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.

Boy, oh boy are we glad Alpine is a premiere kind of company. It obviously listens to its customers and reviewers. After SvenOnTech reviewed it’s first fully integrated receiver for iPods, the iDA-X001, we only had two real complaints: no power search and the middle button wasn’t the enter key. Guess what? Fixed!

Alpine introduced today its full line of second-generation in-dash iPod integration, calling them Digital Media Receivers. Fixing what was broke and leaving what was right, Alpine sprung on to Vegas for the CES crowd to look at the iDA-X100, iDA-X200 and iDA-X300. Like the iDA-X001, this all built around Alpine’s Ai-NET BUS platform which allows for easy expandability with HD receivers, Bluetooth handsfree units, XM or Sirius radio, and other USB-based music players besides the iPod.

New to the iDA line is Alpine’s Alphabet Search or Percentage Search. Alphabet Search lets you quickly scroll through the artists or playlists alphabetically while Percentage Search divides your iPod library into six groups, allowing for quicker access to your music.

Also new to the three head units, and a first in the industry, is iTunes® Tagging. When used with the TUA-T550HD HD Radio, any HD station broadcasting metadata will enable the listener to save a songs information for later purchase. By saving it to the iPod, once the listener syncs their iPod, a new playlist of all the saved songs information appears and one can now easily purchase the music with a click.

“Many consumers view their iPod as an extension of themselves, so it’s important that they have a full iPod experience wherever they go. With Alpine’s new iPod integration Digital Media Receivers, users can have the best-sounding iPod experience available on the road,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing and product planning, Alpine Electronics.

We agree with Witt and think you will to. Once we get our hands on one of these head units, ranging in price from $200 to $400, we’ll give you the full skinny on them come this spring.

Previewed at the IFA consumer electronics show in August 2007, Mio Technology, top three vendor in Europe of portable navigation devices (PND), announces the availability of its high-end 3D mapping devices - the C620 and C620t. The new Mio 2008 mapping software includes around one thousand 3D landmarks, as well as digital elevation mapping to depict the local landscape - providing the motorist with a true 3D view of the road ahead.

The Mio C620 and C620t feature the very latest Tele Atlas maps (2007.7) as well as Mio’s split-screen interface in this 4.3″ wide screen device. The split-screen function introduced in the C320 and C520/C520t allows the user to view local points of interest and critical journey information, such as the next three turns and time or distance to destination alongside the full map. The C620 and C620t provide the ultimate in sat-nav functionality and features, up and running in seconds with fast, accurate positioning from SiRFstarIII GPS technology.

The new range offers integrated Traffic Message Channel (TMC) reports as well as free out-of-the-box speed camera alerts. As with previous products, Mio users are able to download speed camera database updates for free for one year from the moment of registration, add their own camera locations and share them with other Mio users over the internet.

Features:

Mapping
* Intuitive map display with 3D landmarks and digital elevation models
- Better orientation and faster recognition of map location
- Road levels are displayed in 3D view
* Easy to use interface
- Split screen for info, POI, TMC, Route, MP3 and phone book
- Play/stop MP3 while navigation
- One click to pick up incoming calls or dial out
- Easy navigation to Photo Viewer
* Enhanced signpost display
* Enhanced POIs along route
* TMC along route display
Device
* 4.3″ navigation screen : large and easy to read
* Hands-free calling with built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology and microphone
* Speed camera warnings out-of-the box with free updates
* Fast, accurate positioning from SiRFstarIII GPS technology
* All-in-one cradle : power and TMC (TMC only for C620t)
* Entertainment on the go: Integrated MP3 player and photo-viewer to enjoy your favourite songs and precious photos all on one device.

*Note: Speed camera availability is variable from country to country depending on the local law. Consumers receive one year of speed camera location updates for free upon registration.