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A silent, 10-minute song is climbing the iTunes charts
If you've ever plugged your phone into your car stereo, only to have the same song start playing every single time, I have some good news for you. Yesterday, a true internet hero named Samir Mezrahi released a song on iTunes that's just 10 minutes of silence -- and he named it "A a a a a Very Good Song." Since the iPhone starts playing music alphabetically when you plug it in to many car stereos, that usually means there's one song that you hear whether you want to or not. Many songs starting with the letter A have probably been ruined thanks to this quirk -- but if you download Mezrahi's creation, you'll instead have plenty of time to queue up the songs you want to hear.
Gracenote automatically tunes your car stereo for each song
Gracenote has developed several ways to leverage its audio tech in the past few years, and the one unveiled today is all about making sure your music sounds its best while you're on the road. Dynamic EQ is built on its ability to identify the music being played, and then adjust your car's audio settings for that particular song. Pretty much any audio system out now has simple genre presets for the equalizer, but for drivers, switching between them as you listen to radio, streaming or CDs doesn't usually make sense.
Satechi BT Media Remote steers your iOS media habits, summons Siri via Bluetooth
Sometimes you just don't feel like getting up to flip through that Yacht Rock playlist on Spotify while your Apple slate rests comfortably in its dock. Satechi is looking to prolong your relaxation with its BT Media Remote for your iPhone, iPad or Mac. The accessory does exactly what you'd expect -- it allows you to peruse your audio and video libraries on a Bluetooth-enabled iOS device while connected to a TV, docking station or your car's stereo. On top of the usual remote functions, the accessory can be used as a remote camera shutter control for those all-important group shots and the home button can summon your smartphone's personal assistant. Interested? You can snag yours now for a mere $40 via the source link below.
Insert Coin: Dash car stereo gives your iPhone a new home, away from the cupholder (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. We're pretty fond of new ways to integrate smartphones with car stereos here at Engadget, which is why we're particularly intrigued by a new Kickstarter project called Dash. Unlike MirrorLink, which reflects a phone's interface onto a larger touchscreen, this nifty creation puts the smartphone front and center in the stereo itself. While the Dash will initially support only the iPhone 4 / 4S and iPod Touch -- which connects via the dock connector -- the company seems ambitious to target other platforms in the future.The Dash comes in two parts, the double-DIN stereo itself, along with a detachable aluminum faceplate that's held to the main unit with neodymium magnets. The only interface element is a volume knob, as every other interaction is performed on the iPhone's 3.5-inch display -- just promise to keep your eyes on the road when you sort through your tunes. The stereo contains four 50W channels and two 2V preamps. The Dash is currently projected to ship in July for $300, but a $250 donation serves as a discounted preorder right now. It'll be available in a variety of colors, which you can peep in the gallery below, and be sure to check out the project's video after the break.
Android integration for car stereos and rear-view mirrors, hands-on (video)
CES may be over, but we've still got a few interesting gems to share from our week-long trip in Las Vegas. Far off the beaten path of glitzy booths and familiar brand names, we discovered a few companies that are looking to bring Android gadgetry into automobiles. One that exemplifies this nascent product realm is known as Rydeen. While many of its creations remain merely prototypes, the firm is close to completion of a double-DIN stereo head unit that runs Android 2.2. Then, imagine our surprise when we discovered a functional version of Froyo running from within a rear-view mirror. By the company's own admission, it has no interest to bring a stock Android experience to the reflective surface, but rather is treating this project as a learning experience. By 2013, it hopes to show a finalized mirror with a simplified interface more appropriate for drivers. We happened to grab a brief hands-on video with both models, along with the Android head unit. While we'd be hesitant to use any of the samples in their current state, each provides a fine glimpse into some of the consumer products that we may see in the desert next year.
Ford USB Music Box adds mass storage playback, smartphone charging to AUX-enabled receivers
Sure, you've probably been leading a compact disc-less life in the living room and on the go for quite a few years now, but there's one place where optical media often remains the only option for on-demand tunes: your car. Now select Ford owners in Europe have an option accessing and controlling their smartphones, flash drives or other USB mass storage devices from an in-dash audio system. The USB Music Box connects to compatible audio and nav systems with an AUX input, and lives in the glovebox, center console or armrest, pumping tunes through your car's speakers with "great sound quality very similar to that of the radio." Last time we checked, FM radio has an equivalent bitrate quite a bit lower than your typical digital music file, so that's not exactly a glowing testimonial. Still, if you're desperate for a way to carry thousands of tracks in your car without filling the trunk with an array of sizable silver saucers, it might be time to toss aside the gloves and open up the Music Box -- assuming, of course, that you own one of ten recent models outlined in the PR just past the break.
Siri lends a hand via your Bluetooth-enabled car stereo, reminds you to buy milk (video)
Sure, we've seen Siri used to do a host of things, including controlling the temperature in a hacker's home. But the folks over at Autoblog were curious to know just how well the virtual assistant would work with Bluetooth-enabled car stereos. Once your iPhone 4S is properly tethered, holding down the handset's home button will activate Siri. Treating her as an incoming call, your Notorious B.I.G. playlist will pause before the ready-for-command chime sounds. The in-car assistant was tested on two Mercedes-Benz automobiles, a Chrysler 300, a Dodge Charger and a Nissan Maxima, with the Maxima showcasing the best results. It comes as no surprise that mic placement on each stereo and in-cabin background noise provided a noticeable difference in Siri's listening abilities during the test. For a glimpse of the action before trying it out yourself, hit the video just past the break.
Parrot Asteroid Android-powered car stereo hands-on
Ca-Fi is an aftermarket Android car stereo that won't fit in your dashboard Parrot Asteroid to drive music, Android from your dash this October (video) Pioneer's AppRadio delivers iPhone integration, automotive and audio bliss for $400 Parrot has been teasing us with its Asteroid head unit for quite some time now, first showing it off at CES way back in January. It's finally coming to the US in October and we got a chance to try it out in Frankfurt. This Android-powered unit fits into a DIN slot in your car -- easily replacing many standard car stereos (and some non-standard ones too). It comes with a flurry of cables that includes a GPS receiver (which can be stuck somewhere outside the car to get better reception) and inputs for USB, 3.5mm audio, and even an iDevice. Through these you can pull tunes from just about anything to play on there, but if you tether the device with a phone to provide connectivity (or plug in a USB modem, or connect over WiFi) you can stream music directly on it. It also offers Google Navigation, including traffic and all the niceties you've come to expect from your smartphone -- but on an admittedly tiny (3.2-inch) screen. Connect a music device over USB and it'll index the contents via GraceNote, letting you speak any artist, album, or song to play it directly. The Asteroid ships to the US in October for $349. If you have room for a little more Android in your life, maybe it's time to make a little more room in your dash. %Gallery-133979%
Ca-Fi is an aftermarket Android car stereo that won't fit in your dashboard
Aftermarket infotainment and stereo solutions for cars have largely died off here in the US. Innotrends has cooked up an Android-powered box, called Ca-Fi, that might have you wishing this little in-dash computer could find a home in your vinyl-covered panel. The 1.2GHz chip inside pushes Gingerbread to the 6.2-inch touch screen for pulling up directions, playing tunes and performing searches using the integrated 3G radio. Of course, as ExtremeTech points out, the double-DIN slot used by the Ca-Fi has been largely abandoned by car makers (particularly in America). But hey, if you've been looking for a way to spruce up that Nova rusting away in your garage, this could be it. We just hope you're the patient type -- Ca-Fi isn't expected to launch until Spring of 2012 and will be a Europe only affair at first. Head on after the break for one more pic and some PR.
Pandora connects to Sony's in-dash receivers, adds iOS, Android and BlackBerry support
Just two short years after announcing its plans for in-car music streaming, Pandora has finally begun to trickle its way into in-dash receivers. The digital music service can now be accessed through four of Sony's latest connected car stereos -- the DSX-S210X, DSX-S310BTX, and the SiriusXM-compatible CDX-GT660UP and CDX-GT565UP. The DSX units connect to Pandora's smartphone app via "an integrated Tune Tray," while the CDX models employ a no-frills USB solution, making your suite of personalized music stations an on-road reality. Although all of the receivers offer integration with the iPhone, only the Bluetooth-enabled DSX-S310BTX links Android and BlackBerry users to Pandora's streaming cloud. Of course, if you're looking for an additional means of accessing music on-the-go, you can always opt for FM radio. Full PR after the break.
Pioneer's AppRadio delivers iPhone integration, automotive and audio bliss for $400
We knew Pioneer's AppRadio car stereo was coming to cozy up with our iPhones, but we didn't know how much its iOS integration capabilities would cost, until now. Turns out 400 bucks buys you one, and it's picked up some new capabilities since we got handsy with the device last month. In addition to letting you listen to tunes stored on your iPhone, access Google Maps, and make calls, the AppRadio now has access to your iPhone's contacts, calendar, videos, and photos as well. Unfortunately, there's still only four other apps (Rdio, Pandora, MotionX-GPS Drive, and INRIX) available, though Pioneer says more are coming. With a name like AppRadio they ought to get here soon, as in immediately. Peep the PR after the break for the full monty.
Pioneer unveils its AppRadio, integrates iOS into your automobile
Rumors regarding Pioneer's AppRadio hit the web last month, promising unparalleled iDevice integration for our automobiles. Pioneer has finally unleashed the double-DIN device, and it's everything we thought it would be -- namely a big car stereo that plays nice with iOS. There's an 800 x 400 6.1-inch multitouch capacitive display, Bluetooth connectivity, and it teams up with your iPhone or iPod touch (running iOS 4.2) via a 30-pin connector and Pioneer's AppRadio app. There's also an external mic and GPS antenna, full iPod music control and Google Maps integration, and specially formatted apps from Rdio and Pandora. Pioneer suggests a price "below $500" when it goes on sale June 22nd. We're going hands-on with the new stereo as we speak, so peruse the PR after the break and stay tuned for pics and impressions.
Mimics helps you cope with your Sync-less existence (video)
Much as we hate to admit it, we can't all afford a fancy new car with Sync or Mini Connected inside -- I mean, come on, we're not made of money, people. Thankfully, it seems MP3Car has a pretty slick and affordable solution to the problem of fumbling with your iPhone when you should probably be focusing on the road and not crashing into things. Mimics is an in-car solution that transmits the contents of your handset to a touchscreen display in the vehicle's dash, letting you listen to music, use GPS, take calls, and check email without having to deal directly with the phone. The system is available now for pre-order at $630 for the full version, $530 for people who have standard double DIN-sized radio openings in their cars, and $205 for hobbyists who want to put the thing together -- here's hoping they're parked when they do. [Thanks, Sean]
Pioneer demos new iPhone-powered in-dash interface
We first heard about Pioneer's AVIC in-car units back at CES earlier this year, but earlier today, the company was kind enough to drive a Land Rover up to my curb here in Los Angeles, and I checked out the system in action. The main unit, as you can see in the picture above, is a pretty standard touchscreen in-dash interface -- you can use it to flip between any in-car audio or video controls you have, and of course, it has a built-in GPS unit and can do all of the usual navigation things, like give you a route or check traffic. But the interesting thing about this one is that it hooks up to your iPhone -- you can just barely see Pioneer's demo iPhone in the picture above, plugged into a dock cable that runs up through the glove compartment. And indeed, that's where your iPhone stays. The idea with this unit is that it works as an interface for your phone while driving, rather than replacing it completely.
Oval bookshelf is the perfect case for this DIY car stereo radio (video)
Got a leftover head unit sitting about? How about a PC power supply? Add a few old speakers, a oval bookshelf, a sewing machine box handle and some carefully prepared wooden panels, and you've got a beautiful retro radio that looks like several hundred bucks. User iminthebathroom built this one for a daughter's Christmas present, but isn't keeping the formula to him or herself -- you'll find a full walkthrough at Instructables if you're in a MacGuyver mood, and a video after the break to show you what the cherry-red contraption can do.
Sony brings TomTom to US-bound XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT in-dash head units
We heard back at IFA that Sony was making the absolutely brilliant move of incorporating a market leading navigational system into its Xplod line of in-dash A/V units, and now that love is being shipped across the Atlantic (or the Pacific, if you're taking the scenic route) in the form of the XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT. The beautiful Sony / TomTom partnership will soon be assisting clueless American motorists when both of the previously mentioned units ship in November, with the 770BT offering a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and the 660BT stepping down to a 6.1-incher. They'll both feature rear USB ports for iDevice connections, support for multi-channel audio playback and most importantly, pre-loaded maps of US and Canadian roadways. TomTom claims that its maps offer more than one million more miles of roads than other GPS brands in America alone, and buyers will also be treated to familiar TomTom extras like IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance, MapShare and six million POIs. We still wish Garmin would've received the nod here, but it's certainly better than some white label system -- check 'em soon for $1,300 and $1,000 in order of mention.
Sony's head units Xplod into the infotainment scene with TomTom GPS on in-dash screens
They may not have been the highlight of Sony's IFA 2010 press conference, but the company's new XNV head units deserve a place of their own, given they integrate full-blown TomTom GPS units and audio/video playback into their 7- and 6.1-inch WVGA touchscreens. Presently destined for Europe, the XNV-L77BT, XNV-770BT, XNV-L66BT and XNV-660BT will ship in November with TeleAtlas maps of 45 nations for a number of undisclosed prices, with each sporting Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB jacks, DivX playback and a DVD drive. The presumably-more-expensive "L" models also come with the usual array of traffic and weather alerts plus a Google-powered local search function, and all four decks sport a music recommendation engine that reportedly changes track based on your mood... though how the system measures your emotional attentions, we're not quite sure, and hope to find out soon. Press release after the break.
Reports: Issues with iPhone 4 and car stereos
We've received several tips over the weekend from iOS 4 users who are having trouble connecting to their car stereos. A search of Apple's discussion boards revealed that they're not alone. Here's what's going on: A number of stereo units from Pioneer, JVC and others are giving a "device incompatible" message when connected to an iPhone running iOS 4. Note that the 3G and 3GS phones in question worked fine with these stereos when they were on iOS 3.1.3. Of course, the iPhone 4 only runs iOS 4, but since the older phones are also affected it seems likely that this is a software issue, not a hardware one. Others aren't getting the incompatibility message, but are seeing weird behavior. For example, everything works fine until a call comes in and then finishes. The song that was playing at the time starts over from the beginning, instead of picking up where it left off. Others report that the iPod app will play music for about 10 seconds and then go silent, even though it says music is still playing. The issue is spread across manufacturers, so it's reasonable to point the finger at iOS 4 (unless all these stereo makers missed the same fine print in the iPhone compatibility specifications). If you've had the same trouble -- or better yet, found a fix -- let us know. Here's hoping a future update takes care of the issue.
Make your iPhone hands-free for less than the price of a ticket
In most states it's illegal to drive while holding an iPhone to your ear, with the average price of a ticket coming in at at least $100. Personally, I'm lucky since my Lexus 400h, like many cars, allows me to make and take calls through my car stereo. My interaction is limited to receiving calls by pressing a green button, and then pressing with a red hang up button on the steering wheel to end the call. Now Parrot has provided that same functionality to any car for less than the price of a ticket, namely US$99.99. The Parrot Minikit Slim is an ingenious device that clips onto your sun visor. After Bluetooth pairing to your iPhone, installation is complete. It automatically downloads your iPhone contact list and then voice-enables that list. Push the green button and tell it who to call, and it dials the number for you. If there are two numbers associated to your contact, you'll be prompted for either 'home' or 'mobile', similar to the Voice Command function on the iPhone. The Minikit Slim is self-contained including a microphone and speaker. When your call is done, you simply push the red button and disconnect the call. The idea is simple, but the functionality is incredibly useful since you can move the Minikit Slim to any car. Outside of its obvious use as a hands-free kit, I can see it being quite valuable at the intersection of road warriors and rental cars. If your iPhone is synced with a Windows machine, it will download the address book, so it's fully cross-platform. The Minikit Slim won't weigh you down, either -- it weighs only about three ounces.
Alpine intros Pandora-controlling iDA-X305S head unit, INA-W900 in-dash nav system
It's been a hot minute since we've heard the good word from Alpine, but as with pretty much every other outfit in the consumer electronics realm, said company has decided to spill its latest innovations here at CES. Most notable is the introduction of the iDA-X305S head unit, which is the firm's first digital media receiver to offer up direct control over the wildly popular Pandora iPhone app. Users simply connect their iPhone via the USB socket, and the head unit plays Pandora stations from the app -- simple as that. For those looking for something a touch more robust, there's the INA-W900 in-dash nav system. This one sports a 7-inch WVGA touchpanel, Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC, turn-by-turn guidance and six million POIs. Alpine's also unveiling new Type-R subwoofers, PDX amplifiers, the CDA-118M waterproof marine head unit and the PXE-H660 audio processor, all of which are detailed in the full release just after the break.
