NEW YORK —
Car audio supplier Oxygen Audio is
taking convergence to the next level.
At International CES, the company plans to launch
an AM/FM car radio that docks with an iPhone to turn
the Apple device into the head unit’s main control
panel and main music source. The Apple device snaps
into place on the front of the O’Car head unit for use
in landscape or portrait orientation. The only control
function on the head unit’s front panel is a large knob.
To control existing OEM and aftermarket head units
from an iPhone, the company plans to introduce the
O’Dock charging cradle at a targeted suggested $299.
The O’Car head unit incorporates only an AM/FM
RDS tuner; uses the touchscreen of an iPhone 3G, 3G
S or 4 to control head unit functions; and plays back
iPhone-stored music as well as Internet radio apps
through the car’s speakers. The O’Dock also requires
use of the Oxygen app.
