Car Audio

Hong-Kong-based Innotrends has unveiled its Ca-Fi Android 2.3-based infotainment system for in-car use. Tailored for 2-DIN dashboards and running on a 1.2GHz Cortex A8 CPU and 512MB of RAM, Ca-Fi features 6.2-inch 800 x 480 (resistive) touchscreen, a 3G modem to surf the web, GPS to handle in-car navigation apps, Bluetooth support for hands-free calling and 4x45W audio output. Read More

If your car AV system packs a screen and you carry an iOS device, this new in-car output cable from Scosche might grab your interest. The sneakPEEK auto IPAVC is a hardwired solution for connecting an iPad, iPhone or iPod to any aftermarket car entertainment system with AV inputs so you can watch videos or listen to audio stored on your iOS device. Read More

The wireless gurus over at Parrot have just announced the company's latest car receiver, the Asteroid, and from what we can see so far it looks pretty sweet. In addition to the usual the bells and whistles you'd expect from a modern day system – like geo-location, hands-free music listening, and hands-free telephony – the Asteroid has thrown an unexpected element into the mix. It's running on Android. Read More

Audi has already set a high standard in terms of in-car audio systems through collaborations with premium suppliers Bang & Olufsen and Bose. Now its development engineers are looking to usher in the next revolution of in-car hi-fi with the Audi Sound Concept. To help bring a physical principle called "wave field synthesis" to the automobile, the company has crammed a standard Audi Q7 with 62 speakers - five woofers and five tweeters plus 52 mid-range speakers. Read More

Parrot has released a car stereo at IAA designed for iPhones and iPods. The Rki8400 uses Bluetooth, has a USB port for hard drives or USB keys, SD Card reader and a double line-in socket for analogue sources. It provides hands-free telephony functions and another great feature is a storage compartment behind the removable front panel that hides and recharges your iPod or iPhone. That means no more cords tangling around gear shifts, or iPhones sliding around the vehicle during braking or cornering maneuvers. Plus, of course, a bit of extra security. Read More

At just 3 inches deep, it’s not surprising that the Memphis Car Audio SClass Flat Subwoofer has won awards for innovation. If you want big bass you usually need big space. Memphis however, has developed a new method of attaching the spider to the voice coil that improves both durability and sound quality. Generally the spider/voice coil combination needs more space so as to maximize performance and the throw distance the speaker is capable of – more cone movement equals more bass. Read More

August 28, 2008 If you’re sick of fumbling with your iPod while hurtling down the freeway Sony have just the thing with the announcement of four new Xplod in-dash head units that are able to connect directly to compatible iPods and allow users to charge and control their iPod devices on the road. Each new unit supports HPF/LPF sound quality, feature 52 watts X 4 peak output enhancements and, if you’re one of the few holding out from joining the iPod brigade, there’s an auxiliary input on the faceplates, facilitating the use of other portable music players with a standard 1/8-inch mini jack cord, which is available separately. Read More

Instructables is a website dedicated to supplying information from members on how to complete a vast array of DIY projects. One of the more unusual, but potentially useful, ideas is to hide your fancy new car stereo with a crappier one in order to ward off would-be thieves. Read More

April 1, 2008 The new Kappa® loudspeakers from high-performance audio specialist Infinity incorporate several new technologies designed to bring the best of home theater sound to the car. These include reduced impedance to maximize the power available from all amplifiers and head units, plus an in-built distortion-reducing motor that promises clean, crisp bass at all power levels. Read More