Clarion Announces Availability of Next GATE, an In-Vehicle Intelligent Controller for iPhone® 4 and iPhone 4S Now at Amazon, Best Buy, and Crutchfield

CYPRESS, Calif., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarion Corporation of America (CCA) announces the availability of the Next GATE that first debuted at a recent CTIA conference press event.  Clarion's Next GATE presents a smarter way to stay connected in your vehicle with a smartphone controller for iPhone and is now widely available through Amazon, Crutchfield and at select Best Buy stores and online.  

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Next GATE enhances the way the iPhone will be used through integration, interface and intelligence.  "Clarion is proud to launch such an innovative product that enables consumers to conveniently access their information and communicate while on-the-road," states Frank Pierce, Vice President, Clarion Corporation of America. "The Next GATE offers an in-vehicle information solution delivering value-added connectivity for exclusive in-vehicle applications."

Next GATE is easily connected and controls applications residing on the smartphone, allowing for advanced functionality in any virtually any vehicle.  Key vehicle-friendly app partners include: TuneIn®, Pandora®, Vlingo© from Nuance, INRIX Traffic, and Odyssey® with more to come.  Likewise Clarion is currently working with multiple app partners to greatly expand the functionality of Next GATE.  The functions of the applications are running on, and leveraging the power of, the smartphone and its wireless connectivity.  Clarion's new Smart Access Cloud Service for vehicle will enable users to download additional approved apps under development now and in the future. Bluetooth functionality allows for hands-free calling and enables iPhone features such as voice dialing and voice activation.

The Next GATE will have a broad consumer appeal due to its simple mounting and connection method, using a windshield mount and built-in speaker, microphone and audio output for a vehicle auxiliary jack.

Original content is offered via Next GATE with apps exclusive to the smartphone controller.  Key iPhone functions become road friendly with Nuance's 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.   

Aside from the great app integrations for Next GATE, it also comes equipped with a microSD slot, a built-in speaker, blue LED buttons and indicator, auxiliary audio output, built-in microphone, an optional external microphone 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.

Clarion Next GATE  Features and Benefits:

• 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 option
• 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 degree adjustable suction mount 

Clarion's Next GATE is available now at Amazon, Best Buy and Crutchfield.  The suggested retail price is $269.99. To learn more about Next GATE and other innovative products from Clarion, visit www.clarion.com/us

About Clarion
Clarion Corporation of America, headquartered in Cypress, California, is a subsidiary of Clarion Co. Ltd., headquartered in Japan, which has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi Group since 2006 and an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940.  The company is involved in the research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of mobile entertainment, navigation, communication and safety and security products for the automotive, marine, recreational vehicle, commercial fleet and heavy industry environments.  Clarion has been the recipient of numerous awards for design innovation, support, manufacturing and product reliability from independent organizations and customers alike.  The company has marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.  Clarion is located on the web at www.clarion.com.

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SOURCE Clarion Corporation of America