In Car Blog | In-Car & Car Audio Blog: Industry Updates & Expert Views

iPhone to Car The New Media Solution

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

The iPhone is one of the most successful phones in recent history. The ability to integration numerous features makes the phone desirable, the image, design and styling make it more so. The fact its a must have accessory for a large majority of the population speaks volumes about the success Apple have had since the release.

One of the reasons the apple iPhone is so successful is because it brings all types of new digital media to the table. In fact some would say its responsible for a large part of the development of new media. For instance, Would sites like Facebook and Twitter be so popular if they weren’t accessible on your mobile phone?

Harnessing this new media is a challenge for all companies wanting involvement in the iPhone revolution, making an add-on that actually improves the features of an iPhone is somewhat difficult. Apps can be created relatively easily depending on the subject and performance targets, and of-course the skill of the development team behind it. However the devices that physically connect to the iPhone face entirely different obstacles. A good example was the power chance from 12v to 9v and 5v charging.

One of the problems when trying to integrate the iPhone with external hardware (None computers) is that the software on the phone is complex, computers can obviously install compatible software to integrate well, however when trying to integrate into something more simple in design i.e a car stereo more problems are encountered. Software is obviously not available to install on car stereos so certain features on the iPhone are not transferable.

The major problem when connecting an iPhone to a device without software is that the iPhone locks out and goes into flight mode. In the case of iPhone car kits, If you wanted to control the iPhone through the stereo or steering wheel controls the kit will lockout the iPhone, basically turning it into an iPod. Which isn’t a problem when navigating through your music collection, however you will not be able to make or receive calls or texts.

Dension have created a new iPhone car kit which allows the connection of the iPhone without it going into flight mode, you control the iPhone’s music from the phone its self so you still have full phone features combined with the music integration into your car. The iPhone is charged while connected and the stereo retains all of its usual controls, I.e volume controls.

The Gateway Lite is the next generation of iPhone car kits specifically designed for such purpose, have you mobile jukebox in full operation in your car and you phone if required. The Gateway lite is not a phone kit and does not offer any handsfree functions, but is the best solution for integrating your iPhone into your vehicle.

iPod car accessories are useful for long journeys, car accessories for the iPod and iphone can range from protective cases, to protect against scratches and more serious damage, Through to fully integrated iPhone car kits which provide a digital connection combined with iPod and music control through the stereo / steering wheel adapters and charging facilities.

Posted in Car Audio, Dension Gateway, In Car iPod, iPhone car kit, iPod Car Accessories, iPod Car Kits, ipod car kit | Comments Off

Ipod Car Accessories

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

There are a lot of different mp3 players on the market today, but Apple are the leaders of the market with the numerous variations of the iPod. Initially the iPod was successful due to its styling and functions, however the current rise of popularity is also down to other factors including additional accessories and add-ons to the ipod to make it more functional and or usable.

The iPod’s primary use is for music play back, Although current iPod and iPhones are capable of so much more. Accessories that increase the functionality of the iPod are now seen as a business in there own right. A perfect example of an iPod accessory is the iPod car adaptor. Its primary function is to allow you to listen to your music while in your car. This has obvious advantages over other forms of entertainment systems in your vehicle, first and foremost you can listen to the music you love rather than what happens to be on the radio at the time, secondly the quality is far superior to the radio as they provide a digital connections into the cars entertainment systems. There are many other advantages depending on which kit you choose to purchase. However these advantages largely depend on your vehicle.

Other iPod car accessories can be found in a lot of local or online stores and include simple charging cables from the cigarette lighter, Ideal for when your iPod loses battery charge, FM transmitters, a more basic version of the Digital iPod car kit. The quality can be poor on Transmitters so its important to choose a good brand and if you live in a built up area its likely you wont receive a good reception. Ipod cases aren’t specific to car accessories however they can and will stop your iPod from being damaged while left in your vehicle.

Ipod car accessories can provide a useful extension to your iPods functions, Its likely that you love to listen to music. Driving is the perfect opportunity to cycle through track’s you haven’t heard for a while. The iPod car adaptor is the perfect means of doing so.

Posted in Adapters, Car Audio, Dension Gateway, In Car iPod, iPod Car Accessories, ipod accessories | Comments Off

In Phase develop 5700w RMS Mono Amplifier

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

News has arrived here at Audio Assault that In Phase have finished working on a new CRAZY amplifier . This beast really is not for the faint hearted, if you need big power stable at 1 and 2 ohm then you need In Phase Power Drive……..

In Phase are proud to announce the launch of the Limited Edition POWER DRIVE 5000. In Phase have spent years researching and developing the ultimate solution for power and performance.

Introducing to the world “The In Phase Power Drive 5000″

Producing an awesome true 5700w RMS @1Ω with the ability to STACK IT. Yes STACK IT feature will allow you to use 2 In Phase Power Drive 5000 to generate power outputs in excess of 10kw!!!!!!

This amplifier is not for novice installation and MUST be installed by an extremely experienced installer, always read the manual.

With its uncomplicated design the Power Drive measures 700mm in length 300mm width this amplifier can draw up to 500 amps of real current we recommend as a minimum that you have 700 amps of power supply with a capable charging system. This is a serious amplifier and needs serious power supply including batteries and a large alternator.

Using the latest developments in Class D technology the microprocessor ensures maximum performance in any installation, measuring and adjusting itself as the music plays. Features on this amplifier are nothing less than you would expect from In Phase.

Each In Phase Power Drive 5000 is provided with its own Birth Certificate sharing its true tested RMS power rating, so you can be guaranteed that your amplifier will deliver the true power stated.

Posted in Amps, Audio Assault, Car Audio, Car Audio Plus, Quality Car Audio | Comments Off

Audio Assault named the UK’s first retailer of RAAMmat sound deadening!

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

At Audio Assault we understand that sound quality is not just down to the components used in your audio set-up. It is very important to maximise your vehicles acoustic values. We have been proudly chosen to be the first UK retailer of the world renound RAAMmat sound deadening. It is widely considered to be the best that money can buy around the world and in particular in the US.

For a breakdown of comparisons with other brands visit this link

RAAMaudio automotive sound deadening products are the result of years of development, testing and refinement. Nobody has been selling direct to consumers longer than we have and nobody has more hands-on experience making acoustical modifications to vehicles for competition and just plain improving the driving experience.

We are automotive audio enthusiasts just like you – dedicated to developing the very best products for your use and for our use as well. Experience our customer service for yourself as we help you reach your goals.

Posted in Audio Assault, Car Audio, Installation Help, Quality Car Audio, installation | 1 Comment »

Hifonics Release 09/10 range of Brutus Amps

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Maxxsonics’ new Hifonics Brutus amplifier line up offers the most versatile and comprehensive Super D-Class series than ever before.

For years, Brutus BXI amplifiers have been recognized the world over as some of the best subwoofer amplifiers in their class. The new Brutus amps are 1-Ohm stable, but also run at 4- or 2-Ohms for a much tighter bass response.

Simply put, watt for watt, a Brutus amplifier produces more output with less impact on a car’s battery and charging system, than many other amps available today. Translated into cost, that’s more wattage output with less battery current used, equaling more watts per dollar.

For SPL, nothing compares to the Super D-Class grade microprocessors developed exclusively by Hifonics. In relying on this super-speed enhanced chip-set, Brutus BXI amplifiers offer higher current capacities and more precise digital to analog conversion. The result is very low distortion, even at high listening levels. For high performance sound, Hifonics doesn’t miss a beat by also including a Brutus A/BClass amplifier in the line.

According to John Studley, Vice President Product Development, “Our Brutus amps not only sound great, but look great with an extruded aluminum chassis and an illuminated Hifonics logo. We spend just as much time and detail on the technology of our products as we do on the exterior.” Studley concluded by saying, “Even the Hifonics logo was designed so that it has a soft haloed illumination that is tasteful and not distracting.”

See the Brutus series and complete line up from Hifonics at the Maxxsonics booth, North Hall 1809 at CES.

MODEL	RMS POWER	MSRP
A/B-Class
BXI610	1 x 150 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 300 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 600 W @ 1 Ω	$ 449.95
*D-Class*
BXI1210D	1 x 450 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 900 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 1200 W @ 1 Ω	$ 649.95
BXI1610D	1 x 550 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 1100 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 1600 W @ 1 Ω	$ 799.95
BXI2010D	1 x 650 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 1300 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 2000 W @ 1 Ω	$ 999.95
BXI2610D	1 x 850 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 1700 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 2600 W @ 1 Ω	$1199.95

Posted in Audio Assault, Car Audio, Quality Car Audio | Comments Off

Car Audio Plus; pleased to announce becoming an official retailer of JBL Car Audio

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Here at Car Audio Plus, we know that sometimes your car audio budgets arent always going to run into the thousands. This is why we have brought back the best ever budget car audio brand; JBL Car Audio!

JBL Car Audio have been around, well, forever it seems! They are the masters of budget car audio and we have them to thank for bringing car audio to the masses. Before JBL there wasnt much choice unless you wanted to spend upwards of £1000 for a speaker and subwoofer system to connect up to your classic cassette stereo. When JBL arrived on the scene, this all changed with the first sub £100 car audio subwoofer and soon released a huge range of speakers, amplifiers and even more subwoofers.

JBL’s UK distribution had faltered in recent years but has now settled and Car Audio Plus are proud to announce that we will finally be restocking all JBL products. Your car audio options just got a whole lot better.

Posted in Amps, Audio Assault, Car Audio, Car Audio Plus, General, JBL Car Audio | Comments Off

Do Parrot Bluetooth Kits Improve Driver Safety?

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

The Roads in the UK are very dangerous, more and more vehicles are released on to them every year, as well as the millions of older vehicles already motoring. More people are learning to drive and people are staying on the roads for longer durations, whether it is through profession, leisure or convenience.

The problem that we face now is a craze that started at the time of the mass production of mobile phones. People have become dependent on phones ever since they were made mobile, especially when an incoming call is made. Obviously when driving it’s much more dangerous to be involved in a manual phone call, not only endangering the life of the driver but the lives of other road users.

The Danger comes two fold, firstly the act of physically removing your hands from the steering wheel, reducing the ability to react to any situation that may occur in front. Although many people think they are capable driving with effectively one arm studies show that driving performance is reduced significantly

The Second and more important problem occurs with braking eye contact from the road while looking for the mobile phone. Obviously while you aren’t looking what’s happening in front when driving you can’t react to anything that may happen. Significantly reducing the time in which the driver has to react. This is in most cases the more dangerous factor.

Several organisations and charities studying the effects of phone driving also suggest that people becoming too “involved” in the conversation may cause an accident, however there will be many occasions that the driver may become involved in an aspect or activity other than driving that may cause an accident.

The solution to this problem is the use of a Bluetooth Car Kit, Parrot are the market leaders in the field however other products are available. Bluetooth car kits enable you to connect your mobile phone through the car audio system wirelessly so you can make and receive calls, text messages and now more modern kits allow music streaming, iPod connections and voice recognition.

Using a Bluetooth kit reduces the two most significant dangers while phone driving, the easy answer / hang up functions means you don’t have to remove your hands from the wheel, and your eyes can remain on the road while you use the phone.The invention of the Bluetooth kits definitely improves driver safety when using the phone, and parrot continues to lead the way!
A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth and ensure you and other road users remain safe.

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Bluetooth Car Kits, Car Audio, Car Bluetooth, Driver Safety, General, Parrot Bluetooth | Comments Off

Dension opens the door to a world of new media for BMW vehicles

Friday, August 7th, 2009

Dension has been working hard in recent months to increase the compatibility and functionality of the BMW kits in the Dension Range. The new kits are part of the Dension gateway range and offer increased performance over the older and now obsolete Ice>link Plus in many ways. Due to the complexity of the BMW vehicles and production and installation options when purchased from new, Dension have had to design numerous variations of the BMW kits. The kits produced mainly differ in the different types of connection looms, as many head units (Stereos) have different physical compatibility. In addition to this, the software (Firmware) installed on the stereo also differs from unit to unit adding to the complexity of the Dension Gateway range.

Dension has produced two types of kit depending on which vehicle and stereo you have installed. Firstly an option of the Dension Gateway 100 or Gateway 300 for vehicles with normal wiring looms. Usually found in vehicles pre 2004/5. The Gateway 100 and 300 share the same vehicle and stereo compatibility so if one of the kits is compatible so too is the other. These kits offer a digital connection to the stereo through the CD Changer port, and provide full control of the iPod and track selection through the stereo and or steering wheel controls. The 100 & 300 also offer track display on select stereos and charge all iPods including the new 5V charging iPods and iPhone 3g and 3gs. The Dension Gateway 300 also provides an additional USB input for a mass storage device to be connected, enabling you to store 10,000’s additional tracks or if you forget you iPod you have a back up already connected and ready to use.

The Second option is the Gateway 500, Dension’s Flagship in the range. The Gateway 500 is a fibre optic kit that extends the performance of the BMW’s factory equipment tremendously. By connecting into the fibre optic system the gateway 500 provides a fully integrated iPod connection controllable through the iDrive system. The Gateway 500 also allows you to retain your factory CD Changer & is provided with a USB input (as with the 300). However it’s the optional Extra’s that open up a new world of in car entertainment for BMW. Dension has expanded developed further upgrades for the 500, increasing performance and usability of the system as a whole. The BTA1500 bluetooth adapter connects into the system to provide a hands free Bluetooth system allowing your phone to connect through the vehicle, and more importantly Dension have created a multi-source media selection device caller the AVR. The Dension AVR designed recently enables you to make full use of all the devices connected through the Gateway 500 system. Controlling multiple devices and choosing which device plays where in the vehicle, you have the iPod playing in the front while the kids are watching their favourite DVD in the Back.

Dension has shown us the future of In Car Entertainment, and has a few products in the pipe line which will open more doors of opportunity for the Digital Media Age.
Dension products are available from the number one Online iPod Car Kit Store

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Car Audio, Dension Gateway, Quality Car Audio, Text Compatible iPod Car Kits, iPod Car Accessories, iPod Car Kits, iPod Kit, iPod Ready, ipod car kit, ipodcarkitdirect | Comments Off

InCar Network Site Updates

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

InCar Network has been working on updating our web sites in recent weeks. The objective is to provide a cleaner, easier to navigate web site to make it easier for our customers to understand and find the products they are looking for.

http://www.CarAudioPlus.co.uk being the first to receive an overhaul, now boasts a modern look, completely transforming the older site to a very spatial, clutter free web site. We are highly confident the new site will allow you the customer a more pleasurable shopping experience with us, as we ourselves know how frustrating it can be trying to find the item you are looking for when there is so much choice available.

http://IPodCarKitDirect.co.uk is next in line to receive an update, and to mark the launch of the new look site, we will be offering a special promotional discount to all of our customers. Keep an eye on the web site for more details, coming soon.

In addition to this, we have recently launched our new web site, http://www.BluetoothCarKitDirect.co.uk, which specialises in Bluetooth hands free car kits, ranging from standalone visor mounts, to fully integrated solutions that operate via state of the art voice recognition software through your existing stereo. Bluetooth car kits are rapidly becoming the number 1 in car accessory due to Road Legislation and Road Safety. With more people on the roads than ever before, communication on the go is in high demand. For more information please click to visit http://www.BlueToothCarKitDirect.co.uk

Finally we have been working on our Support and Technical section on our web sites. We have separated InCar-Support to individual support sites, within the main websites, so you have a dedicated support section available for each web site you visit. FAQ’s are now specific to the content available on each site, and the Technical Staff are specialised to the relevant fields ensuring you receive the very best in after sale support and technical help.

We hope you enjoy your time with us, if you have any questions, please just ask.

Posted in Audio Assault, Car Audio, Dension Gateway, General, Uncategorized, iPod Kit | Comments Off

Is the iPod the Future of Car Audio & Entertainment?

Friday, June 26th, 2009

iPod’s popularity certainly has a major say in the Car audio industry today, not directly from apple but from the millions of iPod users. Due to the massive amounts of people who regularly use iPod’s on a daily if not hourly basis Car Audio Brands and Vehicle Manufacturers have had to redefine how car audio and entertainment works and what is expected from each component within the system.
Vehicle manufacturers are more aware of the demands of the public and use additional add-ons as a selling point in an aid to promote new ranges and vehicles. However the majority of factory iPod car kits are simply an AUX input into the audio system. This allows music to be played through the speaker system, which for some users is enough. However this option does not offer any of the more advanced features that aftermarket kits do.
So the big question is do vehicle manufacturers see a future with iPod car kits or are they waiting for the next big invention?
The investments from Car Audio Brands suggest that the iPod is going to be here for a minimum of several years. The larger brands such as Dension, Alpine & Kenwood have taken iPod integration to the next level, although in separate directions. Alpine & Kenwood have built fully iPod compatible aftermarket stereos, with new features such as imprint technology & HD screens that allow users to configure the components depending music quality and type. Combined with Made for iPod & iPhone you can get the most out of your iPod by finding and playing music and videos much easier than ever before.
Dension however has made larger strides by combining iPod technology with factory fitted equipment. The Dension Gateway range provides an iPod connection into your factory fitted stereo, ensuring that the original look is maintained. The Dension Kits also provide Steering wheel control for the iPod and music, Text display on a lot of vehicles including the new CAN cluster display vehicles within the VW & Audi Group and the retention of your CD Changer via a CD Retention Kit at additional cost.

However it’s the new components that Dension are developing that offer the greater indication of where iPod integration may be heading?
The soon to be released AVR is designed to work with the gateway 500 fibre optic kit allows different sources of entertainment to be played simultaneously, So for example the adults might want to listen to their favourite music in the front of the vehicle while the kids enjoy their favourite DVD in the back. This step is a major advance in the car entertainment world and will open up several avenues for further development in the future.
Another one of Dension’s products nearing completion is the Wi-Drive, this device when complete will allow you to integrate your vehicle into the wireless home network, and this has many advantages at first glance. Such as instant file transfer from computer to vehicle and vice versa. However this device holds many more possibilities than first anticipated. A wireless internet network connection can be made with the use of mobile USB dongle currently available from various mobile networks providing internet access to all of the users in your vehicle.
The possibilities of car audio and entertainment & iPod integration in the future are endless, devices such as the AVR and the Wi-Drive will open up many avenues for the next stage of development. For example;
Security devices could be invented that provide live streaming from the vehicle to your own computer monitoring your vehicles safety combined with “web cams” installed in your vehicle you could see exactly what happening to your car live. Live streaming or the download of music and videos from iTunes could be played on TV screens installed in the vehicle through the use of the Wi-drive and AVR while you’re on your journey, simply select and go through your iPod to choose all the latest Apple iTunes has to offer.
Television channels broadcasting live online could be watch instantly allowing new entertainment channels to be integrated into future vehicles, controllable at various points in the car. Maybe the kids want to watch different TV channels? No Problem now.
One thing is clear, the Car audio and entertainment business is moving on. New and improved technology being created continually and the iPod certainly can be at the centre of it all.

Posted in Car Audio, Dension Gateway, iPod Car Accessories, iPod Car Kits, iPod Kit, ipod accessories, ipod car kit | Comments Off

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