Report from CES: Home Theater, Bluetooth, and Car Tech
Pure debuted Evoke F4, a new wireless audio system that supports Internet and FM radio, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth playback, and multiroom audio synching. The Evoke F4 is compatible with the Jongo multiroom music system. An optional rechargeable battery pack provides approximately 12 hours of playback.
Vizio also introduced a new audio product in two sizes – a 7″ and a 4.7″ portable smart audio device. The speakers have their own touch screen, and run on KitKat, the latest Android operating system. The devices can stream audio from any number of Android apps, will display TV shows and movies on their screens, and operate independently of a smartphone.
LG introduced what it claims is the world’s first flexible smartphone, dubbed the LG G Flex. The phone features a six-inch curved Plastic OLED HD display. It is powered by a 2.26 GHz processor, has 2 GB of RAM, and is equipped with a 13 MP rear-facing camera (in addition to a 2.1 MP front-facing one). The LG G Flex will be available to AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile customers in the first quarter of 2014.
Sony unveiled its Xperia Z1S smartphone. The phone is waterproof, has a 20.7 MP camera, and comes bundled with a Playstation app that enhances the gaming experience for console owners. It features a 5-inch display, 2.2 GHz processor, and 2 GB of RAM. The Xperia Z1S will be available in the U.S. exclusively for T-Mobile starting January 22.
Inrix announced a partnership with BMW to incorporate intermodal methods of transportation in i3 and i8 navigation systems. In other words, Inrix will incorporate relevant public transportation route options into navigation, including bus and train options, using real-time traffic to calculate the fastest and most efficient route. In addition, the navigation system will provide the location and availability of more than 9,000 electric-vehicle charging locations in 15 countries.
Inrix is also working to promote safety on the road by making it easier for drivers to access phone apps through a car’s dashboard, steering wheel, or display. The company is also supplying its navigation services to Volkswagen Golf owners. Mercedes-Benz owners will have access to Inrix live traffic cams as well. A partnership with Sprint Velocity provided access to real-time traffic information on the Sprint Velocity Connect telematics platform.
A number of car companies, including Audi, GM, Honda and Hyundai, joined forces with tech giants Google and Nvidia to form the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), whose overarching goal is to bring the Android platform to cars in 2014. Ultimately, the connected car experience will become a reality as car and super computer become synonymous.