Parrot Asteroid CK, Asteroid Nav, Asteroid 2DIN infotainment systems: hands-on (video)

At last year's CES, Parrot unveiled its Asteroid car receiver -- a nifty little head unit that brought Android apps to a driver's dashboard. Today, the company expanded its infotainment reach with three new in-car systems: the Asteroid CK, Asteroid Nav, and Asteroid 2DIN. Much like its predecessor, the Asteroid CK features a 3.2-inch color display, and can be attached directly to a vehicle's dashboard. This Bluetooth-powered, Gingerbread (2.3.4)-laced hands-free system connects to the web via tethered phone or 3G key, giving users access to a host of geolocation services, driving assistance features and streaming music. The device also comes with a wireless remote, and features voice recognition capabilities that allow users to place calls or browse their music libraries without taking their hands off the wheel. The Asteroid Nav, meanwhile, features a five-inch, capacitive multi-touch display and offers many of the same functions you'll find on the CK, along with an enhanced onscreen navigation system. At the larger end of the spectrum lurks the Asteroid 2DIN: a "2DIN-connected multimedia car radio" designed to fit within the central column of a car's dashboard. Here, you'll be able to take advantage of hands-free calling, music streaming services and RDS text+ service, along with an array of online services and navigation functions. The 2DIN also packs no less than two inputs, with one designed for rearview camera displays, and one for video output. No word yet on pricing or availability, but be sure to check out the gallery below and our hands-on video, after the break.

Joe Pollicino contributed to this report.

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Parrot ASTEROID: A range of connected solutions for the car

By adapting AndroidTM for use in-vehicle for the first time ever, Parrot has created a platform for developing Internet-connected products: Parrot ASTEROID.

At the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Parrot unveils three connected solutions for cars based on its ASTEROID platform and running on Android Operating System:

Parrot ASTEROID CK, Parrot ASTEROID NAV and Parrot ASTEROID 2DIN.

These projects, which will be released in 2012, illustrate once again Parrot's technological savoir-faire and strengthen the company's position as a key player for in-vehicle voice-recognition and infotainment solutions.

Parrot ASTEROID platform: AndroidTM for the car
Boosted by the development of smartphones, mobile Internet is experiencing exponential growth, and mobile web users have an1affinity for AndroidTM: 26 percent of mobile phones sold worldwide are smartphones , and 52.5 percent of them run on the AndroidTM OS. TM
Having anticipated customer demand, Parrot has spent three years working to adapt Android to the car environment in order to create the ASTEROID platform.

Open-source, upgradable and multiplatform-compatible, AndroidTM is a perfect fit within the Parrot product line.

Parrot ASTEROID platform: when the car is connected to Internet

Unveiled at the 2011 CES with the Parrot ASTEROID car radio, intended for after-market use, and the FC6100 module, intended for OEM products2, the ASTEROID platform brought AndroidTM into the car for the first time offering:

- Advanced hands-free phone features (simultaneous connection of two phones, automatic
phonebook synchronization, voice recognition, noise reduction, echo canceling);
- Internet service via access to the 3G network (using a 3G key or tethering from a mobile
phone) and connection to a GPS antenna;
- Music played from various sources, such as: iDevices, USB key, MP3 player, SD card or from a
device equipped with Bluetooth® A2DP;
- Voice-recognition suitable for searching music files;
- Compatibility with all brands of Bluetooth® mobile phones on the market;
New solutions and technologies will become available to round out the existing features enhancing user experience and product connectivity even further.

Parrot ASTEROID CK: Telephony, Music and Internet
A Bluetooth® hands-free system with a 3.2'' color screen,

Parrot ASTEROID CK installs on the vehicle's dashboard and comes with a wireless remote control.

Connected to the Internet via a 3G key or a tethering phone connected by Bluetooth or USB, Parrot ASTEROID CK accesses Internet services for geolocation, driving assistance solutions and playing music, either from web radio or 'music on demand'.

The built-in voice-recognition technology can be used to make or accept phone calls while keeping hands on the wheel. It can also be used to search for an album or artist from various connected sources of music (iPod/iPhone, USB key, SD card). Music files may also be shared by Bluetooth stereo A2DP from a cell phone.

As with all Parrot products, the Parrot ASTEROID CK is compatible with all brands of mobile phones on the market and all operating systems.

Availability: Coming in 2012
Price: To be announced

Parrot ASTEROID NAV: Telephony, Music, Internet and Navigation With its wide, 5'' color capacitive multi-touch screen, the Parrot ASTEROID NAV offers advanced hands-free
phone features, multi-source music playing, access to Web services and includes a complete onboard navigation solution.

The Parrot ASTEROID NAV installs to the vehicle's dashboard and comes with a wireless remote control that can be positioned on the steering wheel.
Internet access is possible via a 3G key or a tethering phone connected by Bluetooth, USB or Wi-Fi.

The built-in voice-recognition technology can be used to make or accept phone calls while keeping hands on the wheel. It can also be used to search for an album or artist
from various connected sources of music (iPod/iPhone, USB key, SD card). Music files may also be shared by Bluetooth stereo A2DP from a mobile phone.

Additionally, the Parrot ASTEROID NAV offers many audio settings thanks to the Virtual SuperBass2 and the Sound Spatializer systems. Equipped with Parrot Dual Mode (Multipoint) technology, the Parrot ASTEROID NAV simultaneously manages up to two Bluetooth phones, and, as with all Parrot products, is compatible with all brands of mobile phones on the market and all OSs.

Availability: Coming in 2012
Price: To be announced