Blaupunkt Shows Internet Radio

By Amy Gilroy On Jan 26 2009 - 8:00am

Blaupunkt, under its expected new owner Aurelius, recently unveiled prototype Internet radio car head units in partnership with MiRoamer, the Internet radio Web site.

The two companies shared a booth at International CES to demonstrate two car radios that are able to link to MiRoamer’s Internet radio portal by a connection to a Bluetooth phone. Users may then access myriad Internet radio channels from their cars. To simplify the process, favorite “channels” can be selected via a home PC.

Radios were displayed in single- and double-DIN versions, both with approximate 2.2-inch screens. The single-DIN version is based on the Blaupunkt “Hamburg” model and the double-DIN is based on the “New Jersey.”

The devices would require that the user subscribe to a data plan from his cellular service provider, said a spokesman for Blaupunkt, which was sold to the German holding company Aurelius by Bosch in December, in a deal that is pending approval.

A Blaupunkt spokesman said the prototypes were displayed to gauge industry interest and no pricing or shipping plans have been finalized.