Jalopnik: Audio

FM Transmitter Looks Like A Shift Knob To Entertain, Confuse, Baffle

Travis Hudson — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EDT

In an attempt to help your FM transmitter "blend into your car's dashboard," Green House has produced and released a pretty simple FM transmitter that looks like a shift-knob. It plugs into the standard 12V DC power outlet and includes an audio jack for plugging in an MP3 player and a USB port for charging supported devices. The real hilarious hijinks come when you accidentally try to aggressively shift with this device and tear the hell out of your dash. That, or you put it in a vehicle with a "three on the tree" and confuse the hell out of the driver. We can already imagine the LOLs. [CG]

Griffin Launches Two More Auto iPod Accessories

Travis Hudson — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Using an iPod or iPhone in a car is going to be that much easier thanks to the latest round of goods from Griffin Technology. The WindowSeat is an oddly named, but simple gadget. It's a suction windshield mount for the iPhone or iPod Touch. If the next generation iPhone gets some legitimate GPS, this will be a nice $30 accessory to have. The other new goody is the iTrip AutoPilot. The AutoPilot is a glorified FM transmitter and charger for the iPod that connects via the standard dock connection of almost every iPod and will broadcast tunes over FM. It includes a 12V DC adapter with play, pause, forward and backward controls for the iPod or iPhone. It also includes a SmartScan feature to find the best FM station for transmission and has SmartSound Plus technology for clearer sound. The iTrip AutoPilot is available for $100. [iTrip AutoPilot; WindowSeat]

Ferrari-Branded Audio System Has Ferrari-esque Price Tag

Travis Hudson — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:19:00 EDT

Ferrari has teamed up with Meridian for a some Auto Branding Adventures with the F80 home entertainment system. And by "home entertainment system," we really mean it's just a glorified clock-radio. The details are limited but it seems this home entertainment system has radio, CD and auxiliary input support. Probably the most important feature is the pristine Ferrari horsey that graces the front of the speaker. It's available in red, silver, yellow, white or black for $2,995. Yes, get ready to drop nearly three G's on a glorified clock-radio. You'd probably be better off printing off the Ferrari logo and gluing it to the Sony clock-radio you've been using since 1993 and saving yourself a large chunk of change. [Meridian]

Cassette Deck Lives On With Bluetooth Adapter

Travis Hudson — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

We've definitely proven that there's a little juice left in a cassette deck tank and this product further revives that concept. This is the Bluetooth Cassette Adapter by Flexii. This isn't Bluetooth of the cell phone communication nature, but rather Bluetooth of the AD2P streaming music nature. If your cell or MP3 player is capable of streaming music over Bluetooth then this could be a great addition to your seemingly outdated vehicle.

It is rechargeable, so there are no wires hanging out of the deck and it will connect wirelessly with an MP3 player to stream music through your vehicle's sound system. The rechargeable battery will last around five hours. You can now rest assured that your vehicle is just as capable as the new age Sync contraption. It's available for $40, so no need to rush out and get a Focus. [Slashgear]

Revive The Cassette With New-Fangled MP3 Technology!

Travis Hudson — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Admit it, more than a few of you still own a car with a cassette deck. Despite the plethora of audio options currently available in new models, you shouldn't feel ashamed in any way for your retro coolness. Because not only are cassette decks still worthy, with this Car Cassette MP3 Player, it'll be like you've revitalized and refurbed that deck with the latest in 90's audio technology. And it's a two-for-one, because this isn't just an MP3 player shaped like an old-school cassette, it also operates as cassette adapter with auxiliary input.

The "cassette" takes SD memory cards, so just Just load one up with MP3s, insert it into the cassette-like adapter and pop the entire thing into your car's cassette deck. Then cruise along with your MP3s playing through the car's stereo — and you did it all without any of those fancy FM transmitters or wires running everywhere like used to deal with back in '93 when you got your first Discman. Since it's battery-driven, the good folks who made it also thought about including a headphone jack so you can pop it out and be the ironic trendy retro kid at the local Starbucks using an MP3 player non-ironically. The Car Cassette MP3 Player is available for $40. [ThinkGeek]

Mysteries Of Car Customization: Torn Moonroof Edition

Travis Hudson — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Gee golly, I wonder what would cause a tear of this magnitude in the roof of a poor and innocent Lexus? Click for the answer, with a bonus video!

Oh, it's because the owner, Frankie Rio, decided to use a Lexus GS350 for one of those subwoofer decibel competitions. You know, Frankie, there's a reason beater vans are popular for these kinds of competitions. Vans are a lot cheaper and generally, hold many times the speakers, and are made like brick shithouses. Hopefully this display of wanton destruction at least won the competition to pay for the repairs. Who are we kidding? This 159.5 dB monster is probably being held together right now with duct tape and some super glue.
[FloridaSPL via Audiojunkies]

Pioneer AVIC-F Series Media, Navigation Systems Features Advanced Voice Recognition

Travis Hudson — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:40:00 EDT

Pioneer has announced a few new additions to its line of car navigation systems. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT come with features like iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, MSN Direct, HD Radio, XM, Sirius, CD, DVD, USB, SD and more. Although, the real specialness comes from their voice recognition abilities.

The VoiceBox Technologies voice recognition software in the Pioneer units allows users to speak "normally." There will no longer be an exact rhetoric required to achieve a simple task. For example, rather than having to say something long the lines of "Play Artist Green Day," the units can recognize casual conversation like "I want to hear Green Day," or possibly "Play those phat Busta Rhymes beats, yo." [Giz]

Scion Chooses Lackluster HD Radio For Its Audio-Centric Customers

Travis Hudson — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Toyota has recently announced a partnership with iBiquity, which will put HD Radio systems in a variety of Scion vehicles. What makes this partnership even funnier is the PR-speak Toyota used to announce the partnership.

"Since Scion customers are in tune with audio technology, it makes sense that we enhance our already outstanding audio offerings for them," said Jason Adang, Accessory Audio and Electronics Planning Manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Digital HD Radio technology is ideal for our youthful, tech-savvy customers who will enjoy the wide range of content available on HD Radio channels."

Toyota hasn't gotten that hint that HD Radio is floundering, big time. This whole marketing thing is pretty new to Scion, as well.

Despite HD Radio's recent attempts to revitalize its name, the fact of the matter is that HD Radio is a niche that nobody wants to explore, especially the youth-demographic that Scion desperately wants. Oh, and the last time we checked being "in tune with audio offerings" doesn't mean "adopting technology on the brink of extinction, Toyota and Scion. [Orbitcast]

Aftermarket Manufacturers Go Sync, Next-Gen Also On The Way

Travis Hudson — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:20:00 EDT

We knew that Microsoft was going to look to hawk its Sync system elsewhere—especially with its booming popularity and the soon-to-be expired Ford contract. Now we know who is first to the free market table Alpine and Continental, two aftermarket manufacturers, are already working on integrating the voice command and entertainment system into their own products. Perhaps even more interesting, due to its early popularity, Microsoft is already working on the next generation of Sync and it has a super-exciting codename!

Talladega. Yes, the partial name of the semi-funny Will Ferrel movie is the codename of Microsoft's next generation of Sync. Then again, we all know codenames are rarely used for the real release of any product, but who knows with this case. I can already imagine the kids: "Hey dudebro, check my sa-weet Talladega system!" Yeah, it just doesn't sound right. [Automotive]

Sony Showcases Ford Flex Deal In NYC

Travis Hudson — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:15:00 EDT

Ford is taking a page out of Subaru's book and will be partnering with Sony for a factory-installed in-car entertainment system. The first model will be a Ford Flex, much like the one we received the chauffeur treatment in, and it will be on display at the Sony Style store on Madison Avenue in New York City.

Prior to this relationship, Ford and Sony had a limited relationship that included factory-installed Sony Xplode speakers in a variety of Ford Focus models.

The big kicker with this release is that the first 150 people to check out the Ford Flex with Sony equipment will receive digital download samplers, or in other words, free MP3s. The Flex will be on display today from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern.

FORD FLEX WITH SONY AUDIO SYSTEMS MAKES ITS DEBUT IN NEW YORK AT THE SONY STYLE STORE
* Ford reveals first Sony-branded audio system in the new Ford Flex being shown at the Sony Style store on Madison Avenue today from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
* Sony Music will be handing out 150 Sony digital download samplers to customers coming to see the Ford Flex
* Ford has signed a long-term agreement with Sony Electronics for Sony-branded audio systems in Ford and Mercury vehicles in North America

New York, March 18 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] and Sony Electronics are showing the first fruits of their new relationship in North America in the form of the new Ford Flex with Sony audio. The Flex appears at the flagship Sony Style store on Madison Avenue between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. today, where the first 150 customers will have the chance to get their hands on a Sony BMG MusicPass digital download card sampler.

This will be the first time the Sony audio system has been featured in the innovative new Ford Flex full-size utility.

Set to launch in summer, Flex is a daring new vehicle in the full-size crossover segment and will further build momentum for Ford crossovers, which already include Ford Escape and Edge.

Flex will feature a host of new technologies in addition to the Sony audio system. These include SIRIUS Satellite Radio with Travel Link™ as well as the award-winning SYNC system, which has been further enhanced for the Ford Flex.

"We have enjoyed a very successful partnership at Ford of Europe with Sony-branded audio," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. "Customers tell us that good audio systems are high on their list of priorities. Sony-branded audio and a host of other signature technologies will help differentiate Ford products in the marketplace."

"Ford and Sony are two of the world's most well-known brands," said Don Courvisier, vice president and general manager for the Automotive Entertainment Solutions Group at Sony Electronics in the United States and Europe. "This arrangement is a natural fit given our success together in Europe."

This is the third collaboration between Sony and Ford in North America. Ford and Sony offered a limited-edition Focus Sedan in 2000, outfitted with Sony Xplod® audio equipment. More recently, Ford offered "Sound Designed by Sony" in the Ford Focus in North America.

In Europe, Sony-branded audio systems are offered in the Mondeo, Focus, C-Max, S-Max and Galaxy models.

Subaru Teams With Harman-Kardon For In-Car Audio

Travis Hudson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:45:00 EDT

The R1e official unveiling dominated Subaru's press event yesterday, but a minor announcement was made that definitely caused my ears to perk up. Subaru is partnering with audio accessory maker Harman-Kardon to outfit the Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles with high-end sound systems.

Subaru is now joins the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz by hooking up with Harman-Kardon for premium audio systems. I couldn't be happier. In a day and age where aftermarket audio is dying off, it's important to seek out the top-of-the-line manufacturers to supply in-car audio systems.

I got a chance to sit in a 2009 Legacy outfitted with the Harman-Kardon system and the sound was nothing short of amazing.

Fisker Adding External Speakers To Karma, Michael Stipe Alarmed

Wes Siler — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Henrik Fisker has announced that his new Karma plug-in hybrid sports car will come equipped with external speakers for pedestrian safety. The four seat Karma goes on sale late in 2009 and is capable of traveling up to 50 miles without using the gasoline engine. While in electric-only mode it's virtually silent, prompting fears that pedestrians could be at risk if they're unable to hear it coming. Capable of playing any sound its owner chooses, one option according to Fisker is, "like something between a Formula One car and a jet plane."

Fisker goes on to claim that his company has been receiving "between 50 and 100 orders a week" for the Karma, meaning it now has a one-year waiting list. Most of those orders have come from Europe.

The $80,000 Karma was first unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January. It has a top speed of 125mph and reaches 60mph in six seconds. [Via Forbes Autos]

Eclipse Dockable TomTom Head Unit Now Available

Travis Hudson — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EST

I know, I know, you were jealous of Europe and especially its Toyota Yaris with dockable TomTom GPS navigation head unit. You can breath a sigh of relief because Eclipse has taken that idea and made it available for anybody! Hooray!

The Eclipse AVN2210p MK II allows for a TomTom GPS navigation unit to dock in and out of the head unit. This is extra-convenient for regular swapping of cars and for those that like to do a little walking with a GPS unit. The unit also includes a CD player with MP3 support, Bluetooth and more. It's available from Crutchfield for $600. [Crutchfield via Uncrate]

What's Killing The Car Stereo Industry?

Travis Hudson — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:40:00 EST

A recent NPD Group and CEA study showed that car stereo sales and other car audio equipment had a steep decline in the fourth quarter of 2007. Single CD players dropped 4 percent, amplifiers dropped 21 percent, subwoofers dropped 18 percent and speakers dropped 8 percent—all compared to the same quarter in 2006. Kenwood seems to think it was the gas prices and weather, but in all reality I think it is because aftermarket car audio is slowly becoming obsolete. Hit the jump for a poll. I certainly don't buy aftermarket audio equipment anymore and I'm curious about you.

Most new cars include enough options for in-car entertainment and information including personal navigation systems and more. Also, the current model of in car systems don't utilize the previously universal rectangular deck space in favor of other designs that are less convenient to install.

I hate to say it, but as much as I enjoy my regular Crutchfield as bathroom reading material, aftermarket audio may be experiencing its swan song as manufacturers take over and give the consumers everything they could ever want for in-car entertainment. [TWICE](Image)

Porsche Audio System Doesn't Explode, Fortunately

Travis Hudson — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:45:00 EST

While Porsche isn't busy exploding factories, it continues to adventure into the world of branding with a sexy audio system. Porsche took the minimalist approach with setup. It has no unnecessary buttons or displays. The front is a sheet of black acrylic glass, with the rest of the body crafted from brushed aluminum. Now why can't I get a car made entirely of stuff like that?

Porsche's system supports the iPod and other MP3 players via a auxiliary input and includes 1.5-inch speakers implemented in the front three control knobs. Also included in a 3-inch subwoofer. Given that the audio system seems to be primarily an AM/FM player, it was nice for Porsche to include RDS, or radio data system that can display artist and title information for FM radio. It's available for a very hefty $800. [Pro-Idee via TRFJ]

JVC El Kameleon Head Unit Is The Sexiest Of A Dying Breed

Travis Hudson — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST

Despite the fact that more and more manufacturers are ditching the universally sized head units for their own, proprietary audio systems, JVC is still cranking out head units that fit into the audio system consoles of vehicles of year's past. The El Kameleon KD-AVX44 has to be one of the best looking CD/DVD receivers I've ever seen. On the left side you have touch controls and on the right side you have a 3.5-inch display. The fun doesn't end there, either.

The Kameleon has proximity sensors, so it will light up when a hand is near. It also comes equipped and ready for HD radio and satellite radio. It will even link up to a backup-camera to utilize the 3.5-inch display. It include Bluetooth and iPod capabilities, as well. I thought I had grown out of my car-audio-obsessive days, but I can feel 'em rushing back with this sexy thing. The JVC Kameleon will be available later this summer. [AudioJunkies]

Virtual Engine Noisemaker Will Confuse, Intimidate The Other Minivans

Travis Hudson — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:15:00 EST

This is probably one of the most ridiculous gadgets I have seen in a while, but what makes it even sadder is that people out there will actually be purchasing this. It's a "virtual" engine noisemaker. The system hooks up to your existing auto system and will transmit the sounds of a variety of types of big ole mean engines—engines much meaner than your pathetic little four-banger— through the speakers.

You can choose from an Italian V8, 6-cylinder boxer, rally engine or even a formula car for, you know, when you really want to confuse the hell out of people and get heads a-turning at the kids' soccer field. I'm sure the Tesla guys already have a gross of these ordered. You have to make those machines sound tough some way or another. [Carscoop]

Parrot RK8200 Head Unit Looks Too Much Like a Cellphone

Travis Hudson — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST

All right, I get it. People like to talk on the phone in the car. This is an established behavior that I have to deal with, but the RK8200 from Parrot is just a bit too much. This after-market head unit looks like a cellphone. The green and red buttons to the 12 button dialpad and even the LCD screen just scream CELLPHONE!

The device's cellphone envy knows no bounds. Naturally, it includes Bluetooth so your cellphone can link up with it and complete the union. The RK8200 will be available in March for $280. For that modest outlay, you also get a face that folds down to uncover a hidden compartment for gadgets and other stuff, like sandwiches and—YES!—cellphones. [CrunchGear]

Display Cars of CES are Pretty, Loud

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:15:00 EST

CES saw a plethora of cars showing off mobile electronic goodies this year. The trend towards bigger and louder continued unabated in the audio category, while stealth was the order of the day for the classic rides. We've put together some noteworthy display vehicles for you to ogle and we even went out of our way to break them into two categories - a no holds barred systems and classic steel. Be sure to check out the Impala in the classics gallery - twin turbos! The gratuitous booth babes are just to brighten the place up a bit.

Photo credit: Curtis Walker

Alpine's 2008 Aftermarket Audio Catalog Surprisingly Filled With Goods

Travis Hudson — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST

Alpine's 2008 lineup is here, and I have to say, I'm mighty impressed. If you remember back to yesteryear, Alpine was the bee's knees of aftermarket audio, but as of late they've kind of hit a slump. It looks like 2008 may again make Alpine a force to be reckoned with.

Included in the 2008 lineup is a wide array of iPod compatible units, Bluetooth compatible units, GPS navigation systems, amps, speakers and that doesn't even include the marine selection for your luxury yacht or tugboat.

The W505 2 din mobile multimedia station is the one I have my eye on. Check out the PDF link to see the entire 2008 spring lineup. It's a beauty. [Alpine 2008 Catalog (PDF) via Florida Car Audio]

Cadillac CTS to Get Technophile's Paradise System in 2008, with One Caveat

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:26:31 EDT

Well. It seems Cadillac gets its mandate to find younger buyers means installing features younger buyers actually want. The company just released info on the new "infotainment" system that'll adorn the dash of the 2008 CTS. Caddy showed off the system yesterday in New York. The audio portion sports a 40G Toshiba hard drive, full iPod integration, USB and aux cable connectivity, XM radio and Bose gear. And holy crap: It has a running record feature á la TiVo that records a run-time hour of live audio, with track/artist/time-of-day bookmarks set digitally by XM. Sounds great. The nav system has a retractable screen, 3D views of landmarks and real-time traffic data. But see, Caddy, there's this thing called Bluetooth. You might want to Google it. – Mike Spinelli

The Cadillac CTS: The Future of Rock 'n' Roll in Cars [Technoride]; Hands-On With The Cadillac CTS Infotainment System [Tech Crunch]

Was Ist Dis? BMW's Mystery Gadget Plays CDs, DVDs

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 08:58:27 EST

This multimedia device popped up on BMW's international site this week, possibly presaging a bid by the Munichers to do an end-run around Apple by building a proprietary unit rather than reconfiguring its audio componentry to better support iPods. A press release — under the cryptic headline, "What is your idea of joy?" — indicates the device supports Bluetooth and USB, plays CDs, DVDs (via a 65,000-color LCD screen) and MP3 files and interprets voice commands. We're not sure what it is, but we're guessing Intel is involved. The company says more information is forthcoming, but why wait when you can speculate? Take our poll.

Nice Head: The Retro Becker Mexico Head Unit

Ray Wert — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 12:59:30 EDT

Everyone likes a little Mexico whoa-oh radio, right? Well, our technology obsessed brother Gizmodo has the scoop on this classicly retro Mefico radio from Becker Germany — and remember, no one knows Mexico like Germany. The head unit's got a 13-color display and a SecureDigital/Compact Flash reader with nav built in. Also, feel free to call home with this one-stop-shop — there's a SIM card slot so you can make your calls from it and send/receive text messages. Oh yeah, and there's radio and CD controls too. All that tech-y goodness'll cost you a pretty penny — the retail price is $1,930. [Hat Tip to Mike Austin]

Becker Mexico Retro Head Unit [Gizmodo]

Test for Echo!: New Lincoln MKX Crossover to Have THX Sound

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 09:17:03 EST

Damn you, Simpsons! Ever since this clip, we can't talk about THX sound technology without thinking of that guy's head popping like a balloon. Nonetheless, Lincoln's new alphabet-soup crossover SUV, the 2007 MKX (think Ford Edge) will be fitted with a THX II Certified audio system including 14 speakers, 600 watts of power and three optimized seating position modes. The system is on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and will be shown in Detroit where the MKX will be unveiled. Lincoln, which is hoping to attract younger buyers to the brand with several new models, wants to head off audiophiles' trip to the aftermarket for accessories. The system will also be offered in the Lincoln Zephyr midsize sedan.

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Lincoln Aviator [internal]

Apple of My Car: iPods for New Vehicles

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 16:29:00 EDT

Apple Computer created an info page on the carmakers with which it's made deals to offer iPod compatibility in the US market. Brands currently offering his Podness a Jack in the (glove)Box are BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Volvo and Scion. Next on the list will be Acura, Audi, Ferrari (!), Honda, Infiniti, Nissan and Volkswagen. Overseas, the list includes Mazda, Daihatsu and Alfa Romeo.

iPod Your Car [Apple via The German Car Blog]

Related:
More iPod news [internal]

Scosche Bluetooth iPod Connection for the Car

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 15 Aug 2005 17:13:43 EDT

Car-audio supply firm, Scosche industries has developed an iPod add-on that just may lead us to invest in a car audio system that uses that 'ol wireless Tooth of Blue. The company's Bluetooth Wireless Interface, which will be available this month for around $250, connects directly to the headphone output connector of an iPod (or other portable digital audio unit) and transmits to an Bluetooth receiver, whether a vehicle's head unit or home audio system — in CD-quality sound. Sure, it's pricey, and sure it needs a pricey Bluetooth-capable head unit (or new, pricey high-end luxury vehicle that comes equipped with one). But the joy of crushing our FM-band crapfest solution under foot is worth all four figures, minimum.

Seven Inches of Music: Nissan to Offer iPod-Capable Nav System

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 09:05:08 EDT

Nissan is marketing an in-car navigation system in Japan that allows iPod users to connect up their rig, and control it via cars' seven-inch touch screen display. Nissan collaborated with Apple Computer on the system, which it will offer in Japan as a (hai, ya!) $2,800 option on 11 models, including the Tiida compact, X-Trail SUV, Moco minicar and Serena minivan. The system also includes Nissan's Carwings mobile communications service and CD, Minidisc and DVD playback. No word on whether the system is US-bound.

Nissan offers navigation-iPod system [Japan Times]