Panasonic entered the Family Radio Service (FRS) category with three models at CES, while Audiovox bowed the first FRS unit to combine a GPS receiver.
Panasonic entered the FRS market showing three new models expected to ship in June.
Two models offer 14 channels and 38 privacy codes, are water and shock resistant, and can convert to a telephone-type form factor. Shipping for both models is planned for March at suggested retail prices of $99 and $119 each.
The step-up model adds a scramble feature for privacy and a vibrating ring.
Audiovox, meanwhile, showed the first FRS radio to combine a GPS receiver. The Audiovox model FR-1GPS is a 14-channel unit with 38 subcodes that allows GPS location and tracking. It has eight memory settings for storing various directions and is expected to sell in the second half at a targeted retail price of $229.
Audiovox is also introducing a completely new 500 series of FRS radios, one of which includes a weather band, and one with an FM radio and headphones.
