Archive for the 'Autos' Category
So you’re sitting in the comforts of your warm home and your car is parked out front all cold and uninviting? Bundle up and tackle that frigid automobile until the heater makes things nice or you can pull out your iPhone and just start it from your couch!
Viper has just announced the Vehicle Remote Start & Security application for the iPhone (with limited support for the iPod touch) that when coupled with a $500 box installed to your vehicle will let you remotely start the car, toggle the locks, pop the trunk, and beep the horn. The application works with multiple vehicles equipped with the Viper hardware and is only limited to cellular connection for the vehicle and Wi-Fi or a cellular connection on your iPhone.
Viper has a pretty sweet demo on its Facebook fan page with an option to win one of these cool remote devices.
While I love this whole set up, I have to say, $500 is a pricey for just starting your car and unlocking it. Still, really cool idea and makes OnStar that much lamer. 
Consumers can have a $1,000 digital media solution combining the NVE-M300 and the iXA-W404 with its 4.3-inch touch screen that is optimized for iPod/iPhone playback. Alternatively, they can create a $1,550 premium system based on the IVA-W505 with its 7-inch touch screen and DVD capability.
The NVE-M300 is a compact, external navigation drive. Measuring only 4 3/8 in. x 4 1/8 in. x 1 in., it is designed to be professionally installed and mounted in a hide-away location, such as behind the dash. Once connected, the NVE-M300 adds a fully integrated navigation experience to Alpine’s two top selling AV head units.
The NVE-M300 features Alpine’s innovative OnPoint™ Advanced GPS Positioning to deliver a better navigation experience. OnPoint ensures that vehicle’s icon stays accurately positioned on the map, even in areas where it’s difficult to receive GPS reception, such as in a tunnel, around tall buildings or under heavy foliage. OnPoint simultaneously uses three technologies – satellite-linked GPS data, solid-state gyro sensor technology (to determine the vehicle’s direction) and accelerometer technology (to gauge the vehicle’s speed) – to deliver improved performance.
A simple and intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) combined with voice guided driving directions make the NVE-M300 easy to use. Big, bright icons and large buttons provide easy identification of commands or maneuvers. Assistive mapping visuals display essential driving information such as One-Way Street icons for clear notification of one-way streets, and Highway Junction View for maneuvering complex interchanges. Text-to-speech technology is used to announce the turn-by-turn driving instructions, including street names, freeway numbers and freeway exit names. All the voice guided driving instructions are delivered through the vehicle’s sound system.
The NVE-M300’s map data is provided from preloaded NAVTEQ® maps of the United States and Canada, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. As well, the module comes with 6 million unique Points of Interest (POIs), which include restaurants, hotels, gas stations, movie theaters and grocery stores.
The NVE-M300 can be customized to match the user’s preference. Color schemes can be chosen from a palette of four map colors and eight menu colors. English, Spanish or French can be chosen as the preferred language. The Dashboard feature can be set up to display trip information such as driving time and average speed.
“With the NVE-M300, we are delivering an improved GPS navigation experience at a lower cost,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics. “The NVE-M300 drive gives customers the opportunity to easily add GPS navigation to their iXA-W404 of IVA-W505 AV head units.”
Pricing and Availability
The NVE-M300 GPS Navigation Drive is available for $450, the iXA-W404 is available for $550 SRI, and the IVA-W505 is available for $1,100 SRI. All three products are available at authorized Alpine dealers. To find a retailer, visit the Dealer Locator section at www.alpine-usa.com.
iSimple® today announced the availability of iPod® docking interfacing kits that give drivers of hundreds of popular 1995 to 2007 automobiles an affordable way to enjoy static-free iPod music directly through their vehicle’s factory stereo systems. In addition to crystal clear audio, these kits also allow the user to track forward and track back on his/her iPod directly from the factory radio, as well as providing battery charging for many iPod models.
Each kit features a “brain box” (called a PXDP) and a wiring harness that plugs directly into the CD changer port in the back of a compatible vehicle’s factory-installed stereo system. Once installed (professional installation is recommended) the unit delivers perfect CD quality sound directly through the sound system, as well as the option of selecting tracks through the car stereo using the FFWD / RRWD CD changer function. Additionally, the unit does not block out clickwheel or touch screen controls, so the user can browse and select tracks as normal. And, because the connection is “hardwired” to the vehicle, the docking connection offers battery charging for most iPod models, including the iPhone®.
These iSimple kits sell for approximately $119.95 and are compatible with hundreds of models, including: BMW and Mini) Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Saturn; Ford, Lincoln and Mercury; Acura, Honda, Isuzu, Scion and Toyota; Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Jeep and Plymouth, and Audi, Jaguar and Volkswagen.
All iSimple automotive docking solutions are made by Peripheral Electronics® – the industry leader in automotive OEM integration products – and distributed and marketed by AAMP of America™. iSimple kits are available at specialty car audio and electronics stores nationwide, as well as most Best Buy locations. iSimple products are also available online at Crutchfield.com, Autotoys.com, Amazon.com and more. For more information, please visit www.peripheralelectronics.com or www.iSimpleSolutions.com.
So you’ve got to go somewhere this Labor Day weekend, huh? Looking for the right GPS to take you there? But you want one with some sweet swag? Easy to use? Maybe even something the “other guys” don’t have? But, its got to be a good brand. Well, the TomTom GO 930 may be your catch. With address voice input, Bluetooth speakerphone, Advanced Lane Guidance, traffic updates, and Mr. T to tell you where to turn, we couldn’t think of another GPS to suggest (until our next review, maybe.)
Before you shove off to your long weekend, we suggest reading the long and full-of-meat review of the TomTom GO 930. If you don’t have too much time, like all of our reviews, you can read The Bottom Line and the Overview for the quickie. But do at least print it out and read it sometime this weekend. It took us a long time to write.
Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America’s innovative OEM integration division, announced today that its powerful eight-channel PCH8 Line Output Converter (LOC) is now shipping. The PCH8 integrates aftermarket amplifiers into factory car stereos, maintaining system integrity while significantly enhancing audio performance.
The PCH8 works with factory multi-channel amplified systems. It accepts two, four, six, or eight amplified speaker level channels, and converts those channels to a high-quality pre-amp signal. Internal summing lets users group together selected channels, combining different frequencies into one full-range signal. This is extremely important to dealers, allowing them to install a new amplifier without replacing the factory head unit.
Other installer-friendly features include a 12-volt output and turn-on circuit. The circuit monitors speaker level signals and automatically turns on the converter when a signal is sensed. The 12-volt output can be used to turn on aftermarket amplifiers and processors. A connection jack also lets users add the optional subwoofer control included with every PCH8.
For more information, please visit www.peripheralelectronics.com or call a Peripheral Electronics Sales Representative at 800-477-2267.
Stinger®, AAMP of America’s high-performance car audio accessories division, announced today that its 2008 HPM Hybrid Capacitors are shipping. With a stylish new look, the capacitors deliver exceptional power to high amperage systems for superior bass response.
The HPM Hybrid Capacitors include the 15 Farad SHC5015 ($499.99 MSRP) and 30 Farad SHC6030 ($649.49 MSRP). By combining the benefits of electrolytic and carbon capacitors, the SHC5015 and SHC6030 provide extremely fast cycling and the highest possible power along with unparalleled power reserve. Both capacitors deliver strong, steady voltages to even the most demanding systems.
Completely redesigned, the capacitors feature a sleek satin-chrome finish and angular housing with corner LED lighting. Digital blue readouts display system voltage for the SHC5015, and system voltage and amperage for the SHC6030. The result is a sharp, sophisticated design that goes great in any install.
Together, the new Stinger HPM Hybrid Capacitors represent a new era in power management technology. For more information, visit www.stingerelectronics.com or call a Stinger Sales Representative at 800-477-2267.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive GPS unit with a good looking interface, that’s easy to use, and is loud enough to be heard, then you’ll want to take a look at our most recent review of the Harman Kardon Guide+Play GPS-310.
Harman Kardon? Play? “What,” you ask? Yes, the brand known for its awesome audio products has taken a dive into the navigation market and added a digital audio player to the mix. I was a bit skeptical when I first saw it at a demo put on by the audio chaps, but I must say after 40 plus hours of use for this review, my skepticism is gone. Read the review and see why.
(PS: We love, love, LOVE, the mount. Silly how something so low-tech made us so warm and fuzzy!)
Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America’s innovative OEM Integration division, announced today it is has added new Toyota and Scion vehicles to its growing number of applications for the PXAMG Automotive Media Gateway. With these additions, Peripheral enters the 2008 International CES with nearly 150 total applications for the PXAMG now shipping—including existing late-model Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
The new applications cover select 2007-08 Toyota and Scion vehicles. These include the Scion tC, xA, xB, xD as well as the Toyota Avalon, Camry, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia and Tundra—among other models.
Recipient of a 2008 CES Innovations Award, the PXAMG is the first interface ever to bring the iPod™, HD Radio™ broadcasting, and many other portable media products into the vehicle. It:
- Keeps the Factory Radio Intact – Plug-and-play interface eliminates the need to replace the factory radio, maintaining the vehicle’s original look and feel.
- Saves Time and Money – Cutting-edge technology and compact size provide huge advantages over buying and installing a new stereo with similar capabilities.
- Retains Original Vehicle Features – Advanced capabilities retain OEM satellite radio, rear-seat entertainment or controls, and all safety and convenience features tied to the factory system.
- Provides Multiple Entertainment Options – Additional auxiliary input connects MP3 players, satellite radio tuners, DVD players, navigation systems and other portable media to the vehicle.
- Delivers Digital-Quality Audio – Direct connection to the factory radio ensures static-free, crystal-clear sound from the iPod and many other portable media devices.
- Enables All iPod Features and Functions from the iPod and the Radio – iPod Interface displays information and provides iPod control from both the iPod and the radio.
- Works with Multiple Applications – USB connection allows the PXAMG to be continually updated with downloadable firmware to work with the latest applications.
The PXAMG also brings the power of HD Radio broadcasting with the help of the Peripheral Electronics HD Radio Tuner (HDRT). Available separately, the HDRT gives users more channels, more content, in exciting new formats—all with no subscription fees.
Ron Freeman, CEO of AAMP of America, said the additional Toyota and Scion applications reflects Peripheral’s commitment to making the PXAMG available to more drivers.
“People are looking for something that expands their factory radio to include all the new technologies and portable media out there,” said Ron Freeman, CEO of AAMP of America. “The PXAMG gives you access to HD Radio and almost any portable device you can think of, without losing any features or functions. It’s one solution for thousands of vehicles—and millions of people.”
It’s Christmas in January and Santa has come to Vegas dropping off a load of new Alpine swag. From a slew of new CD receivers to some slamming double-DIN head units (pictured) to GPS’ that will slip into your shirt pocket, Alpine has been working the elves all through New Years. Showing off the CDA-9887, CDE-9874, CDA-9884, and the CDA-9886, all units have built-in CD players that will play digitally formatted music in either MP3, AAC, or WMA (Windows Media) off of CD-R and CD-RW. These receivers also allow iPod playback with the KCE-422i (sold separately.)
Also announced was the IVA-W205 and IVA-W505 the super multimedia receivers that requires the 2-DIN space in your dash. Most common in GM, Ford, and Chrysler cars, these full touch-screen unit display iPod artwork nice and large along with track information so well that those in a Caravan will be able to see from the third row! Nice.
You won’t get lost if you have the PND-K3 or PND-K3msn on your dashboard. If you have the IVA-W205 or the IVA-W505, why not just dock the 4-inch LCD GPS unit right into one of the “mobile multimedia station” units? Very nice.
Also announced was a rear-view camera, Bluetooth devices for Alpine units as well as stand-alone, a full-blown marine line, along with a new HD Radio module. In all, Alpine’s booth was definitely busy.