PhatNoise To Launch HDD Video Shuttle For Car

By Staff On Oct 13 2003 - 6:00am

PhatNoise, the OE supplier of the Kenwood Keg, expects to offer a new MP3 shuttle device that uses voice recognition to easily access MP3 tracks by artist or other categories.

In addition, the company is working on a new car-video shuttle.

PhatNoise recently announced a partnership with Texas Instruments to produce a PhatNoise system using TI's DSP chips for voice response. This would enable easy voice access of MP3 tracks, which is particularly useful in HDD systems which store the equivalent of hundreds of CDs. PhatNoise said it is currently working with aftermarket suppliers who could offer the new system in a year.

PhatNoise also plans to use voice recognition to access video programming on a new hard-drive system for compressed video, said Dan Benyamin, chief technology officer and co-founder. The unit could shuttle hundreds of movies downloaded from a PC, PVR or other source. They player would be about the same size as current PhatNoise units, he noted. PhatNoise expects to show the product at CES and said it is currently working with two automakers who may offer it in 2005 or 2006.