectivity to Aha Radio for Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, traffic, podcasts, Pandora internet radio and App Mode.

“By providing a larger touchscreen unit installed in the dash that features a user interface specifically designed for the automotive environment and complemented by voice control features, we reduce the risk of distraction while driving,” said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer.

The higher-end model of the two, the AVIC-Z130BT, also features 4 GB of flash memory, a seven-inch WVGA touch screen display, a 3D graphics accelerator, DVD playback and more.

The AVIC-X930BT will be available in March, while the AVIC-Z130BT will be available in April for suggested prices of $800 and $1,200, respectively.

Kenwood kicks it up a notch for 2011
For its 2011 lineup Kenwood has a broad range of models, with traditional single-din units as well as double-din navigation devices. Kenwood decided to take a similar route to both Sony and Pioneer – combined – by creating the DNX9980HD flagship navigation unit that features both iPhone integration as well as outside help from a navigation specialist or two with Germin navigation and Navteq Traffic integration.

Other key features for the device include a 6.95-inch WVGA motorized screen, voice recognition, HD radio, five-volt pre-outs and a 5.1-channel surround sound processor with DTA control.

This unit will retail for $2,00 and is expected to hit shelves in March of this year.

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Techradar: At CES in 2008, Pioneer was one of the most exciting brands at the show.

It launched new world-beating 9th-generation Kuro plasma TVs and showcased some staggering PDP tech that’s still to be matched by any of the other big brands three years on.

But however much we don’t want to believe it, Kuro is dead. And Pioneer’s press conference at this year’s CES show concentrated solely on in-car mobile products.

Some journalists abandoned the queue for the press conference when they heard it was mobile products only, but they missed the launch of some fairly nifty in-car systems.

Possibly the most intriguing of Pioneer’s new in-car products are two in-dash car stereos which come with Aha Radio integration. The AVIC-Z130BT and AVIC-X930BT both sport touchscreen interfaces and allow you to keep in touch with your favourite social networking sites while you’re driving your car.

Yeah, sounds pretty dangerous to us, too. However, rather than having to read your Twitter or Facebook feeds off the screen, these stereos will actually read them out to you through your car’s stereo system.

So now, instead of driving to work listening to [your favourite feel-good album here], you can listen to a robotic Microsoft Sam-style computer voice reading out your mum’s tweets about baking soda and nail polish.

The system will also download and play your podcasts and all manner of other social web features, all of which require the use of your phone’s 3G connection.

During the press conference, Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division at Pioneer, also announced the new Pioneer SPX-SC101 SmartCradle for use with the Apple iPhone.

It’s designed to turn the iPhone into a more usable device for in-car satellite navigation. It’s a lot like a standard sat nav cradle, and is similar to many already released in that it has its own external GPS receiver, a gyroscope and an accelerometer to boost the iPhone’s GPS performance.

It includes video and audio-out functionality, which means you should be able to use a compatible in-dash screen instead of the one on your iPhone. Helpful if you’ve got a nifty in-dash stereo with a big and sexy display. No, we don’t have one either.

And finally, Pioneer also announced the expansion of its in-car Pandora internet radio range of products – there are now twelve Pioneer systems that support the service, although as Pandora is still blocked in the UK, don’t expect to see these features our side of the pond.

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Pioneer.eu: Pioneer introduces its new range with, at the top of the line, the flagship models DEH-9300SD and DEH-8300SD. These models will be available from January 2011 at Pioneer car audio dealerships.

You can seamlessly connect your iPod, iPhone, CD, USB device, SD card or portable MP3 player. For those looking to add some extra power, both models offer complete flexibility when it comes to connecting extra amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers.

An SD card slot is discreetly hidden behind their front panels, compatible with SD and SDHC cards, and plays back a host of file formats from SD, including MP3, WMA, WAV and AAC files. A front USB input allows you to easily link USB audio devices.

The DEH-9300SD features a flap-type front panel that flips open at the touch of a button to reveal the CD and SD slots, and flips back once a format is inserted to maintain a clean dashboard look. With its Music Browser function it can automatically read the music from an SD/SDHC memory card or USB device and lists tunes alphabetically by artist, album, song or genre.

iPod Direct Control allows you to connect your iPod straight to the front USB terminal and enjoy superior sound, free from the static of an FM transmitter. As a handy extra, your iPod will charge while connected. A new “App mode” enables listening to music from various iPhone and iPod touch Apps, including games and internet radio (provided the app supports analogue audio output). An improved “Control mode” allows browsing through the songs on your iPod or iPhone with the tuner’s rotary knob.

With iTunes Tagging (currently in the UK only) on the DEH-8300SD, you can tag music to your iPod or iPhone as you listen to FM. When the iPod syncs to a computer, iTunes builds a tagged playlist so you can preview, buy, and download your selected songs.

Audiophiles can be assured of high-quality and pure audio with both units integrating high-grade audio parts such as a first-rate capacitor for the back-up line, a copper screw for PCB, Mecha and Power IC and a top-quality register for the audio line.

Full-dot OEL Displays make searching and selecting tracks from various sources more convenient. OEL technology also allows for wide viewing angles, active 3D visuals and high contrast and brightness, even in sunlight. All functions are managed through the single Rotary Commander or the optional IR remote.

The tuners boast many of the same features found in high-end home receivers including:

- high power output with the celebrated MOSFET 50 x 4 amplifier set-up for powerful sound reproduction
- a 5-band Graphic Equaliser (GEQ) to perfectly match the acoustics of your car
- Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) technology to restore musical detail lost in the creation of compressed music files
- built-in crossovers and flexible audio/video connections utilising three pairs of pre-amp outputs (4-Volts).
 

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Pioneer.eu: Pioneer has introduced its new line-up of Champion Series car subwoofers, combining high power output, clean and punchy bass and sharp new cosmetic design. They use technologies derived from our world record-breaking SPL and Competition-grade models.

New models include the 30 cm TS-W309, TS-W309S4, TS-W309D4 and the 25 cm TS-W259S4 and TS-W259D4, in shops as of mid January 2011. Available in single 4-Ohm and dual 4-Ohm, the subwoofers offer greater installation flexibility.

Each new model features a seamless composite IMPP woofer cone that has been enlarged by 14% to generate greater air movement. Together with an improved magnet structure, air vents in the basket under the spider and holes in the aluminium former that both work to reduce the mechanical resistance, this combination of innovations results in smooth response and clean, solid bass sound.

The subwoofers’ surround is constructed of a sophisticated dual-layer elastic polymer that is much lighter than rubber, decreasing the weight of the moving parts to improve control and speed, whilst guaranteeing high durability.

Additional performance features across the range include:

• Integrated one-sided terminals: to allow for greater flexibility and easy installation, all Champion Series speaker terminals have been placed on one side of the subwoofer rather than both sides like conventional subwoofers.
• Cupper wire voice coil with aluminium former: the aluminium used for the former improves heat radiation which eliminates the need for a heavy voice coil, decreasing its weight by 7%. In addition, the holes in the former reduce distortion.

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Engadget: Looking for a bit more integration than your usual iPhone car dock or FM transmitter can provide? Then you might want to consider Oxygen Audio’s new O’Car head unit, which packs a swiveling iPhone dock that’s considerably discreet than some other similar units out there. It’s also, of course, a full-fledged car radio, and it packs a 4x55W amp that Oxygen says delivers “perfect quality sound” to your car’s speakers. If that’s all a bit too much for you, however, Oxygen has also announced the decidedly more standard-looking O’Dock unit that simply mounts on your dash or windshield. Unfortunately, there’s still no word on pricing or availability for either unit, but we’re assuming those details will be made available at CES next month.

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Newlaunches: Manufacturers just love designing stuff around the iPhone and the lasts comes from Oxygen Audio. Come CES 2011, the company will be showcasing their latest O’Car audio system that allows you to snap your iPhone onto the front docking port and use the corresponding apps to play music, access GPS information or do other stuff. The O’Car audio system also comes with a cantilever that allows the iPhone to be swiveled into portrait or landscape mode. You can pick up an app from the store that will give you control over the system and offers AM/FM/RDS radio and even provides seamless app multi-tasking. The system includes Bluetooth handsfree calling and an audio dimming option for when you’re accessing programs on your phone that also have audio output functionality like getting turn-by-turn directions or on calls.

Now this device isn’t going to be specifically for the iPhone, the aftermarket manufacturer is even developing adapters for Android devices. Sadly the system doesn’t integrate steering wheel controls. Oxygen Audio’s O’Car audio system is priced at $299 and should be out in first quarter of 2011, but word is that Europe just might see it a lot sooner.

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Automotive news: Smartphones present drivers with both a useful enhancement and a dangerous distraction.

Consumers accustomed to being connected wherever they go don’t want to give that up when they get into a car. Drivers stuck in traffic want to put that time to productive use.

So automakers and suppliers are devising innovative and safe ways to pair cars and smartphones so consumers can monitor the condition of the vehicle as well as new postings on Facebook.

“The automobile is no longer a communications dead zone that prohibits drivers from staying connected to friends and family,” said Anna Buettner, an analyst at iSuppli, a consulting firm that specializes in automotive electronics.

“With the expanding array of communications options, many drivers are willing to take the risk of an accident simply because they want to read or reply to a text message or check and update their preferred social media site,” Buetner wrote in a recent report. “Finding and implementing a way to safely integrate social networking and other apps in the car is more feasible than fighting the trend.”

Differing strategies

Multimode wireless connectivity–Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cellular–governed by flexible programmability is speeding the integration of smartphones into vehicles. But even when the goal is the same, approaches differ among automakers. The integration strategies of General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co., for example, are dramatically different.

Ford’s strategy centers on its Sync voice-activated system. Sync, developed with Microsoft Corp. and launched late in 2007, provides multiple hard and wireless connections with smartphones and other mobile devices that drivers might bring into the vehicle.

Sync revolutionized the control of MP3 players and cell phones by allowing drivers to control them through the vehicle’s existing audio controls and structured voice commands. Ford says its research has shown that Sync makes using these devices less distracting. The automaker has improved and expanded the Sync interface several times.

“We know we can do better things for our customers by allying with the companies that provide the devices and services customers already use,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for global product development. “What we see emerging is a mutually beneficial collaborative community where our shared customer–anyone who drives a car and owns a smartphone–is the true beneficiary.”

Ford also has introduced an application programming interface for smartphones that allows smartphone apps to run and be controlled through Sync.

The first programs to use the new Sync API are OpenBeak, Pandora and Stitcher. The vehicle’s center screen mimics each app’s smartphone appearance and function. OpenBeak provides a direct link to the Twitter social media site, while Pandora and Stitcher are popular Internet radio applications that compete with satellite radio.

Additional apps are expected to become available through the online stores operated by Apple, Android and BlackBerry.

Built-in, not brought

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