Kicker Launches All-Vehicle iPod/iPhone System

Kicker (Stillwater Designs) will unveil at the SEMA Show this week, an amplifier for an iPod or iPhone that can work in any vehicle with a charging system, including hot rods, UTVs, motorcycles, and golf carts.

The PXi50.2 amplifier plugs into a separate controller and speakers to give you music from your iPod, iPhone or other MP3 player, for playback in any vehicle.

The 25 watt by 2 (2 ohm) amplifier has a low current draw. And it has line-level stereo outputs for use with other amps in your system.
Kicker actually shows it installed in a lawnmower in the video below.

The iPod/iPhone amplifier/controller also charges the portable as it plays.  The  PXi50.2 will ship January 1 at a suggested retail price of $249.95.

Source: CEoutlook

More on Head-Up Displays from BMW, Pioneer

BMW will expand inclusion of its head-up display to almost all of its vehicles and has made the display a bit splashier by adding color and new symbols.

Formerly, the head-up display was only offered on the 5-series. In the new version, colorful, brighter images are easier to read, reports CNET.

Pioneer continues to show off its version of head-up display due for the aftermarket in 2012. Pioneer’s version projects images from one’s smartphone onto the windshield.

First shown last January at the Consumer Electronics Show last January, it went on display again this month at the CEATEC show in Japan. It was connected to an Android phone and it displayed navigation cues on the windshield. You can see it action below.

At CES, Pioneer said additional info from the smartphone will be projected onto the screen, such as caller ID for an incoming call. For a phone with video chat, the driver might see a hologram-like image of the caller floating before him.

Pioneer reiterated again this month that the product should be available some time in 2012 for the aftermarket, and OEM versions may follow, said PC World.

Source: CNET, PC World

Video via IDG

JL Audio Voted a Favorite By Powerboat Magazine

MIRAMAR, FL—JL Audio received high honors recently from the readers of Powerboat magazine who voted the company a Favorite Stereo Manufacturer. The coveted Readers Choice Award is an honor only given to the top three brands that receive the most votes in 20 different categories.

The digital version of Powerboat magazine announcing the award winners is available now at: http://www.powerboatmag.com/issues/2011/10/readers-choice/readers-choice-awards. Note that JL Audio is located on page 32. The December print edition will also recognize the award winners.

“Once again, we were excited that our readers took the time to voice their opinions for the 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Jason Johnson, Editor of Powerboat. “We’d like to congratulate all of the winners for putting themselves in position to be acknowledged by our passionate readers. Being voted as the ‘favorite’ or ‘best’ in any category is quite an honor in this business.”

 

Kenwood Holds Dealer Incentive Trip

LONG BEACH, CA- Kenwood USA Corporation held another successful dealer incentive trip event at the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa in Jamaica in mid-October, hosting over 465 people representing 168 Kenwood dealers. The event was the culmination of a six-month sales growth program running from January 1 through June 30, 2011.

Dave Hoag, Vice President of Sales for Kenwood’s Consumer Electronics Sector, summarized the event. “We had an absolute blast in Jamaica with our dealers and reps. The week began with an enjoyable sunset welcome reception allowing everyone to reconnect and celebrate their mutual successes. Following that was our customary business meeting in which we covered industry topics and Kenwood business directions. After some free time at the beaches and pools, we wrapped up the week with an appreciation dinner and a jammin’ beach party with a bonfire and dancing to a reggae band. Considering the very challenging state of business today, we are extremely grateful to these high performing dealers for their outstanding loyalty and ongoing support of Kenwood.”

Kenwood dealers can share their experiences and can view many of the photos shot at the event by visiting the Kenwood Incentive Trip Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kenwoodtrip).

DEI Shifts Management

DEI Holdings, parent to Directed Electronics, announced new executive changes, effective immediately.

Jim Minarik, the current President & CEO of DEI Holdings, will become Chairman of the DEI Board of Directors in addition to his CEO duties.

Kevin Duffy, the current CFO of DEI and President of Directed, is being promoted to President of DEI Holdings and will continue as CFO and a member of the Board of Directors.

Mike Simmons and Julien Joly are being promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, of the Directed Electronics division. There will be no changes in the senior management of either Polk Audio or Definitive Technology.

“We acquired DEI in June 2011 based on our underlying belief that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing presence of a mobile culture, fueled by the rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets,” said Michael Choe, Managing Director of Charlesbank Capital Partners. “We believe these executive appointments will provide the needed focus and resources to innovate in headphones, personal audio products, and soundbars, as well as accelerate our development of automotive telematics solutions through our successful Viper SmartStart platform.”

As President of DEI Holdings, Duffy will accelerate the development of smartphone-related products, while maintaining leadership in DEI’s core products. Duffy joined DEI in 2003. Prior to that he worked at Clarion Corp., Bain & Company, and Deloitte & Touche. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Princeton University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Simmons has been instrumental in developing Directed’s innovative Viper SmartStart product line. Prior to DEI, he worked at Saleen, Sonance, and Ford Motor Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Joly previously worked at Vigil Locating Systems, Datacom Wireless, and Bombardier Aerospace. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from l’École Polytechnique de Montreal and an MBA from Sherbrooke University.

In additional management changes, Veysel Goker is appointed to the newly created position of Vice President of Finance and Information Technology. Also Dan Brockman has been hired as Corporate Controller and Treasurer.

Source: DEI Holdings

iPad Car Deck Due from iRoc

Jackson Electronics, maker of the iRoc car stereo deck that lets you snap your iPhone into the face of the head unit, is planning an iPad version that will essentially put your iPad on the dashboard.

A special adaptor will be offered for the iRoc around Q1 next year, to let you snap the iPad in place onto the car stereo unit. The in-dash iRoc, with a built-in amplifier, gives you access to all your apps, which play through the car’s sound system. You get touch control from the iPad over Pandora, Sirius XM and other apps as you drive.

The basic iRoc was released in late summer for the iPhone and most iPods at $399. It sells through about 10 dealers at present, although Jackson expects to begin selling through distributors shortly. A double DIN version should also be available in the future.

The iPhone iRoc is also in a test trial at two Texas University book- and computer stores. Michael Gagliardi, president and CEO of Jackson Electronics (based in Austin, TX) said it working with the universities to create a business model for selling to students.

The schools are a target because many students have iPhones and “rely on them 24/7,” said Gagliardi. “We think it’s a sweet spot there.”

The university stores currently display the iRoc and Jackson hopes to team up with local stores to install the product.

One of the participating schools—Texas State in San Marcus—may also use iRoc as a test case for its MBA students, who, again, may create a new business model for selling the car deck, said Gagliardi. The other school in a test trial is the University of Texas at Austin.

The iRoc has a built-in 40 watt amplifier and 6 line outs for subwoofers and speakers, plus a built in microphone so you can speak on the phone while driving. It also has a single rotary knob for volume. There’s no USB, no radio and no CD player.

Source: CEoutlook

Toyota Offers MirrorLink (Terminal Mode) Radio in Europe

According to CNET, Toyota’s European Touch Life infotainment system is the first OEM platform permitting a true mirror image of the smartphone on the car’s in-dash display. It uses the MirrorLink standard (previously called Terminal Mode).

Actually Alpine has also shown a MirrorLink system, due in November in Europe, that also mimics  the smartphone capabilities on the car’s display.

Toyota’s new car radio works best with certain Nokia phones (running Symbian Belle) for full mirror imaging of the phone. Drivers can use the phone’s telephone and map features, and audio functions all from the car’s touch screen while driving.  Other apps may be accessed but only when the car is parked.

The system will also work with an iPhone to a limited degree, permitting access to  Facebook, Stitcher and Twitter and other Internet radio and news apps as well as Garmin StreetPilot.

No information on Android compatibility with the Toyota system was available.

CNET says BMW, Audi and GM are also using MirrorLink but in a stripped down fashion because of U.S. liability issues.

Toyota Touch Life is available on European Toyota Avensis, Prius, and Verso models.

Source: CNET

Photo via CNET

Car Electronics Top Brass Join CEA Board

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Wednesday announced its newly elected board members, some of whom are members of the car electronics sector.

The 2012 executive board includes Jim Bazet, Cobra Electronics chairman and CEO and Robert Fields, Aridian Technologies VP sales and marketing. Patrick Lavelle, president and CEO, Audiovox Corp also continues on the board.

Other board members are Phil Molyneux, Sony president and COO; George Stepancich, Invisionate CEO; and Mike Vitelli Best Buy president, Americas.

Car electronics industry members were also newly elected to CEA’s  Board of Industry Leaders (BIL). They act in an advisory role, helping to set public policy positions and priorities for association activities.

New 12-volt BIL members include Ron Freeman, president and CEO of AAMP of Amercia; Ian Geller, VP, business development, Pandora Media, Peter Brady, VP, marketing/brand management, iBiquity Digital Corp; Jake Sigal, founder and CEO, Livio Radio; and Robert Struble, president and CEO, iBiquity Digital Corp.

Existing BIL members who continue their service include Loyd Ivey, chairman and CEO, MiTek Electronics and Communications; John Shalam, chairman and founder, Audiovox; Jim Bazet, chairman and CEO, Cobra Electronics; Jim Braun, president and CEO, Dual Electronics Corporation; and Jay Buchanan, electronics division director/GMM, Nebraska Furniture Mart.

Other new BIL member include Tim Baxter, president, consumer business division, Samsung Electronics America; Scott Burnett, global leader, consumer electronics industry, IBM; Mike Dunn, president, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Worldwide; David Hanchette, VP, marketing, Legrand; Bill Holmes, VP, business development, Netflix; David Inns, CEO, GreatCall; Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO, Gibson Guitar; Kenneth Lowe, co-founder and vice president, VIZIO; Mark Luden, president and CEO, The Guitammer Company; David McCalpin, general manager, home energy management, GE Appliances; Dean Miller, president, Lenbrook America Corp; Eliott Peck, SVP and general manager, sales, imaging technologies and communications group, Canon USA Inc; Michael Pope, president and owner, Audio Video Interiors; and Scott Ramirez, VP, marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products.

Other continuing BIL members are Bryan Burns, vice president strategic business planning and development, ESPN; Lee Cheng, general counsel, Newegg, Inc.; Doug Cole, senior vice president and general manager, Universal Remote Control; Frank DeMartin, VP, consumer product sales, Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America; Joe Erdeman, president, extended protection solutions, Assurant Solutions; Kim Folsom, founder and CEO, ShowUhow Inc.; Dr. Levy Gerzberg, president and CEO, Zoran Corp.; John Godfrey, vice president, government and public affairs, Samsung Information Systems America Inc.; Kathy Gornik, president, Thiel Audio; David Hagan, president and CEO, Boingo Wireless; Joe Hartsig, vice president, GMM technology and entertainment, office division, Sam’s Club; Ian Hendler, director, business development, LevitonDr. Paul Liao, president and CEO, CableLabs; Mark Lucas, president and CEO, Imation; Glenn Lurie, president, emerging devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets; Craig McHugh, CEO, Cambridge Soundworks; Mike Mohr, president, Celluphone; Henry Muyshondt, senior director, business development, SMSC; Luis Pineda, senior vice president, sales, marketing and product management, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies; Dr. Doug Solomon, CTO, IDEO; John Taylor, vice president, LG Electronics, USA; Joseph Taylor, chairman and CEO, Panasonic Corp. of North America; and Brian Wiser, SVP, specialty solutions division, Ingram Micro.

Randy Fry, president, Fry’s Electronics, and Jay McLellan, president and CEO, Home Automation Inc. (HAI), will continue to serve as CEA’s Executive Board chair and vice chair respectively. Gary Yacoubian, president, CEO and managing partner, Specialty Technologies, LLC, will remain on the Executive Board as a past chair.

Previously elected CEA Executive Board members, who will continue their service, include Denise Gibson;.Daniel Pidgeon, chairman, Starpower; and Steve Tiffen, President and CEO, The Tiffen Co.

Source: Consumer Electronics Association

Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) Has Voice Text Too: Review

We neglected to mention earlier that Windows Phones such as those from HTC and Samsung now have a voice assistant too, like the iPhone 4S and Android phones, in the new Windows Phone update called Mango.

While not quite as robust as Apple’s Siri or Google’s Voice Actions, Mango’s “Speech” lets you dictate a text message and it will read back your texts to you. You can perform Internet searches by voice and switch apps by voice.

Users hold down the Windows-logo button and the Speech assistant pops up. There are four commands for voice: “Call,” “Text,” “Find,” and “Open.”

In a review of Mango Thursday in The New York Times, David Pogue compared Mango Speech to Siri, stating, “The recognition is nowhere near as good or as broad…But it’s great at understanding its Big Four commands: Call, Text, Find (on the Web) and Open (an app)…(On the iPhone, you can’t open apps by voice at all).”

You can see Mango Speech in action here.

Overall Mango (Windows Phone 7.5) fixes early complaints about Windows Phone software, such as a lack of copy and paste. Pogue calls it “gorgeous, classy, satisfying, fast and coherent. “

Source: The New York Times

Autonet Mobile Expands Into Car Tracking and More

Autonet Mobile, the maker of in-car WiFi hotspots, is expanding into a full in-car telematics platform for OEM and the aftermarket.

The company (which supplies in-car hotspots to Chrysler, GM, VW and others) will offer an auto grade 3G/WiFi and Bluetooth device about the size of an iPhone that can deliver car tracking, geofencing, door lock unlock and other apps from the cloud securely to your vehicle.

It should be ready for the car companies in Q1, and an aftermarket version should follow in Q2. The aftermarket version will require professional installation.

The company finally revealed in an interview that it has sold 20,000 units of its Autonet Mobile WiFi hotspot through aftermarket and dealer options as well as some standard equipment through Chrysler.

In its new car tracking venture, Autonet Mobile is competing with companies like Hughes who offer soup-to-nuts telematics platforms for the car companies. But Autonet claims its system is the first to offer addressable IP (Internet) in an automotive grade device that is secure and that connects directly to the auto’s bus system (or OBD II port).

“What’s kept the factories from delivering their own product is that no one has been able to build a TCU [telematics control unit] that is secure and that’s completely Internet based and designed to be embedded in the car. You have to take into account temperature conditions, vibration and size. Ours will be the smallest one out there,” said CEO Sterling Pratz.

For the car companies, the device will allow them to manage their apps from the cloud and update them as needed, creating their own app store, said Pratz.

Autonet Mobile will also offer a version of the new telematics system for fleet managers.

Source: Autonet Mobile

Harman Extends VW OEM Contract

Harman announced it extended its contract with the VW Group to provide the car maker with new “mid” level infotainment systems. The contract is worth $400 million.

Under the contract Harman will launch a new OEM head unit in fiscal year 2013. It will also provide next generation OEM infotainment systems into more VW cars in fiscal 2015, and will extend the use of its current systems in VW cars in fiscal year 2014.

Harman says it is the leading OEM supplier of advanced in-car computing platforms offering Internet access, 3D navigation, hands free connectivity and other features.

The company also announced Wednesday its first OEM deal with a China-based auto manufacturer, Changan Motors.

Source: Harman

DEI Holdings Foundation Gives Nearly $500K to Charities

VISTA, CA – DEI Holdings – parent company to Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Directed Electronics – and the DEI Children’s Charitable Foundation, a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization, today announced that its 2011 charitable events resulted in donations of nearly one-half million dollars to beneficiaries in San Diego’s North County, as well as Baltimore and Montreal – all locations where DEI and its subsidiaries operate businesses and conduct charitable activities.

Jim Minarik, CEO of DEI Holdings, said “For the past 10 years, our Foundation has taken the lead in raising millions of dollars for our beneficiaries including Solutions for Change, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Casa de Amparo, and other fine organizations who help disadvantaged youth. More recently, we have partnered with other like-minded organizations – including the Issa Family Foundation and Datron World Communications – to supplement the continued support of our suppliers, customers, associates and other generous donors and take our charitable giving to new heights.”

Co-sponsored by the Issa Family Foundation, the 2011 DEI Holdings Charity Gala and Charity Golf Tournament at Torrey Pines raised and distributed more money than ever before. The DEI Gala, organized by volunteers and supported by suppliers and local government and business leaders, was memorable in part for some compelling presentations directly from members of the community whose lives have been changed by the good works of the DEI Foundation’s beneficiaries.

“We know these are difficult and challenging times,” added Minarik. “Because of that, I have never been more proud of those who give so generously. Our fellow North County residents, businesses and philanthropic organizations are working together like never before to help the young people in our local communities.”

The DEI Holdings Children’s Charitable Foundation is already planning next year’s events. To support their efforts to help disadvantaged youth, please e-mail Foundation@DEIHoldings.com or call (760) 599-5913.

CEA Predicts Higher Spending on CE this Holiday

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced  that spending on electronics gifts will reach an all-time this high holiday season. In fact, overall spending on gifts will increase this holiday, despite the jittery economy.

Consumer electronics will account for one-third of all holiday gift spending, predicts the CEA.

Consumers plan to spend an average $246 on electronics gifts, up 6 percent from last year. This is also the highest level since the CEA began tracking holiday spending.

Overall, for all their gifts, consumers plan to spend an average of $769 this holiday, up 3 percent from last year, according to the CEA’s annual study.

CEA forecasts that total holiday retail sales will climb 2.5 percent this year.

“After months of depressed consumer confidence, individuals are indicating they plan to spend this holiday and are looking for technology, as more adults will buy consumer electronics as a gift this year as compared to last year,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA chief economist and director of research.

Tablet computers are the second most wanted gift, second only to clothes. Notebook computers are also high on shopping lists, as are TVs, eReaders and video game consoles.

Electronics accessories and gift cards will also be popular gifts this holiday, said the CEA.

Four out of 5 adults plan to give a gift card this year, up 5 percent from last year, many of them for digital content and services.

One in 4 consumers plans to give a gift card that can be used for digital music purchases, 1 in 5 for electronic book purchases and 16 percent for app purchases.

“It is going to be a computing holiday season, with tablets looking to be the run-away success story,” said DuBravac.

Price will be the most important factor as consumers decide where to buy their CE gifts. The ease of making a purchase and return policies are also important purchasing factors. Two-thirds of consumers will compare the price for electronics online before making a purchase. However, consumers are more likely to buy CE gifts at mass merchants and electronics stores than online or at warehouse clubs, said the CEA.

Source: Consumer Electronics Association

Bracketron Shows In-Car Tablet Mounts at SEMA

Bracketron will debut at the SEMA show next week, 3 new universal tablet mounting solutions including new cup holder mount.

The cup holder mount is designed for tablet viewing for the front seat passengers. It is universal, to fit nearly all tablets and will be available to retailers in December. Full details will be disclosed at SEMA.

Shown here is a Bracketron Twist360° mount that uses a Velcro headrest strap and allows for infinite viewing angles in both landscape and portrait modes. It’s compatible with the iPad, iPad 2, Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom, Amazon Kindle and others. It’s shipping now through www.bracketron.com in black or white for $39.95 and will be available soon at retailers.

Also from Bracketron is a Universal Tablet Headrest Mount that clamps to the back of the front-seat headrests at $39.95.

Source: Bracketron

Android Headrest Debuts from TMI

TMI, maker of  VizuaLogic and the new SmartLogic brand, is introducing new headrests with embedded Android “tablets” at the SEMA show next month.

The headrests include 7-inch, non-removable tablets each running Android 2.3. They use capacitive touch screens (similar to the multi-touch screens on a smartphone).

For an Internet connection, users connect their smartphone or portable hotspot. They may then watch Netflix, YouTube or access apps. The headrests also work with a wireless keyboard.

Users may download apps directly to the device so Facebook and Skype appear right on the headrest.

The headrest tablets include Bluetooth and they have an FM modulator to play audio throughout the car. They can operate independently of each other, accessing different apps and movie sources, or they can play different movies from the same source.

Simply called “Android Rear Seat Entertainment Package,” at present, they will ship in December at prices comparable to current back seat video systems, said TMI.

Inputs on the headrests include HDMI, USB and a microSD card slots and there’s an input to connect a DVD player.

As with other VizuaLogic headrests, they are custom assembled on-site in the U.S. to match the car’s interior in “scale, style, shape, stitching and texture,” said the company.

They are the first products in the new SmartLogic line of digital products from TMI that will include car video products with all-digital screens and communication with smartphones.

TMI also announced an app for the iPhone and Android devices to access its catalog of products and the vehicles they match (which results in over 10,000 combinations).

“A salesman in a new car dealer can go to his phone and see if there’s a product to match his customer’s car,” said TMI’s Brian Torres. The apps also offer technical support.

Source: CEoutlook

German Maestro Intro’s 2-Ohm Car Speakers

German Maestro introduced new 2-ohn car audio speakers designed to replace factory systems.

The speakers solve a common problem: if you replace factory speakers at 1.5 ohm impedance with aftermarket speakers at 4-ohm impedance, the new speakers sound lower in volume than the originals.

The new “C Class” speakers also provide a shallow mounting depths of 2.32 inches, and are  suited to motorcycle application.

Models include the:

• CC6508IV2, 6.5 inch co-axial speaker MRP $249.9
• CC5008IV2, 5.25 inch co-axial speaker MRP $219.9
• CS6508IV2, 6.5 inch component speaker MRP $269.9
• CS5008IV2, 5.25 inch component speaker MRP $279.99

Source: German Maestro

Eric Kord of iSimple Passes

Tampa Bay, FL) – It was with great regret that the iSimple family learned of the loss of one of its own, Eric Kord, on the afternoon of October 12, 2011. Eric had been the key accounts manager for iSimple since 2008 and was responsible for representing the brand to such retailers as FYE, Micro Center and Pep Boys, to name a few.

During his extensive career, Eric’s outgoing demeanor and infectious laugh made him many friends in the consumer electronics and 12-volt industries, and he will be sorely missed. Eric is survived by his son, Stephen Kord, daughter, Stephanie Kord, and his companion of 25-years, Joan St. Martin. Eric’s body was cremated and, per his wishes, his ashes are to be scattered in the Gulf of Mexico.

Any who wish to send condolences or pay respects to the family may contact John Gulla at john.gulla@aampofamerica.com.

Eric Kord had a long and thriving career as a salesman and account representative in the consumer electronics and 12-volt fields. His relationship with iSimple parent company AAMP of America goes back to the company’s earliest days. As a salesman for Winntenna, Eric was one of first vendors to sell to Micah Ansley, original CEO of AAMP of America.

He then went on to represent several high-profile companies, such as Jetsound, Sansui, Nakamichi, Delta Warrantees and Zantec before finding his way to iSimple. As the iSimple key accounts rep, he worked closely with the company’s internal sales, marketing and product development teams to satisfy the needs of mass retail and large chain accounts.

According to Sergio DeOliveira, VP of sales for AAMP of America, “I’ve known Eric for many years, and I can say that he was – without a doubt – one of the most professional, knowledgeable, ethical and dedicated account executives I have had the pleasure of working with. He was a legend in our industry, and will be missed at AAMP of America and elsewhere.”

John Gulla, a longtime friend and colleague of Eric’s, said the following, “Eric was the guy that brought me into the mobile electronics industry back when he was the Sansui rep for Florida and Puerto Rico. He was also the one that recommended I see Micah Ansley about a new 12-volt accessories company called AAMP of America – the company I’m still with today. He was a mentor and a friend, and he will be deeply missed.”

AAMP of America CEO, Ron Freeman, said of Eric, “He was a very insightful, outgoing and utterly professional person, and an invaluable part of the AAMP of America family. Eric was the face of iSimple to many of its customers, and his expertise and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the overall success of the brand. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan, Steven and Stephanie in their time of loss, as are those of the many friends Eric made in the industry.”

 

iSimple Launches Android Car Kit

Here’s a new way to connect your Android phone to the car radio to playback music on your car’s sound system.  iSimple (Aamp of America)  is shipping what it calls the first Android car kit to provide Bluetooth audio streaming from an Android device to the car radio.

According to recent market analysis, 1 in 3 consumers over the age of 17 now owns a smartphone. Of those smartphones, more than 40% run on the Google Android operating system, said iSumple.

The TranzIt BLU car kit lets owners of Android smartphones and tablets wirelessly play music from their device through any car radio (factory or aftermarket) by using the kit’s FM transmitter.

There are no wires dangling from the kit to clutter the dashboard.

To operate TranzIt BLU the consumer first downloads the iSimple TranzIt BLU app. He then activates Bluetooth on his Android device, selects an empty channel on the radio, and uses the app to tune the car kit to the channel selected. Then he presses play on the device’s media player or an Internet radio station of choice.

The car kit is now shipping at a suggested retail price of $119.95.

Source: Aamp of America

Escort Intro’s SmartCord for Anti-Ticket Network

Updated! Radar detector maker Escort is launching a live “anti-traffic ticket network” that works with a new SmartCord.

Together with an app running on a smartphone, the new Escort Live service lets drivers send out alerts of a speed trap. These are uploaded to the cloud and broadcast to other Escort Live users. Escort calls it a social network for the road.

Escort Live also delivers traffic updates.

It makes use of the over one million compatible Escort and Beltronics radar detectors already on the road in the U.S.

Users, however, must purchase a new SmartCord cable to replace the current cable for their radar detectors at $79.95. The cable communicates with the users’ smartphone via Bluetooth so that alerts appear on the smartphone screen.

Users view information on speed cameras, speed traps and speed limit data. They also get info on compass heading, vehicle speed and over-speed alerts.

When you enter the car and turn on the detector you can get a clear picture of the all speed trap sightings along your route.

There is a service fee but it’s waived through 2012 for owners of compatible Escort and Bel detectors. A special package is also available for new purchasers of Escort and Bel detectors with the cable for $100 off the total purchase price.

The SmartCord Live cable and app works with the iPhone and Android phones.

It automatically sends firmware and software updates to devices, said Escort.

Source: Escort Inc.

Record Number of Auto Exhibitors at CES

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), announced a record number of auto makers will exhibit at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.

So far, 6 of the top 10 auto manufacturers will showcase their latest technologies at the show January 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas. Audi, Chrysler, Ford, GM/Onstar, Kia, and Mercedes together will cover almost 100,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up by 10 percent over last year.

What to expect in aftermarket innovation at CES?  Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CEA said “aftermarket innovations at the 2012 CES will include tablet integration, Internet radio solutions, in-vehicle apps and driver safety technology.”

Ford CEO Alan Mulally will return to CES as a participant on this year’s Innovation Power Panel, a CES keynote on Wednesday, January 11. He’ll join CEOs from GE, Cisco and Xerox.

“CES is now the place to experience innovation in the auto industry…including both vehicle OEMs and the aftermarket,” said Shapiro.

As announced earlier, Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, will deliver a keynote address at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10.

Other auto-related sessions at CES will include Connect2Car: Connecting Automotive and Consumer Electronics Lifestyles SuperSession focused on integration of new systems and apps into the car, and the In-Vehicle Technology Conference Track, featuring conference sessions focused on smart technologies that minimize driver error, enhance the driving experience and boost road safety:

• Cars Online: Integrating smartphone and wireless-assist platforms into automobile electronics is transforming the connected car. Drivers and passengers have vastly more entertainment and communications options – from hands-free texting to Pandora and more. Panelists will review innovations and options in car technology and their impact on driver safety.

• Smart Cars Talking to Each Other – New Applications Using Vehicle-to-X Technology: Cars soon will be able to talk to neighboring vehicles, traffic lights, even to pedestrians using short-range Vehicle-to-X (V2X) technology, aka “Wi-Fi on wheels.” V2X may open new safety and consumer applications for both mobile devices and cars. Find out what opportunities are ahead for peer-to-peer apps in automotive.

For more news on the 2012 International CES before, during and after the show, including information on CES exhibitors, conference sessions and TechZones, visit www.CESweb.org.

Source: CEA

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