TWICE RSS Feed

Pioneer Bows AppRadio 3

Doug Olenick — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:58:09 +0000

Long Beach, Calif. — Pioneer updated its AppRadio platform and debuted its first two compatible in-dash receivers, both of which also have compatibility with MirrorLink-enabled smartphones.

Upload Video Image:

Long Beach, Calif. — Pioneer updated its AppRadio platform and debuted its first two compatible in-dash receivers, both of which also have compatibility with MirrorLink-enabled smartphones.

In addition to iOS and Android compatibility, the SPH-DA210 and SPH-DA110 units can be controlled with MirrorLink-enabled smartphones. MirrorLink is an industry-standard technology that lets touchscreen-equipped OEM and aftermarket head units control and stream content from the smartphones using the handset suppliers’ MirrorLink app.

AppRadio 3 provides access to such apps as Pandora, iHeartAudio, Aupeo, Rdio, Escort Live, Glympse, Inrix Traffic, a calendar app, and a variety of GPS and navigation services. A Mixtrax app from Pioneer creates custom playlists with DJ effects.

AppRadio 3 will also support touch and motion gestures from compatible third-party apps.

Features of the SPH-DA210 ($399 suggested retail) and SPH-DA110 ($499) in-dash receivers include Bluetooth A2DP streaming, voice control for Siri Eyes Free and Google Voice Recognition, a revised graphical user interface with access to the most commonly used features, dual preamp outputs, and AM/FM radio with RDS text information.

They both have 7-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreens, and the SPH-DA210 adds a built-in DVD/CD player. Both will ship in July.

Post Date:

May 23 2013 - 10:57am

Planet Audio Ships Trio Of Double-DINs

Doug Olenick — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:28:48 +0000

Oxnard, Calif. — Planet Audio unveiled on Wednesday three double-DIN units with full iPod and iPhone control.

The PNV9620I has a 6.2-inch TFT screen.

Upload Video Image:

Oxnard, Calif. — Planet Audio unveiled on Wednesday three double-DIN units with full iPod and iPhone control.

The Bluetooth-enabled PNV9620I features DVD/MP3/CD; built-in nav with U.S., Canada and Mexico maps and 2 million points of interest; text-to-speech; SD card slot and rearview camera input; iPod and iPhone control; and a $513 suggested retail.

It has a 6.2-inch digital TFT display and comes with a remote control. Output power is 80 watts by four channel.

The P9615Bl unit also features built-in Bluetooth, and has DVD±R/RW, CD±R/RW, MP3 and WMA playback. Features include AM/FM receiver, RDS tuner, touchscreen, remote control, steering-wheel interface, front and rear USB ports, SD card slot, aux in, rear camera input, A/V input, and front, rear and sub outputs. Suggested retail is $280.

The third unit, the P9610I, has a 6.2-inch TFT display, RDS, AM/FM, DVD/MP3/CD playback, SD slot, remote control, steering-wheel controls, A/V input, rearview camera input, and iPod and iPhone control. Suggested retail is $257.

Planet Audio announced earlier this week it is entering the portable Bluetooth speaker market.

Post Date:

May 22 2013 - 12:27pm

Audiomobile Shrinks Enclosure Size For Car Subs

Doug Olenick — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:41:57 +0000

Las Vegas — Car audio supplier Audiomobile has begun shipping new subwoofers intended for use in “micro” sealed-box enclosures that are increasingly the norm in upscale integration systems, the company announced.

Audiomobile’s GTS-series shallow-depth car subwoofers are designed to fit in smaller enclosures than other Audiomobile subs.

Upload Video Image:

The GTS series of shallow-depth subwoofers consists of the $279-suggested 12-inch 2112 and $249 10-inch 2110, each available in 2-ohm and 4-ohm versions. Both were designed to fit in smaller enclosures than other Audiomobile subs, said sales and marketing VP Matthew Overpeck.

The 2110 is optimized for 0.5-cubic-foot enclosures, and the 2112 fits in 0.75-cubic-foot enclosures. Both enclosure sizes are said to be 20 percent to 25 percent smaller than the enclosures sizes for other “small-box” subs on market.

“There are a number of subs that will play well in enclosures under 1.0 cubic feet, but most of those subs are between 6 to 7.5 inches deep, and thus the box needs to be 7 to 9 inches deep or more,” Overpeck said. The GTS subs, in contrast, need a box that’s only 5.2 inches deep and, unlike most other shallow subs, don’t suffer from limited power handling, he said. The GTS 2110, for example, has a mounting depth of just 4.5 inches.

Audiomobile is focused on the upscale, boutique specialty retailer segment of subwoofers positioned as offering “very attractive, high-value price points,” the company said.

Post Date:

May 20 2013 - 3:39pm

iSimple To Show Car Kits At CTIA

Doug Olenick — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:16:43 +0000

Clearwater, Fla. — iSimple, a division of Aamp of America, took the wraps off a pair of vehicle accessories today and will have the devices on display during CTIA 2013, held in Las Vegas next week.

Upload Video Image:

Clearwater, Fla. — iSimple, a division of Aamp of America, took the wraps off a pair of vehicle accessories today and will have the devices on display during CTIA 2013, held in Las Vegas next week.

The BluStream car kit (model ISBT52) is designed to be used with any car featuring a 3.5mm jack. The plug-in device enables in-car Bluetooth and connects to most car radios, the company said. Suggested retail is $59.95.

Features include an echo-canceling microphone, a Call/Play button, A2DP streaming, USB power port for charging. It’s currently available.

The CallJax (model ISMJ33) plugs one end into a car’s 3.5mm aux input and the other into a smartphone’s 3.5mm jack. Features include noise-canceling mic and one-touch Call/Play/Hang Up button. Pricing wasn’t given.

Post Date:

May 16 2013 - 4:14pm

Dual Expands Axxera Rollout

Doug Olenick — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:26:56 +0000

Heathrow, Fla. – Dual began shipping the first four head units in its 2013 Axxera-branded aftermarket car audio lineup following the shipment of the brand’s first amplifiers.

The Axxera AXD430 at an everyday $119 features 3-inch 320x40 QVGA multi-line, full-color scrolling LCD display and control of Pandora on a USB-connected iPhone.

Upload Video Image:

Heathrow, Fla. – Dual began shipping the first four head units in its 2013 Axxera-branded aftermarket car audio lineup following the shipment of the brand’s first amplifiers.

Axxera’s first speakers will ship in June.

Two other higher-priced Axxera head units are due soon.

As part of its strategy, Dual in 2013 is launching 21 new Axxera SKUs to expand the selection of Axxera head units and offer the brand’s first speakers and amps.

The budget-priced head units in the 2013 lineup include the brand’s first with control of Pandora on a USB-connected iPhone, 4-volt RMS preamp outputs, and 3-inch 320x40 QVGA multi-line, full-color scrolling LCD display with 3D-like background graphics and ability to show album art, artist and track info. The display makes control of a USB-connected iPod and iPhone more intuitive, the company said.

Pandora control enables display of artist, album, song information and station list as well as control of the thumbs up/down feature and bookmarking of songs and artists.

The four new head units that have begun shipping are priced at an everyday $99 for a mech-less model to $119. They are the $119 AXD430 $99 AXD330, and $69 AXD130 single-DIN CD receivers and the $99 mech-less digital media receiver (DMR).

The other two head units in the works will be priced higher and will include a double-DIN multimedia unit with 6.2-inch screen.

All Axxera products were originally scheduled for first-quarter availability.

Here’s what each of the four currently shipping head units offers:

The $119 AXD430 CD receiver features 3-inch QVGA 320 by 240 LCD screen, direct front-panel USB control for most iPods and iPhones, control of the Pandora Internet Radio app on a USB-connected iPhone, 3.5mm aux input, rear RCA aux input, 4x60 watt output, two pairs of 4-volt RCA preamp outputs (F+R/S selectable), and a steering wheel interface input for use with separately sold PAC SWI-PS adapter.

The $99 AXM230 mech-less DMR offers the same features, including the 3-inch full-color LCD display, but lacks CD player.

The $99 AXD330 CD receiver offers the same features as the $119 AXD430 CD receiver but comes with full-graphic LCD display with RGB custom colors.

At $69, the AXD130 CD receiver features a 12-character LCD display, front-panel USB, 3.5mm auxiliary inputs, MP3/WMA playback, 4x60-watt output and one pair of RCA preamp outputs (rear or subwoofer selectable).

“The introduction of these four units affirms our focus on providing consumers with the most sought-after features for a price that won’t break the bank,” said Jim Braun, Dual Electronics president/CEO.

All Axxera receivers are backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty on parts and labor if purchased and installed by an authorized Axxera dealer.

The next new Axxera head shipping around June is the $139 AXD530. Compared to the $119 AXD430, it adds stereo Bluetooth with AVRCP, enabling head-unit control of the Pandora app on Bluetooth-connected Android or BlackBerry smartphones. It also features the 3-inch 320 by 40 QVGA multi-line, full-color LCD display.

Sometime in the second quarter, Dual will ship the $349 Axxera AXV3D multimedia receiver. The double-DIN AXV3D features a 6.2-inch widescreen 800 by 480 RGB LCD with UltraMotion multitouch LCD for tablet-like touchscreen functionality and interactive graphics.

The brand’s three amps are priced at an everyday $99 to $199. The speakers and component tweeters and midranges are priced from $69 to $129/pair, and the subwoofers are priced from $89 to $99.

Post Date:

May 8 2013 - 3:25pm

Scosche Intros Its 1st Motorcycle Kit

Doug Olenick — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:44:04 +0000

Oxnard, Calif. — Scosche Industries introduced its first motorcycle accessories, the HD7000B stereo installation kit and SAHD656 speaker adapters Harley Davidsons.

The HD7000 has a $79.99 suggested retail.

Upload Video Image:

Oxnard, Calif. — Scosche Industries introduced its first motorcycle accessories, the HD7000B stereo installation kit and SAHD656 speaker adapters Harley Davidsons.

The HD7000B aftermarket kit, which will accommodate ISO side mounting, mounts into the factory location using OEM hardware. Features include a plastic front panel, stainless-steel mounting screws, and the company’s Custom Fit install design. Suggested retail is $79.99 suggested retail.

A separately sold wiring harness retains handlebar controls with the interface. Pricing wasn’t available.

The SAHD656 adapters are for 6.5-inch aftermarket automotive speakers. They are constructed of ABS plastic, stainless-steel mounting hardware and die-cut foam rubber gaskets. Suggested retail is $49.99.

Both products are designed for 1996 and newer Harley Davidson touring motorcycles, including Road Glide models. They are currently available.

Scosche said it designed and manufactured all of the accessories in the U.S. “to stay true to the Harley Davidson culture.”

Post Date:

May 7 2013 - 1:42pm

Cloud-Connected Magellan GPS Sets Sail

Doug Olenick — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:28:40 +0000

Santa Clara, Calif. – Magellan priced its Cloud-connected SmartGPS at a suggested $249 and began offering it nationwide through Best Buy and BestBuy.com.

Magellan’s $249-suggested SmartGPS connects to the Cloud to receive Yelp and Foursquare reviews and offers from nearby businesses.

Upload Video Image:

Santa Clara, Calif. – Magellan priced its Cloud-connected SmartGPS at a suggested $249 and began offering it nationwide through Best Buy and BestBuy.com.

The on-dash SmartGPS connects to the Cloud via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone to receive pushed location-based content, including Yelp and Foursquare reviews and offers from nearby businesses. It is promoted as the industry’s first car GPS unit to integrate pushed location-based updates from social-media apps. It was unveiled at January’s International CES.

Post Date:

May 2 2013 - 4:27pm

Rockford Renews Warped Tour Concert Promotion

Doug Olenick — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:30:19 +0000

Tempto, Ariz. – Car audio supplier Rockford Fosgate renewed its partnership with Vans Warped Tour concerts, which kick off June 15 in Seattle and wrap up August 4 in Houston.

Upload Video Image:

Tempto, Ariz. – Car audio supplier Rockford Fosgate renewed its partnership with Vans Warped Tour concerts, which kick off June 15 in Seattle and wrap up August 4 in Houston.

The aftermarket supplier launched a Warped Tour promotion and will bring its Mercedes Benz Sprinter demo vehicle to the summertime events.

The promotion, running through July 15, offers consumers a chance to win tickets to attend a concert in their area. Winners will be chosen at random. Prizes include two general admission tickets, one medium-size Rockford Fosgate/VANS Warped Tour T-shirt, and one large-size T-shirt. Winners’ names will be posted on the company’s social media sites.

Concert goers will also be treated to music in the demo vehicle and offered a chance to sit in the vehicle’s 10,000-watt “Pressure Chamber,” a Disney World-style theme ride in which two passengers sit inside the chamber and, after donning hearing-protection earmuffs, listen to high-SPL music accompanied by a light show. A panic button lets passengers turn off the music at any time.

Attendees who take the ride get a chance to instantly win either a pair of Punch 6.5-inch full-range speakers valued at $100, a custom Rockford Tour shirt, or discounts on Punch Wear.

Post Date:

May 2 2013 - 1:27pm

Sceptre Ships CarCam For Crash Recording

Doug Olenick — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:41:13 +0000

City of Industry, Calif. — Sceptre said it has begun shipping its in-car video recorder, the CarCam CCR2000, for a suggested $399.

Upload Video Image:

City of Industry, Calif. — Sceptre said it has begun shipping its in-car video recorder, the CarCam CCR2000, for a suggested $399.

The device is designed to record driving in the event evidence is needed for emergencies or accidents. It records 1080p FullHD video using H.264 video-compression technology, and features a 120-degree wide angle lens, 2.2-inch display, HDMI output, microphone, gravity sensor for collision detection, and the ability to automatically lock footage to prevent overwriting.

Its lithium-ion battery has a 50-minute use time, but it can be charged via the car’s cigarette lighter.

Video is recorded to an included 8GB SD card. The devices measures 3.18 inches by 2.36 inches by 2.29 inches.

Post Date:

May 1 2013 - 2:39pm

Cimble Adds Basic Plan For In-Car Telematics

Doug Olenick — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:06:05 +0000

Liberty, Texas — Cimble announced a Basic version of its SecureConnex in-car telematics system.

The SecureConnex device provides tracking, remote start and maintenance notifications.

Upload Video Image:

Liberty, Texas — Cimble announced a Basic version of its SecureConnex in-car telematics system.

The SecureConnex device, which must be professionally installed, allows consumers to monitor and track their vehicles with their iOS or Android smartphones. It is designed for 2008 and newer vehicles.

The Basic service for the device is free for one year with purchase of the $399 device, and features remote vehicle location, door lock/unlock, panic button and horn honking. After the first year, the service costs $69.99 a year or $179 for three years. Purchasing the three-year service adds window and trunk control.

The Premium plan, which is $149 a year or $299 for three years, adds remote starting functions, along with geo-fencing, continuous tracking, window control and maintenance notifications, among other things. Cimble is currently running a promotion that drops the price of the SecureConnex down to $149 after an instant rebate if a three-year Premium plan is purchased for $299.

Post Date:

May 1 2013 - 1:04pm