Clarion NextGate SC1U Smartphone Controller for iPhone - Get in Gear And Drive!—Gadgetdork.org

Clarion NextGate SC1U Smartphone Controller for iPhone

 

Just when you think the iPhone can’t do any more for you, Clarion came out with the new SC1U smartphone controller. So what is this gizmo?

 

Imagine owning a really nice car with a navigation system and on-board computer for all of your favorite tasks that you like to do while driving (with the exception of driving of course).

 

Now imagine that you have all of that functionality in your current car that is more affordable than the top of the line models sporting this technology.

 

This is what you are going to get with the clarion NextGate SC21U controller for the iPhone, and it sure does a lot of cool stuff.

 

Ecoustics.com in their product roundup for the Clarion gave us a great breakdown of some of the best features that you can expect in the controller.

 

Clarion announced Next GATE, a 7-inch, touch-screen, in-vehicle smartphone controller for iPhone that brings app functionality into the car. Next GATE (model SC1U) leverages the power of the smartphone and its wireless connectivity, allowing hands-free calling, voice dialing, voice activation, navigation, Internet radio and more. 

Aside from app integrations, Next GATE also comes equipped with a microSD slot, a built-in speaker, blue LED buttons and indicator, auxiliary audio output, windshield mount, built in microphone, external microphone ready and a 7-inch digital WVGA touch panel LCD monitor. The Next GATE is compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, and has a 12 volt power adapter for easy connection which also allows for charging while in-use. The system is connected via an easy to set up auxiliary connector while the Clarion Smart Access app manager is a free download on the iTunes app store. 

Original content is offered via Next GATE with apps exclusive to the smartphone controller. Key iPhonefunctions become road friendly with Vlingo support, such as Voice Launcher and Speech-to-Text app inclusions like Facebook, Twitter and News applications which will allow for easy access all while keeping your focus on the road.

 

 

So this iPhone controller sounds pretty cool, right? Let’s check out the official video from Clarion so we can take a better look at it. One important thing to remember as you look at this video though.

 

No matter what kind of gadget you have in your possession, there is nothing in the world that can take the place of paying attention to the road and your surroundings at all times.

 

Too many people are dying on our nations roadways due to people not paying attention, so please don’t be one of them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That looks pretty cool huh? So you may now be wondering exactly how this controller is supposed to work with your existing iPhone, so let’s take a look at some of the technical specifics.

 

Next GATE will enhance the way the iPhone will be used through integration, interface and intelligence. “Clarion Next GATE exemplifies the future of in-vehicle electronics with the necessity to connect to and leverage the devices consumers bring into the vehicle,” states Paul Lachner, President of Clarion Corporation of America. “The Next GATE will revolutionize the way people communicate and access information in the vehicle via their iPhone in an intuitive and user-friendly way, keeping their focus on driving.”

Key vehicle-friendly app partners include: TuneIn, Pandora, Vlingo, INRIX Traffic, and InfoGation with more to come. Likewise Clarion is currently working with multiple app partners to greatly expand the functionality of Next GATE.

• TuneIn - Offers a new way to listen to the world through live, local and global radio wherever you are with over 50,000 stations including music, sports, news or current events like the GOP debate, Daytona 500 or South by Southwest (SXSW).
• Pandora - Offers personalized internet radio.
• Vlingo - A voice recognition app which allows for speech to text capabilities; works with email and social media channels while behind the wheel.
• INRIX Traffic - Provides up-to-the-minute insight into the fastest routes, covering nearly twice as many roads as any other app and it identifies the worst delays on highways and city streets nationwide so drivers can steer clear.
• InfoGation - Provides turn-by-turn navigation with full screen maps and graphics.

Features

• Controls approved smartphone apps optimized for in-vehicle use
• Compatible with Clarion’s Smart Access cloud service and app
• Leverages application functions such as navigation, internet radio, social networking and voice control/ text readout for select functions
• Built-in Bluetooth hands-free interface (HFP)
• Music/Audio playback
• Built-in microphone and external microphone ready
• Compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4
• iPhone direct connect and charging capabilities (cable included)
• 7-inch Digital WVGA Touch Panel LCD Monitor
• microSD slot
• Built-in speaker
• Blue LED buttons and indicator
• 12 volt power adapter
• AUX audio output
• 360° adjustable suction mount

 

So where are you going to be able to get your hands on this piece of technology? Starting June, 1st 2012 you can order it from Amazon.com and other fine retailers online!

 

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via gadgetdork.org