Before being invaded by automakers in recent years, the Consumer Electronics Show was mainly an aftermarket event, where major brands like Alpine, Audiovox and Pioneer unveiled their latest and greatest car electronic gadgets. While the balance of power at CES has dramatically shifted towards the OEMs in the past half decade, when it comes to innovation the aftermarket still has the ability to bring cutting-edge car tech to consumers faster than most OEMs -- and also allow anyone to add the features to their cars.
Plus, as OEMs muscle in on the aftermarket's traditional audio territory, the three brands mentioned above are taking on automakers by adding app integration and innovative safety technology. At CES 2011, Pioneer introduced several new head units that are the first to allow listening to Facebook and Twitter updates in a car, while Alpine and Audiovox both introduced backup-camera systems with pedestrian detection.
Five new Pioneer head units use the Aha Radio Mobile App on a connected iPhone to deliver Facebook and Twitter updates via text-to-speech as well as supply traffic reports on a current road or daily commutes and podcasts and content from over 100 stations. The app also allows receiving restaurant reviews and info from Yelp. Pricing and availability have not been announced.
Alpine's new HCE-C300R backup camera system includes motion sensing with audible and visual warnings when an object such as a person or animal is detected. The camera and separate processor can work with any existing in-dash monitor with rearview-camera RCA inputs and can also be toggled between regular, wide-angle, downward and split-screen views. The HCE-C300R will be available in March for $500.
The Advent PWM400 from Audovox is similar to the Alpine HCE-C300R in that it has object sensing and gives audible and visual warnings, but it's a module that can be added to any existing stock or aftermarket rearview camera systems. And the Advent PWM400 will be sold exclusively through car dealers when it becomes available this spring. Pricing hasn't been announced.
f1ndler says:
07:24 PM, 01/ 9/11
I'm actually thinking about installing an aftermarket navigation into my GTI. There are plenty of choices online and for really low prices, but all of the cheap ones don't have Sirus Radio and light sensitive screens. So once I find something with those features, it costs just like the stock VW navigation. Does any one can recommend me something in $1000 range and still better than the stock navi?