Bluetooth™ in the car, with iPods filed; drivers and travelers beguiled! For consumers hunting for the perfect gift this holiday season, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, has the answer: the eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth. Priced at $149 at participating retailers, the eX-10 won’t break the bank, but still provides drivers with top-quality audio playback of all of their favorite iPod tunes and Bluetooth hands-free calling functionality.
The eX-10 makes the perfect gift for upgrading a car because it provides iPod control and Bluetooth hands-free calling features in one device, with all audio transmitted through the car’s factory sound system. The eX-10 consists of a 2.4-inch color TFT display monitor that can be installed on top of the car’s dash, a wireless remote control and a power module that plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter.
The eX-10 offers three installation options. The unit can be set up as a plug-and-play device by connecting the power cable to the car’s cigarette lighter, placing the display on the dash, then choosing an open FM radio station for the playback of iPod music or Bluetooth hands-free functions through the car’s FM radio. For better sound quality, the eX-10 also can be connected to the radio’s antenna input using an FM switcher box (KWE-155B, sold separately). Or, if the car has an auxiliary input on the head unit or in the glove box, the eX-10 can connect via its auxiliary output, resulting in the best possible sound quality.
The eX-10 connects to Gen 4 and newer iPods via Alpine’s own Full Speed™ Connection for iPod cable (included). If the iPod displays album art, this art will also be shown on the eX-10’s screen. The supplied remote control offers full control of the iPod, allowing the iPod to be safely stored away. A return dial on the side of the remote is used to navigate through the iPod tracks.
For devices with Bluetooth hands-free calling features, commands such as Phonebook list, Missed Calls, Received Calls and Dialed Calls are displayed on, and accessible through, the eX-10. The unit is also ready to meet the growing popularity of streaming music playback from Bluetooth devices. If the device has A2DP or AVRCP protocol, music can be transmitted from the device 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.
Pricing and Availability
The eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth is available now for $149 at participating retailers. The KWE-155B FM switcher box is available now through Alpine dealers for $20 SRI. To find a retailer, visit the Dealer Locator section at http://www.alpine-usa.com.
