Parrot ASTEROID: A world of infotainment for vehicles

Parrot ASTEROID: A world of infotainment for vehicles

Parrot once again establishes its technological leadership and its unique vision of in-car infotainment with three new innovative and connected solutions for consumers:
Parrot ASTEROID Mini (Apps, Music and Hands-Free Telephony),
Parrot ASTEROID Tablet (Apps, GPS, Music and Hands-Free Telephony)
And Parrot ASTEROID Smart (Apps, Navigation, Video, Music and Hands-Free Telephony).

These three systems, forming part of the Parrot ASTEROID development platform of connected products running on Android™, provide access to a world of services and contents in car.
With ASTEROID range, Parrot revolutionises in-car infotainment and establishes itself as a leading player on the market by offering a high performing range of in-car communication systems that match and take advantage of Smartphone functionalities.




Parrot ASTEROID range: a lot of functionalities

The results of over four years of research and development, Parrot ASTEROID Mini, Parrot ASTEROID Tablet and Parrot ASTEROID Smart run on Android™ and benefit from Parrot technological excellence in hands-free telephony and multimedia systems.

The three solutions include the following functionality:
- Infotainment
- Access to numerous Apps and content via a 3G, 4G key or via Bluetooth or USB tethering from a mobile phone or tablet.
- Download new Apps from the ASTEROID Market online store.
- Music
- Search for an artist or album by voice and on all connected devices.
- Connection to various musical sources: iDevices, USB key, SD card, MP3 player…
- Transfer music files from a mobile phone or tablet in Bluetooth® stereo A2DP.
- Navigation / GPS solutions (vary by Parrot ASTEROID model).
- Hands-free telephony
- Compatibility with all brands of Bluetooth mobile phones on the market; automatic phonebook synchronization; user-independent voice recognition; text-to-speech; simultaneous management of two mobile phones thanks to ‘Parrot Dual Mode’ technology; noise reduction and echo cancelling…

Parrot ASTEROID Mini: Apps, Music and Hands-Free Telephony



With a 3.2in colour screen, the Parrot ASTEROID Mini installs on the vehicle’s dashboard and comes with a GPS antenna and a wireless remote control to be attached to the steering wheel.
Connected to the Internet via 3G, 4G key or a tethering mobile phone connected by Bluetooth or USB, Parrot ASTEROID Mini accesses the ASTEROID Market in order to download Apps and other services like a simplified GPS system, a music library…
Availability: November 2012
MSRP: £249.99




Parrot ASTEROID Tablet : Apps, GPS, Music and Hands-Free Telephony




The Parrot ASTEROID Tablet has a large 5in colour capacitive multi-touch screen with an integrated GPS antenna. It installs easily to the vehicle’s dashboard or windshield thanks to a repositionable foot.
In the manner of a multimedia tablet, navigation of the menu is tactile via the screen, and a wireless remote control with a sensitive panel also enables the drive to manage functionality including hands-free telephony, selection of music source and music search by the voice…
In addition to accessing Apps and services via 3G, 4G key or by tethering from a mobile phone or tablet connected by Bluetooth or USB, the Parrot ASTEROID Tablet can connect to a proximity Wi-Fi network. It is then possible to download a GPS solution and a large selection of applications from the ASTEROID Market.
Lastly, the Parrot ASTEROID Tablet offers many audio settings thanks to the Virtual SuperBass2 and Sound Spatializer systems.
Availability: November 2012
MSRP: £349.99



Parrot ASTEROID Smart : Apps, Navigation, Video, Music and Hands-Free Telephony




With its wide 6.2in colour multi-touch screen, the Parrot ASTEROID Smart is a comprehensive connected multimedia car head unit. Its 2-DIN format fits perfectly into the central column of the dashboard in many vehicles.
Control of the menus of the Parrot ASTEROID Smart is tactile via the touch screen.
Equipped with a GPS antenna, the Parrot ASTEROID Smart includes a complete onboard navigation system.
Numerous applications adapted to the size of the screen of the Parrot ASTEROID Smart and to its specific functionalities are downloadable on the ASTEROID Market via 3G, 4G key, by tethering from a mobile phone or tablet connected by Bluetooth or USB or by connecting to a proximity Wi-Fi network. These applications include radios and podcasts from all over the world; driving assistance solution; tourist information…
Equipped with various connectors (6 RCA, 1 video input & 1 video output), the Parrot ASTEROID Smart can be connected to a rear camera or to a rear seat AV system.
Availability: November 2012
MSRP: £549.99

Autosounds partner with TomTom Business Solutions through TTI

Autosounds have specialised in the fleet tracking industry for nearly 12 years now and in this period we have been a distributor for a number of tracking and telematics brands including Tracker, Road Angel, Mix Telematics, Box Telematix and Quartix.

By dealing with all of the above companies we have gained a very good understanding and independent view of which tracking solutions are best for our customers. We were approached by TTinterlink to become a reseller of the TomTom Business Solutions system which we believe is a system that the majority of our customers will be using for many years to come.

We were immediately interested with the Brand alone as it is arguably one of the most well known brands in the world with very few people that would never have heard of TomTom so coupled with this and the fact that the system itself is so easy to use yet complex at the same time lends itself to companies with 1 vehicle up to companies with thousands.

It can be used as a simple track and trace product and report speeds, locations, exception reports, scheduled reports or can derive in-depth information for driver behaviour.

If you are interested in finding out more information about TomTom Business Solutions please visit us at http://www.ttbs.autosounds.co.uk/

Best regards
Steven

Cost of insurance preventing young people finding jobs says Cobra

Cobra UK believes that unless motor insurance costs come down over the coming years younger drivers will avoid learning to drive, which will drastically reduce their ability to get their first job.
The Departments of Transport's National Travel Survey 2010 issued last year revealed the scope of the problem. It said only one in three (35%) of 17-21 year olds have full license, and out of the 65% who don't have a license , 34% said insurance costs were preventing them from learning to drive.
"With young male drivers being hit the hardest with premiums of £5,000 commonplace for their first car, something must give soon or a generation of youngsters between 17 and 21 will simply not be able to afford to drive even if they want to", explained Andrew Smith, managing director of Cobra UK. Cobra already provides the technology that powers the Co-Operatives's Young Driver Insurance, which along with similar schemes should give insurers the ability to drastically reduce the cost of insuring the car.

Autosounds are also involved as in installer for the young drivers insurance scheme with the AA and a few other major insurance companies, if you require further information please don't hesitate to contact us on 0191 2736100 or email info@autosounds.co.uk

Best regards

Steven Coates

Digital Radio update

DIGITAL RADIO UK: PRESS RELEASE

DIGITAL RADIO TOPS WHAT CAR? POLL

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 00.01 HRS THURSDAY 10 MAY 2012

Digital radio is the must-have item for motorists in their next car, according to a new poll conducted by leading motoring publication What Car?

The digital radio option won against a number of other car accessories and options, including a reversing camera and mobile internet.

Digital radios are in fewer than 5% of cars today, but with increases in national DAB digital radio coverage and the launch of new digital-only radio stations such as BBC Radio 5 Live Olympics Extra, BBC Radio 4 Extra, Absolute 60s and Smooth 70s, they are becoming increasingly popular. In March 2012, 23% of new cars were fitted with digital radio as standard, compared with just 10% a year ago (CAP/SMMT). This includes the new Volkswagen Beetle which has just launched with digital radio as standard.

The automotive industry has been asked by Government to prepare for a transition to digital radio, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has said it expects its members to include digital radio as standard in most vehicles by the end of 2013.

New digital radio adapters that enable you to convert your analogue car radio to receive digital radio are now widely available and DAB car audio sales increased by 40% in the three months Jan 2012-Mar 2012, compared with the same period the previous year, according to GfK.

Research released today conducted on behalf of the VW Group of 1,000 VW and Audi owners with digital radio has revealed high satisfaction levels (75%), with four fifths (82%) saying DAB digital radio reception is good or very good. The research reflects the improving coverage of national digital radio stations and shows that less than 5% of motorists had issues with reception or coverage (this has reduced by two thirds since similar in-car digital radio research conducted one year ago).

The BBC announced today the completion of their most recent phase of transmitter launches which has seen 117 transmitters built and increased national DAB digital radio coverage from 85% to 93%. The most recent transmitter provides coverage for a section of the M6 in Cumbria for the first time, and starts the job of linking the M6 coverage in England to the coverage in south-west Scotland. The BBC has committed to building out national DAB digital radio coverage to 97% and is currently planning the next phase of transmitter launches, with a particular focus on providing coverage for the road networks.

In April there was a major boost for London DAB digital radio coverage, and similar boosts are being planned for other major cities later this year.

Quotes:

Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, says: “The What Car? poll result and VW research confirms the increasing popularity of digital radio in-car. A digital radio in your car transforms your listening experience and with 40% of homes having a digital radio and the launch of new unmissable content on digital radio this summer, including BBC Radio 5 Live Olympics Extra, we can expect the fitting of digital radios in cars to accelerate.”

Tim Davie, Director of Audio and Music at the BBC, says: “Our intent is to build national distribution to over 97% of the population which will benefit all areas including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We  forecast that this will ensure that the UK motorway network has complete continuous coverage and primary road coverage is approaching FM.”

Emma Butcher, Editor of What Car? says: “The What Car? poll shows that digital radio is the most desirable garget for our readers’ next car.”

Paul Everitt, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers, says: “New cars are increasingly being fitted with digital radios and we expect this trend to accelerate over the coming years with the majority of new cars being digitally enabled by the end of 2013.”

IMAGE: NEW VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE WITH DIGITAL RADIO AS STANDARD

EDITORS’ NOTES:

In the What Car? research conducted among 3,000 site visitors, 44% of voters wanted a digital radio in their next car, 38% a reversing camera, 10% a mobile internet hotspot and 8% a lane departure warning system. (source: whatcar.com, March 2012)

In the research with VW and Audi customers:

·       75% are satisfied with their digital radio (vs 70% last year)

·       Almost three quarters (72%)  would be disappointed if their in-car digital radio was no longer available (vs 68% last year)

·       Half (50%) would not buy a car without a digital radio in future (vs 41% last year)

·       94% found it easy to get going with their digital radio

·       Four fifths (82% ) say the DAB digital radio reception is good or very good (vs 70% last year)

·       5% say the DAB digital radio reception is poor or very poor (vs 13% last year)

·       Sound quality (70%) and station choice (63%) are what people most like about the digital radio in their car.

(source: Digital Radio UK and Oliver Rowe Research, March 2012)

KEY DIGITAL RADIO FACTS (Sources: RAJAR Q4 2011, GfK, CAP/SMMT)

·       29.1% of all Radio listening is to digital platforms, up 16.4% year on year

·       49.4% of all radio listeners listen via a digital platform each week

·       Of all listening: 19.8% is to DAB (up 21% year on year), 4.5% to DTV (up 5% year on year), 3.4% internet (up 10% year on year)

·       Of digital listening, 71% is to DAB

·       40.3% of adults have a digital radio in the home

·       Digital radio sales have now reached 14.6 million in total.

·       Recent figures show some growth in digital radio sales inc. internet radios (Up 5% in volume in the last four months Dec 11-Mar 12 vs a year ago).

·       23% of new car registrations in March 2012 had digital radio fitted as standard, up from 11% in March 2011 (CAP/SMMT).

·       Car DAB audio sales have grown by 40% for the three months Jan-Mar 2012 compared with the same period in the previous year (GfK).

About Digital Radio UK

Digital Radio UK works with Government, broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers, and a wide range of stakeholders to accelerate digital listening, to enable the expansion of the digital radio platform, and to ensure that industry meets the consumer-led criteria to be achieved for a proposed radio switchover. Digital Radio UK’s Board comprises representatives from the BBC, RadioCentre, Arqiva, Global Radio, Bauer Media, GMG Radio and Absolute Radio, together with Intellect and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Alpine launch exciting New product for 2012...Ezi-DAB

Autosounds are pleased to announce In-car entertainment specialist Alpine Electronics has announced the launch of a new DAB digital radio adapter, the EZi-DAB.

Designed to bring DAB digital radio to almost any vehicle type, the EZi-DAB integrates with existing audio systems and provides digital radio technology developed by specialist Pure.
"The new EZi-DAB digital radio adapter allows almost everyone to add digital radio to their existing car audio system and provides a neat and classy solution to accessing more radio stations and much more listening choice," claimed Alpine's Keith Holness at the launch. "We are proud to have collaborated with Pure on this project, as their reputation as leaders in digital
radio is legendary."
To ensure seamless integration with different interior vehicle designs, the EZi-DAB features a choice of five illumination colours - red, amber, green, blue and white - while a small windscreen film antenna allows digital radio reception without the need to drill holes in the vehicle.
In addition to adding digital radio reception, complete with the ability to pause and rewind live radio for up to fifteen minutes with the vehicle's keys removed, the EZi-DAB includes compatibility with iPod, iPhone and iPad devices as well as USB devices.
"We are delighted to be powering the new EZi-DAB and
bringing our considerable digital radio experience to Alpine's leading car audio heritage," explained Pure's Paul Smith. "This is an important step forward for the sales of in-car digital radio adapters and will be a significant catalyst in helping digital radio switchover."
The EZi-DAB is available now, priced at £249.99 including the window film antenna.

We can now retrofit ORIGINAL integration bluetooth into any Landrover

Autosounds recogonise the importance of our customers needs to retain the factory finish of their new vehicle. We are working very closely with a number of suppliers that will allow us to provide our customers with a wide range of OEM products.

Land Rover Vogue & Ranger Rover, sport,discovery we can now retrofit ORIGINAL integration bluetooth into any Landrover to use the original Landrover functions.  This system uses all the original controls, if you have a problem with land rover original bluetooth system (ie not working with your mobile phone) this upgrade will fix your problem. We code the landrovers ONSITE, we use Land Rover diagnostic systems.

Please contact us on 0191 2736100 for further information

New AutosoundsFleet B2B website is launched!

 

As we've said in our previous blogs the industry has changed and is still changing so it means for Autosounds to stay ahead of the competition we have to change the company dynamics. We've been dealing with local and national SME's to Plc businesses for over 10 years but we have never had a dedicated website for them to visualise us through, we feel it's important that our customers don't just think of us as a car audio specialist especially when we are seeking to win new business for the first time.

Over the years our reputation has excelled into which we have become approved suppliers for large Plc’s, local councils as well as a large number of commercial, light commercial, car dealerships and large leasing companies. We pride ourselves in our technical knowledge of all aspects of after market accessories and are able to source from a wide range of suppliers to enable the best price and product for your requirements.

We now have 3 dedicated account managers looking solely after our business users so we can assure our clients of exceptional service and aftersales.

Our new website promotes this!! Please visit it and let other businesses users know we are more than an in car entertainment specialist!

www.autosoundsfleet.co.uk 
 

What's going on in the Mobile Electronics World?: Rosen reveal market first!

What's going on in the Mobile Electronics World?: Rosen reveal market first!: Rosen Entertainment will reveal at the SEMA show next month, the first aftermarket headrest monitor to our knowledge that provides ...

Rosen reveal market first!

Rosen Entertainment will reveal at the SEMA show next month, the first aftermarket headrest monitor to our knowledge that provides a handy top slot to dock your iPhone or iPod touch.



The AV7900 headrest system lets you nest your iPhone in the headrest where it charges and is able to send video to the headrest screen and audio to the car’s sound system. The iPhone compartment also has slots for a USB drive and micro SD card.

The new headrest system is also unique in that its components—the LCD screen, the DVD player and the iPhone cuby are removable by the dealer. Inside the headrest is a “bucket” that contains the various components. The retailer can open the bucket and remove or add components, so customers get the features they want.

The headrests use 7-inch, high definition screens with improved resolution over earlier models. Each also now comes with 50 built-in games (compared to earlier models with 25). “So those who just want two screens and an iPhone dock still get 50 games,” said Rosen’s Steve Weimar.
The screens also include capacitive touch controls instead of mechanical buttons.
The headrests will ship in January at prices to be announced along with new OE look-a-like (OE replacement) radios from Rosen.

The Piranha series of double DIN factory replacement AV radios include stereo Parrot Bluetooth and 6.5 inch high definition LCD monitors. They provide USB control of an iPhone and iPod and they come with built-in steering wheel controls. Also included is navigation and a back up camera interface with instant on. We will report on this when we know more details.

Autosounds win new contract for the installation of Quartix Tracking systems for the AA

We are very pleased to announce a new contract for the installation of tracking systems via Quartix for the AA, the idea is that the system measures things such as monitoring speed, braking severity, cornering and the types of roads used during certain times of day.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16969509

All of this can only help in reducing insurance premiums which have rocketed. The main reason that insurance premiums are so high is down to the fact of the "where there's a blame there's a claim culture" great you get £2'000 for whiplash but enjoy your insurance premium hike next year!

Either way though we are pleased to have won this contract and it can only make is stronger for 2013.

London 2012: BBC launches 'Digital Olympics'

Now's the time to get your vehicles existing car stereo upgraded to digital if your a fan of the Olympics!

Autosounds can supply and fit aftermarket / retrofit in car DAB / Digital radio into any vehicle on the market. Please call us on 0191 2736100 for a demonstration.

London 2012: BBC launches 'Digital Olympics' coverage

The BBC has announced details of the digital services that will offer viewers the most comprehensive coverage ever of an Olympic Games.

The broadcaster will provide live coverage of every London 2012 sport from every venue throughout the day.

An enhanced video experience will give access to up to 24 live HD streams and 2,500 hours of coverage via the BBC Sport website on PC and laptop.

A free Olympics mobile app will allow audiences to access content on the go.

• The BBC Olympics mobile browser site, accessible across all mobile devices, will mirror much of the desktop experience, while audiences can also access coverage through tablets and connected TV.

• The BBC's Red Button service for the Olympics on Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat will offer audiences access to up to 24 live streams, while there will be an additional 24-hour channel of extra BBC Olympics content available via the BBC Red Button for audiences with Freeview and BT Vision.

• The BBC Sport app for connected TVs will give audiences access to the BBC's interactive coverage, while Virgin Media TiVo users will be able to access this content via the BBC Red Button.

The BBC Sport website will offer a page for every sport, country, athlete and venue. The coverage includes live updates, Twitter visualisations and comments from across social media

 

 

"The London 2012 Olympic Games is likely to be the biggest sporting event in the UK in our lifetimes," said Roger Mosey, BBC Director, London 2012.

"The BBC's coverage will ensure that our audiences need never miss a moment.
"As the nation's broadcaster, we are committed to ensuring that viewers get the most from their Olympic experience and our comprehensive coverage will deliver on that promise.

"We will be bringing live coverage of every Olympic Sport from every venue, through a combination of BBC One and BBC Three and up to 24 simultaneous streams live online on PC, mobile, tablet or connected TV.

"These services will be complemented by coverage on Radio 5 live, mobile and tablet.
"The majority of cable and satellite viewers will be able to access the 24 channels on their providers' platform through the BBC Red Button.

"Alongside our sport offering, our news services will be providing impartial news coverage on all the big Olympic stories."

The flagship Olympic channels, BBC One, BBC Two (when BBC One switches to the news), BBC Three, BBC HD and BBC One HD will be dedicated to the event over the 17 days of competition.
A 24-hour digital radio station, Radio 5 live Olympic Extra, will complement BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra for the duration of the Games.

These stations combined will bring round-the-clock news, commentary and coverage with the majority of the stations' output coming live from Olympic venues around the UK.
"It's serving audiences in a way we've never been able to do before," said Dave Gordon, BBC Sport's Head of Major Events.

"From even more extensive coverage on TV, radio and online to mobile phones and tablets there will be unlimited content available. The technology is now in place to offer the ultimate choice for our viewers and there will be times when we will have up to 24 screens of sport."