Escort is ready for the connected car.
In anticipation of the increase in Wi-Fi-capable cars, the company has unveiled its first radar and laser detector that delivers real-time updates via a vehicle’s onboard Wi-Fi.
Upon connecting to the vehicle’s Wi-Fi, the Max 360c automatically connects to Escort Live, the company’s real-time ticket-protection network. This eliminates the need for a driver to also connect his or her smartphone.
Information delivered in real time includes upcoming alerts received and reported by other users in the area, as well as local speed-limit data for over-speed alerts.
Drivers without onboard Wi-Fi can still pair their smartphones using Bluetooth to access Escort Live. According to the company, when a driver parks near a home Wi-Fi connection, the detector will automatically update without needing to be removed from the car.
Other features include 360-degree LED arrows that indicate the direction of the radar threat; a multi-color OLED display that shows threat type, threat strength and vehicle speed; dual antennas for front and rear detection; and magnetic mounting via Escort’s EZ Mag Mount. The IVT Filter updateable system automatically reduces false alerts from external in-vehicle technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control, said the company.
“Every major car manufacturer is planning for connected car options, if not already bringing them to market,” noted John Kuhn, radar engineering VP for Cedar Electronics, Escort’s parent company.
It will be available in mid-November for a $699 suggested retail.
