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An Australian company is the co-developer of Blaupunkt’s new internet radio head units, claimed to be the first of their kind in the world. The units can play back internet radio stations by mating with Bluetooth-equipped G3 mobile telephones. The mobile phone therefore becomes the tuning device that via Bluetooth transmits the signal to the in-car system. The products were co-developed with Melbourne-based miRoamer, a streaming audio specialist company.
Two prototypes have been very successfully exhibited at CES 2009. On display were the Hamburg 600i single-DIN and the double-DIN New Jersey 600i units. The new Blaupunkt products will also likely support AM/FM radio, CD and USB-based music, though iPod control will not be available via the head units.
Of course the benefit here as opposed to DAB is the availability of literally hundreds if not thousands of radio stations throughout the world that cater to every musical genre.
Blaupunkt claim to be having serious discussions with major luxury vehicle manufacturers for the products’ inclusion in factory-installed audio systems.
Should they become available in Australia, the RRPs are slated to start at $600.
For more info, please visit Blaupunkt
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