Car Audio Geek's blog

Clarion Debuts The "Next Gate" In-Vehicle Controller For iPhone

Clarion announced today a smarter way to stay connected in your vehicle with Next GATE, a smartphone controller for iPhone. This device is easily connected and controls applications residing on the smartphone, allowing for advanced functionality in any vehicle. Key vehicle-friendly app partners include: TuneIn®, Pandora®, Vlingo©, INRIX Traffic, and InfoGation® with more to come. Likewise Clarion is currently working with multiple app partners to greatly expand the functionality of Next GATE. The functions of the applications are running on, and leveraging the power of, the smartphone and its wireless connectivity. Clarion’s new Smart Access Cloud Telematics Service will enable users to download additional approved apps under development now and in the future.


Bluetooth functionality allows for hands-free calling and enables iPhone features such as voice dialing and voice activation.

Next GATE will enhance the way the iPhone will be used through integration, interface and intelligence. "Clarion Next GATE exemplifies the future of in-vehicle electronics with the necessity to connect to and leverage the devices consumers bring into the vehicle," states Paul Lachner, President of Clarion…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/clarion/clarion-debuts-next-gate-invehicle-controller.htm

Pioneer Introduces AppRadio 2 with Android Support

According to a recent online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Pioneer, an astounding 79% of smartphone owners use apps while in the car, with the top three most used apps being maps and navigation at 56%, music at 31% and social networking at 24%. Pioneer’s new AppRadio™ 2 (SPH-DA100) addresses the in-car needs of smartphone users by bringing car centric apps such as navigation and music into the dash where they are safer and more practical to access and manage. The release of AppRadio 2 brings today’s connected lifestyle directly into the vehicle, supporting both the iPhone®* and Android™** smartphone platforms, giving consumers a better way to plug in their phones and utilize Pioneer approved apps.


Along with AppRadio 2’s availability, the supporting AppRadio App, previously available only for iPhone, is now also available at no charge from Google Play™ and compatible with certain Android smartphones. Additionally, there are five new compatible Android apps, one from Pioneer and four from other providers, in these popular categories.
Waze®: A free social mobile app, Waze is a turn-by-turn voice navigation app that uses the driving community to help provide real-time traffic updates for an optimal commute. The app is 100% powered by users, so the more users there are, the better it gets…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/pioneer/pioneer-introduces-appradio-android-support.htm

Alpine's New 1-DIN CD Receivers Now Available

Alpine announced that all of its new 2012 single DIN CD receivers are now shipping. Although some of the new receivers began shipping in February, the remaining models have now become available.


The receivers offer various connectivity options for popular digital audio sources. Three of the new models have built-in HD Radio™ receivers, allowing access to over 2,000 stations broadcasting with HD Radio Technology. Four models offer full Pandora® internet radio control, which includes thumbs-up, thumbs-down, track skip, bookmarking, and new station creation. Depending on the model, this full control is available via the Pandora app on an iPhone® connected via USB, or from Android™ or BlackBerry® smartphones using Bluetooth® wireless technology. When either HD Radio or Pandora is playing, song, artist and album name will scroll on the display.

Bluetooth wireless technology is included on four of the receivers. Features that enhance the hands-free calling experience include an Alpine-tuned sound maximizer for clearer incoming call sound quality, and a separate microphone that can be precisely mounted (such as on the visor) to optimize capturing the driver’s voice for improved out-going sound quality…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/alpine/alpine-new-1din-receivers-available.htm

Alpine Expands Its Lineup with 12 New Subwoofers

Alpine has launched an aggressive plan to support its popular subwoofer line. The company is debuting 12 new subwoofer models at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Jan. 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Alpine’s standard 12-inch and 10-inch subwoofers will now use the same enclosure requirements, so the company will introduce a unified subwoofer box program, making it easy for consumers and retailers to select the best box for optimal output.

“We have had great success with our subwoofers and are committed to growing this important category,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, Alpine “By using a new Alpine subwoofer in a ’Tuned for Alpine’ enclosure, the consumer gets the best subwoofer performance, the way it was meant to be experienced.”

Overall, Alpine boasts 21 models in its subwoofer lineup. More than half of these models are new and come from the Type-R, Type-S and Type-E lines. A distinction of Alpine subwoofers has been the exclusive H.A.M.R (High Amplitude Multi-Roll Surround) technology, which is a suite of features that work together to produce extreme excursion without sacrificing cone area. This technology had previously only been available in the Type-X and Type-R models. But now for the first time, H.A.M.R…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/alpine/alpine-expands-lineup-new-subwoofers.htm

Kenwood Announces Six New CD Receivers For 2012

Kenwood USA announced the introduction of six high-performance CD receivers, all of which have audio connectivity and control capabilities for music files stored on iPhone, iPod and new for 2012, Android smartphones. Kenwood is able to achieve Android smartphone connectivity through the use of the Kenwood Music Control app for Android, available for free from the Android Market in January, 2012.

Users simply download the Kenwood Music Control app onto their Android smartphone, switch the phone over to mass storage playback mode and the Kenwood receiver will then allow for full iPod-like browsing of music files and control over content playback. Also new for 2012 is the iPhone App Mode which can allow for basic control of popular apps such as Slacker Radio and iHeart Radio when used with an iPhone.

The KDC-BT952HD ($300.00 suggested retail price) has a built-in combination of Bluetooth, HD Radio and Pandora Internet radio link, making the KDC-BT952HD a standout model that truly fits the audio enthusiast lifestyle. Pandora Internet radio can be controlled and viewed via the front panel of the KDC-BT952HD using either an iPhone, Android or Blackberry smartphone. The five-line, variable color LCD display offers exceptional visibility and fast scrolling of music files, Pandora Internet radio stations, and multiple telephone numbers and names…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/kenwood/kenwood-announces-six-new-receivers.htm

Clarion Introduces Its 2012 Car Audio Source Unit Lineup

Clarion launches all-new audio source units that place focus on wireless connectivity and digital media playback now more than ever. Clarion introduces five all-new in-dash car audio source units in their 2012 line-up all packed with the hottest and most demanded features, while keeping pricing affordable.

Most of Clarion’s new 2012 source units offer the most sought after features such as compatibility with SiriusXM satellite radio and Pandora® internet radio. The new SiriusXM-Ready models are compatible with the new SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required) as well as the SXV100 model which launched in 2011. The compact SiriusXM vehicle tuners have one simple connection, providing integration of SiriusXM in an inexpensive and easy to install package. Some also have built-in Parrot Bluetooth and are HD Radio compatible. The units boast premium cosmetics with vibrant blue and red illumination and a unique button configuration.

Clarion’s flagship model, the CZ702 is the most advanced single DIN CD source unit in the group offering a whole host of premium audio features such as Digital Time Alignment, 5 band parametric equalizer, 24 bit Digital to Analog Converter, MOSFET 50W x 4 amplifiers, Digital 2 or 3 Way Crossovers, and 5 volt 6 channel RCA outputs…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/clarion/clarion-introduces-2012-car-audio-source.htm

JVC Offers High-End Arsenal Series Digital Amplifiers, Speakers & Subwoofers

The KS-AR9501D Arsenal Amplifier offers a slightly curved main unit for smooth design with multiple installation options. The illuminating panel and smoked controlled cover assist in easy under seat installation and other hard-to-see installing areas of your car. Encased in the KS-AR9501D are the large control keys, which need no tools for adjustment and are 2cm in diameter.

Compact and versatile, the JVC logo plate can be attached in four different ways for flexible settings. Cascade stacking allows for pairing of multiple amps and is useful with the external bridging function. The KS-AR9501D’s external bridging can be used through the optional pin connector, allowing the use of multiple amplifiers at once. Using one unit as your master, and the other as the slave, you can take two 1500W amps and produce a total of 3000W at 2Ω. All adjustments and control amplifiers in this configuration are done through the master unit, leaving the slave unit locked. Additionally, the RM-RK130, a wired bass boost remote control, can be added to the master unit. The KS-AR9501D digital amp is now available with an MSRP of $649.95…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/jvc/jvc-offers-highend-arsenal-series-digital.htm

JVC Announces CD Receiver Lineup For 2012

JVC announces its sleek 2012 lineup of cutting edge CD receivers. The new lineup showcases expanded compatibility, the latest Bluetooth features, USB connectivity, iPod®/iPhone® capabilities, gorgeous illumination, revamped radio tuners, and magnificently enhanced LCD size.

The entry KD-R330 CD Receiver includes dual auxiliary inputs, detachable faceplate, HS-IVi radio tuner, MP3/WMA compatibility, 3-band parametric iEQ, wireless remote control, and MOS-FET 50 watt x 4 power amplifier. It is also ready for Bluetooth® via the JVC KS-BTA100 optional add-on adapter. This receiver is now available with an MSRP of $89.95.

The KD-R530 CD Receiver features a front USB connection for the iPod®/iPhone® providing 2-way iPod/iPhone control and charging. Also featured via USB is Pandora internet radio application control for iPhone® allowing users to control key functions of the app with a connected iPhone® such as thumb up, thumb down, skip, and station selection. Music from most Android smartphones can be played back via USB mass storage as well. This receiver is ready for Bluetooth® technology, it also has a detachable face LCD display features over 30,000 separated variable-color illumination options and audio can be expanded to external amps using two pre-output (front + rear/subwoofer selectable) terminals…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/jvc/jvc-announces-receiver-lineup-2012.htm

Alpine Introduces New Models With SiriusXM Connectivity

Alpine provides SiriusXM satellite radio connectivity through its industry-leading in-dash receivers. The company offers four new head unit receiver models which will be compatible with the SXV100 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner and the new SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner, which will be available during the second quarter of 2012. The units will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Jan. 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

”Last year, Alpine launched the first receiver compatible with the SXV100 SiriusXM tuner and it was a great success for us,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine “We are further leveraging this success by expanding the number of SiriusXM Connect compatible models in 2012.”

Alpine’s new SiriusXM compatible models include the INE-Z928HD, the largest aftermarket AVN system with an 8-inch screen. Two other screen-based systems and a single-DIN CD receiver round out Alpine’s SiriusXM compatible lineup. All models display SiriusXM programming information such as artist, song title and channel name.

SiriusXM programming is received through the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (tuner sold separately, XM subscription required)…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/alpine/alpine-introduces-new-models-siriusxm-connectivity.htm

JVC Introduces Five New AV Multimedia Receivers

JVC Mobile Entertainment introduces five new AV Multimedia products, loaded with new technologies and enhanced connectivity for the ultimate in-vehicle consumer experience. New Multimedia receivers feature enhanced connectivity with the new SiriusXM SXV200 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, XM subscription required). The SXV200 is a compact solution that can be mounted behind the dashboard and connects directly to the receiver using one simple cable.

It is also plug and play – there are no translators or tuner programming required. The 2012 models also feature expanded compatibility and linking with the iPhone® and iPod® with 2-way song selection control. Four new models add a new App Link Mode feature which enhances the user experience of certain iPhone apps with live on-screen graphic display and music playback through the vehicle’s speakers.

App link mode supports functionality from iPhone® apps such as MotionX®-GPS Drive, MOG Internet Radio, WebReader, Cobra iRadar™, INRIX Traffic, TuneIn Radio, DriveMate Rec, DriveMate SafetyCam, DriveMate Rec mini, DriveMate OnboardCam, DriveMate TimeTrial and SonicMax™ Pro for JVC (an HD-quality music player powered by BBE Sound). Support for additional apps will be added in the future…

Continue reading: http://www.caraudiogeek.com/news/jvc/jvc-introduces-five-new-multimedia-receivers.htm