JVC expands app and smartphone compatibility for 2013 head units, gives Android users remote control

New receivers aren't the only announcement JVC brought to CES -- it's also promising to expand App compatibility for its 2013 line of infotainment head units. Moving forward, the company will be injecting new receivers with App Link Mode with Extended Control, a technology that allows the head unit to take direct control of specific apps and pipe audio through the vehicle's speakers. JVC will be announcing compatible applications as the year moves forward, but is kicking off 2013 with MotionX GPS-Drive -- promising to deliver iPhone augmented lane assistance, live speed limit updates, navigation tools, maps and turn by turn commands. The company is releasing more Android compatible apps too, offering JVC Smart Music Control to drivers on Google's platform. Android users will be able to utilize 12 gestures and voice commands to tweak EQ settings, read text messages, tweet, post to Facebook or change music tracks. Users won't have to look at their phones to control the head unit, but they will have to blindly fumble with them a little, by the sound of it. It's not exactly texting while driving, but we wouldn't let Johnny Law see you changing playlists, all the same.

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JVC MOBILE entertainment introduces new 2013 arsenal high-end lineup with smartphone connectivity and advanced audio/visual features

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2013 – JVC Mobile Entertainment, the premier developer and manufacturer of sophisticated mobile, audio, and video products, today introduced three new Arsenal high-end CD receivers and a multimedia receiver at the 2013 International CES show. The new line-up of high-end receivers are SiriusXM-Ready™ and give access to SiriusXM's expanded commercial-free music, sports and comedy channel lineup as well as SiriusXM Latino, a suite of Spanish-language programming, incorporate aesthetically pleasing elements with seamless mobile phone integration through its JVC Music Control and JVC Smart Music Control App functions, plus include radio timer, App Link Mode and enhanced Bluetooth and Pandora® Internet Radio capabilities.

5-ZONE COLOR VARIABLE (KD-A845BT)

Allowing the user to create a more personalized and cool driving experience, JVC has incorporated an eye pleasing function called 5-Zone Variable Color. Built into the KD-A845BT, the user is able to manipulate through 30,000 different colors with variable brightness in each of five separate zones to create different light effects, which can be customized to individual tastes and moods. The zones change to Green (Accept Call) and Red (Reject Call) with incoming phone calls allowing for quick and easy call acceptance. In addition, the volume level knob changes color from Blue to Red as the volume is increased, giving off an illumination that adds to the in-car ambiance.

SIRIUS XM Connectivity (KD-A645, KD-A845BT, KW-ADV65BT)

The KD-A645, KD-A845BT and KW-ADV65BT are SiriusXM-Ready™ and offer the capability of receiving SiriusXM's commercial-free music, premier sports talk and live events, comedy, news, exclusive talk and entertainment and SiriusXM Latino, the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM programming is received through the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). New for JVC in 2013, these SiriusXM-Ready™ models include SiriusXM Replay™ for pause, rewind and replay of up to 60 minutes of live SiriusXM content.

PANDORA® INTERNET RADIO (KD-AHD57, KD-A645, KD-A845BT, KW-ADV65BT)

Available in all new 2013 Arsenal Single-DIN models, the KD-AHD75BT and KD-A95BT continuing Single-DIN models, and the KW-ADV65BT multi-media receiver is an integration with Pandora® Internet Radio that works with the iPhone via USB connection. With simple controls from the head unit to allow the user to forward skip, Pause/Play, Search Station, Artist and Song Title are all shown on-screen to replicate key Pandora command functions. To further personalize the listening experience, thumb up and thumb down commands are built into the head unit control panel on new 2013 models. Android users will be able to use Pandora® Internet Radio with the new KD-A845BT CD and KW-ADV65BT Multimedia receivers through a Bluetooth® connection while still taking advantage of main controls through the head unit.

HD RADIO™ TECHNOLOGY (KD-AHD57, KD-AHD75BT)

The new Arsenal KD-AHD57 and continuing model KD-AHD75BT feature built-In HD Radio™ Tuners. HD Radio™ is a Digital technology that allows a radio broadcaster to digitally transmit additional data in the same radio wave enabling higher quality sound and the ability to transfer additional content and information. HD Radio™ technology produces FM-like sound quality for AM stations, while FM stations can be heard with CD-like sound quality. Unlike typical FM or AM transmission however, HD Radio™ has crystal clear reception with low noise and no audio distortion. Multicasting allows access to additional channels on HD radio on any JVC HD Radio™ receiver. These "stations in between the stations" contain exciting new programming that cannot be found on typical radio stations such as: new radio formats, additional music content, new music genre and talk radio formats, and experimental content.

JVC MUSIC CONTROL (KD-AHD57, KD-A645)

The 2013 KD-AHD57 and KD-A645 CD receivers are integrated with the JVC Music Control App that allow Android users to listen to their favorite songs through an iPod like browsing experience via USB Mass Storage Mode. Song selection and browsing through music by Artists, Albums, and Titles are also available through the head unit. To further enhance a more personalized driving experience, the JVC Music Control App is capable of selecting playlists based on a particular Mood, which acts like the driver's personal DJ.

JVC SMART MUSIC CONTROL (KD-A845BT)

The JVC Smart Music Control App is a free download, which can be used with the KD-A845BT via Bluetooth® SPP connection. Android users will be able to use their smartphone as a head unit remote control with 12 different gesture commands or use the same commands through stereo voice controls. With just a touch of a button or a simple voice command, the user is able to change EQ settings, read out text messages over the speakers, post or tweet preset messages on Facebook and Twitter, search music by name, change tracks using voice control through the Bluetooth Microphone as well as select songs by Mood through the Android phone.

BLUETOOTH® ENHANCEMENTS (KD-A845BT, KW-ADV65BT)

New Bluetooth® technology is built-in to KD-A845BT and KW-ADV65BT for 2013 providing the user with hands-free access through the head unit to Bluetooth enabled devices. Users will be able to dial out by recent call activity for received, missed or outgoing calls. Manual echo-cancelling settings provide for better audio performance and help create a more natural conversation setting. The voice recognition functions for smart phone users are further enhanced with automatic detection through Bluetooth capabilities. Bluetooth connection also connects the smartphone to the CD receiver at all times to provide users with the option to store dialed numbers using the six key presets on the head unit. New 2013 Models KD-A645 and KD-AHD57 are also Ready for Bluetooth using JVC's optional KS-BTA100 add-on Bluetooth adapter.
RADIO TIMER (All New Models)
An all-new radio timer function is included in each new model in the 2013 JVC line-up. The radio timer will automatically change the radio station to a preset radio program on a single, daily or weekly basis and work with FM/AM/HD or a Connected Sirius Tuner.
MADE FOR IPHONE/IPOD
All new models with USB ports continue compatibility with connected iPhone® and iPod® devices via Apple's white USB dock connector. Connected devices play back audio with on-screen display of artist and title information. Users can also search for music by the same category layers as the iPhone® or iPod® structure, as well as change a setting to allow control of music track selection from the iPhone® or iPod® itself.
APP LINK MODE (KW-ADV65BT)

The KW-ADV65BT includes App Link Mode, a feature that enhances the user experience of certain iPhone apps with live on-screen graphic display and music/audio playback through the vehicle's speakers. Available for download on the Apple App store, the variety of compatible apps have been hand selected to enhance the driving experience including Navigation, Music Streaming, Drive Recording, and Vehicle Information Alerts, etc. For 2013, JVC will be introducing even more apps that are compatible with App Link including Navigation, POI, Music Streaming, Camcorder Viewing and Vehicle information. JVC will also be upgrading its App Link Mode feature to App Link Mode with Extended Control for iPhone® devices connected via USB. This will enable the user to take advantage of additional functionality and control of their iPhone® apps directly from the head unit's touchscreen. Both App Link Mode and App Link Mode with Extended control use the optional JVC KS-U30 video cable for iPhone®/iPod®.*
The KD-A845BT CD Receiver features two rear USB ports, gold plated Front/Rear/Subwoofer 4.8 Volt Line Outputs, a two-year manufacturer's warranty, is steering wheel remote control ready, and will be available in March at a Best Value of $189.95. JVC's KD-AHD57 has a built-in HD Radio™ tuner, front USB port, gold plated Front and Rear/Sub Selectable 2.5 Volt Line Outputs, a two-year manufacturer's warranty, is steering wheel remote control ready, and is available in January at a Best Value of $139.95. The KD-A645 features a front USB Port, Front and Rear/Selectable gold plated 2.5 Volt Line Outputs, and separated variable color. It will be available in January with a Best Value of $119.95 and also features a two-year manufacturer's warranty.
Two single-DIN receivers continue in the lineup from 2012 consisting of the KD-A95BT and the KD-AHD75BT. The KD-A95BT features a flip-down three line display, Built-In Bluetooth®, Separated Variable Color, two rear USB ports, Digital Sound Processor with 5-Band EQ, Front/Rear/Subwoofer 4.8 Volt Line Outputs, is steering wheel remote control ready, and is currently available with a Best Value of $219.95. The single-line display KD-AHD75BT features built-in Bluetooth® and HD Radio™ Technology, front and rear USB ports, Front/Rear/Subwoofer 2.5 Volt Line Outputs, is steering wheel remote control ready, and is available now with a Best Value of $209.95. Both models feature a two year manufacturer's warranty.
The KW-ADV65BT DVD/CD/USB receiver features a fully detachable 6.1-inch WVGA display, Built-in Bluetooth® Wireless Technology with, a rear USB port with 2-way iPod control and the App Link Mode feature. App Link mode allows on-screen display and control of 18 compatible apps via a connected iPhone. This receiver is SiriusXM Ready, and is WAV/MP3/WMA compatible. The unit also features MOS-FET 50 watts x 4, 3 sets of 4V pre-outs, wireless remote, and two-year manufacturer's warranty. It is shipping now for $419.95.

JVC MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT EXPANDS APP COMPATIBILITY AND CAPABILITY IN ITS 2013 MULTIMEDIA, CD, AND DIGITAL MEDIA RECEIVERS

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2013 -- JVC Mobile Entertainment, the premier developer and manufacturer of sophisticated mobile, audio, and video products, has expanded its list of compatible apps, which work in conjunction with four new multimedia in-dash receivers. Driven by the App Link Mode feature, the head unit provides control similar to the iPod®/iPhone®*, offering simultaneous playback and display of App data on the receiver's screen, as well as audio playback through the vehicle's speakers. Apps currently compatible with App Link mode include INRIX Traffic, TuneIn streaming music service, SonicMax Pro for JVC (Powered by BBE), the DriveMate Rec suite of apps, and Pandora® Internet Radio. More apps will be added this year.

For 2013, JVC has introduced an advanced version of the technology for all new multimedia receivers called App Link Mode with Extended Control, which will both display the application's data on the multimedia receiver's display and allow users to touch anywhere on the screen to operate the app's functions as they would on their smart phone. Audio is also played back through the vehicle's speakers. The first compatible app with the new App Link Mode with Extended Control is MotionX-GPS Drive and more will be announced soon.

Two new JVC developed apps are also available to Android users that work with new USB and Bluetooth® based In-Dash CD and Digital Media Receivers. The JVC Music Control app is a free download that allows browsing through songs loaded on the Android smart phone's memory by Artist, Album, Title, or Mood from the head unit. The second app, JVC Smart Music Control, works when connected via Bluetooth® to allow use of the Android phone as a head unit remote control. The app provides gesture or voice commands to control key functions of the head unit, as well as text message readouts and the ability to post preset messages on Facebook and Twitter.

MOTIONX® GPS-DRIVE

MotionX® GPS Drive turns an iPhone® into the next-generation car and pedestrian navigation solution, optimized for the iPhone 5 and the iPad with new premium features, including visual lane assistance, live local speed limits, "door-to-door" personal navigation tools, and user interface innovations to simplify the navigation experience. Using App Link Mode, Two or Three-Dimensional maps are displayed on the multimedia receiver's LCD display while turn-by-turn commands are voiced through the vehicle's speakers. Many key features of the App such as map scroll, zoom in and out, traffic display, and voice guidance muting can be controlled on-screen as well.
INRIX TRAFFIC
INRIX Traffic is your eye in the sky providing personalized real-time traffic information, traffic forecasts, accident and incident alerts that helps save time, fuel and frustration on the roads every day. Through INRIX's crowd-sourced network of nearly 100 million vehicles and devices, the app provides up-to-the-minute information on traffic conditions for city streets and highways as well as expert insight into how conditions are expected to change over time to help the user better plan their trips and avoid frustrating delays along the way.
COBRA IRADAR™
The latest model of Cobra's multi-award-winning detection system, Cobra iRadar 200 consists of a sleek dash-mounted smart detector unit paired via Bluetooth® to an intuitive smartphone app. Together the system detects police radar/laser signals and notifies users in real-time of upcoming caution areas, excessive vehicle speed, live police and photo enforcement areas, and then automatically shares caution information with other iRadar users nearby. The new system offers universal support for iOS smartphones and retails for $129.95.

TUNE IN

TuneIn allow users to listen to the world's radio wherever they may be. Whether they choose music, sports, news or comedy, TuneIn provides the best of live radio among 70,000 stations as well as two-million on-demand programs, like podcasts and concerts. Using App Link Mode, drivers can control TuneIn without touching their iPhone and see large album artwork plus song and artist titles on-screen.
SONICMAX™ PRO FOR JVC (POWERED BY BBE)
SonicMax™ Pro turns iPhone®, iPod Touch® or iPad into an HD-quality music player. BBE's critically acclaimed Sonic Maximizer® HD-audio technology – the same technology that the world's most respected artists and audio professionals rely on for deep rich dynamic clarity and detail from every performance – now fits in the palm of a hand. SonicMax™ Pro is the must-have app for every musician, aspiring DJ and music fanatic. SonicMax™ Pro for JVC includes built-in preset audio settings for JVC home and car audio products, as well as headphones.
DRIVEMATE REC
DriveMate Rec is an iPhone® app that records video while driving and tracks the route driven and comprises three applications: DriveMate OnBoard Cam is an application to record movies and tracks during the driving; DriveMate Time Trial record tracks for driving and jogging that can be compared with other tracks or the real driving or jogging; and Drive Mate Rec mini is an application that makes iPhone® a drive recorder. Each application is also sold separately.
DRIVEMATE SAFETY CAM
DriveMate SafetyCam (not included in the DriveMate Rec suite) is an app that constantly monitors vehicles running in front of the vehicle and alerts the driver for any hazards that may occur.
IHEARTRADIO
iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's all-in-one digital radio app, allows access to more than 1,500 live radio stations from across the country and has the ability to create custom stations inspired by a song the user is listening to and save favorite stations for easy future listening.The new KW-NT310, KW-NT510HDT, and KW-NT810HDT receivers will also allow iHeartRadio listeners to utilize the app's social sharing functions and the thumb-up or thumb-down songs feature on their custom stations. The app can be easily accessed on the mobile device as well as on the head unit and will be available for download in the spring from the Google Play and is available currently from iTunes App stores.

PANDORA® INTERNET RADIO

Pandora® is free personalized radio that plays only the music you'll love. Personalized radio stations launch instantly with the input of a favorite artist, song, comedian or musical genre. The Music Genome Project®, a deeply detailed hand-built musical taxonomy, powers the personalization of Pandora by using musicological "DNA" and constant listener feedback to craft personalized stations from a growing collection of more than a million tracks. Pandora® is fully controllable for iPhone® with USB connection on the JVC's three navigation units, Four AV Multimedia receivers, Two MirrorLink receivers, Sixteen In-dash CD Models, and Two Digital Media Receivers. The KD-X200 DMR Receiver is the starting receiver with Pandora® Control that retails for $79.95. Full control of Pandora is available with display on Bluetooth® In-Dash CD Models, Multimedia Receivers, MirrorLink Receivers, and Digital Media Receivers using Android Smart Phones.

JVC MUSIC CONTROL

JVC Music Control allows Android users to listen to their favorite songs through an iPod like browsing experience via USB Mass Storage Mode. Song selection and browsing through music by Artists, Albums, and Titles is available through the head unit. To further enhance a more personalized driving experience, JVC Music Control is capable of selecting playlists based on a particular Mood, which acts like the driver's personal DJ.
JVC SMART MUSIC CONTROL APP
JVC Smart Music Control is a free download that operates via a Bluetooth® SPP connection. Android users will be able to use their smartphone as a head unit remote control with 12 gesture commands or use the same commands through stereo voice controls. With just a touch of a button or a simple voice command, the user is able to change EQ settings, read out text messages over the speakers, post or tweet preset messages on Facebook and Twitter, search music by name, change tracks using voice control through the Bluetooth® Microphone as well as select songs by Mood through the Android phone.