TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 13, 2007 — For consumers seeking convergence of their must-have everyday technologies and their vehicle’s factory system, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, today introduced the eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth. The eX-10 is a new dash-top solution for iPod playback and Bluetooth connectivity that works with the vehicle’s factory system. The eX-10 consists of a no-installation display unit that sits on top of the dash, a remote control and a power module that plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. The eX-10 was recently announced as a winner of a CES Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award, for the In-Vehicle Control/OEM Integration category.
“The demand for iPod and Bluetooth in the car is skyrocketing, and consumers previously have not been able to integrate these technologies into their existing sound systems through one product. With Alpine’s new eX-10, consumers can easily add both iPod music playback and Bluetooth hands-free operation for cell phones into their vehicles with one simple, add-on solution,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, Marketing, Alpine Electronics.
Since 2004, Alpine has supplied products for integrated iPod playback in the vehicle. The eX-10 represents Alpine’s first plug and play iPod product, but builds upon Alpine’s own Human Machine Interface (HMI) for a simple and intuitive iPod experience. The eX-10 connects to any iPod with a dock connector via Alpine’s own KCE-422i Full Speed Connection for iPod cable (included). If the iPod displays album art, this art will be shown on the eX-10’s screen. The iPod music is played back through the car’s sound system via the FM transmitter or line output jack.
The eX-10 also delivers upon Alpine’s renowned sound quality. The eX-10 allows users to pick one of 10 equalizer presets (such as Pops, Rock, Jazz/Blues or Hip Hop/Rap) for custom sound, depending on the listener’s music preferences.
The supplied remote control offers full control of the iPod, allowing the iPod to be safely stored away and charged while driving. A return dial on the side of the remote is used to navigate through the iPod files. The remote’s “Search” dial lets users scroll by Song, Artist, Album, Playlist, Podcast, Audiobook, Composer and Genre. The remote’s “View” button brings up three screen choices that show combinations of song, artist and album artwork. Familiar iPod controls like “Shuffle” and “Back” have dedicated buttons on the remote.
The combination of iPod and Bluetooth capabilities in one plug and play unit makes the eX-10 a unique and convenient device. Users will no longer have to buy two separate devices to use both their iPod and hands-free Bluetooth services in their vehicle. The eX-10 can control a Bluetooth-enabled phone or device, allowing for a hands-free conversation to be played through the car’s speakers. Phone features such as “Phonebook List,” “Missed Calls,” “Received Calls” and “Dialed Calls” are accessible through the eX-10 and are displayed on the unit’s screen.
The growing popularity of streaming music playback from Bluetooth devices has created a new demand for this type of music storage, but the eX-10 is ready to meet this need. If the phone or device has A2DP or AVRCP protocol, music can be streamed from it to the eX-10, then played through the car’s sound system. Devices with AVRCP also allow for “Track Up,” “Track Down,” “Play” and “Pause” functions to be controlled via the eX-10’s remote control.
The on-dash monitor is 3.5 inches x 2.14 inches with a 2.4-inch color TFT display. The monitor attaches to an articulated mounting base, but can be removed from the base for anti-theft purposes. The eX-10’s convenient size allows it to be mounted in a variety of locations within the vehicle, giving users extreme flexibility and convenience.
The eX-10 will be available at authorized Alpine retailers in late November at $200 SRI. To find a retailer, visit the Dealer Locator section at www.alpine-usa.com.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics system supplier and an ISO certified global corporation. Alpine specializes in engineering and manufacturing products for mobile media systems that include audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and connectivity solutions. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the automotive specialist for premium sound systems and vehicle navigation for both aftermarket and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world’s premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Visit www.alpine-usa.com to learn more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.
# # #
